The 1990s were a decade of growth and change for South Stokes High School. In the 1990’s, a major expansion took place with the addition of 9th-grade students—marking the first time since the 1970s that freshmen were welcomed back to South Stokes.
This influx of students brought a new challenge: space. To accommodate the growing student body, several mobile classrooms were added around campus. These trailers, affectionately dubbed “Mr. Booth’s Trailer Park,” became a familiar sight on our campus, all thanks to the leadership of Principal John Booth, who guided the school through this period of transition.
Principal Booth was supported by a dedicated team of assistant principals, each playing a key role in the day-to-day life of South Stokes.
As the student population grew, so did the opportunities for involvement. Clubs flourished, and new organizations emerged, like the Dead Chemists Society—an example of the creativity and spirit of the time.
The Gorilla Run, sponsored by the Conference Champion Cross Country team, was another great example of the creativity of the decade
South Stokes High School has always been a patriotic institution, and the early 90s were no different. When the country was engaged in a conflict in the Middle East, the Saura community came together for a rally in support of the troops. Ellen King’s performance of "America the Beautiful" and Jason Lusk’s rendition of "Proud to Be an American" brought over a thousand students to their feet in a powerful display of unity and pride.
School spirit was never in short supply during the 90s. From the lively mock homecoming parades to the crowning of the Possum Queen, our traditions were cherished and celebrated every year. And let’s not forget Spirit Week—a time when Saura Pride was on full display at pep rallies, sporting events, and bonfires, uniting us all in the excitement of being a part of something bigger than ourselves.
The Bands of South Stokes were another source of pride during this time. Under the leadership of Charles Crabbe and Steve Shelton, the marching band grew to more than 200 members strong. They entertained crowds at football games with memorable musical themes like “Mission Impossible,” “Forrest Gump,” and “Apollo 13.”
The 90s were also full of funny, unexpected moments. One of the most memorable was when the school bells stopped working, and Mrs. Priddy had to take matters into her own hands. Armed with an alarm clock, she got on the intercom and declared, “This is the bell, get to class!” It’s a moment that still brings a smile to everyone who remembers it.
The 1990s also saw significant changes at South Stokes. In 1994, smoking was officially banned on campus. Students could no longer obtain a permit for the smoking area, marking a shift toward a healthier school environment for future generations.
In an effort to honor our Saura history, Roger Carroll painted several beautiful murals around the school, including one in the lower lobby that continues to stand as a testament to our school’s legacy and pride.
The Theater Arts program was thriving, with productions like That’s Acute Bunny capturing the hearts of students and parents alike.
As the decade drew to a close, South Stokes faced another monumental change. With the creation of West Stokes High School, the student body was split between the two schools.
The 1990s were a time of transformation, spirit, and unforgettable memories. South Stokes High School may have changed over the years, but the heart of what it means to be a Saura will always live on in each and every one of us.
"Once a Saura, always a Saura!"