"Courtland’s first principal and preeminent Cougar fan."

"Friends, peers, staff, parents & students, a family in gratitude, remain faithful to his legacy of fair play, purposeful competition, selfless service, abiding loyalty, plainspoken wisdom, unwavering compassion, skillful storytelling, innate modesty & and unique magnanimity, virtues which Robert P. Woods embodied and employed to advance his steadfast belief in the worth of learning."

(This tribute is etched on the bronze memorial just inside the gates of Courtland’s Robert P. Woods Football Stadium)

~In memory of our Principal & friend who passed away on August 30, 1995~

SHORT BY A FEW…

When we graduated in 1984; Life lay before us, there was so much to do; The world was ours to conquer and to explore, that summer evening when we left Courtland’s door.

There were jobs to be found, the military to serve & further education to be had; Followed by someday becoming proud Moms & Dads. Some chose to travel many miles away; And for others, this was the perfect place to stay.

Some may have accomplished most things they had planned; While in other lives, not everything went as they had planned. For some, there were many changes to be made; Including some adjustments along life’s way.

But no matter what, as we gather once more; I will always be proud to be in Courtland’s Class of ’84.

As we renew old acquaintances and reminisce about things we used to do; We will learn the Class of ’84 is sadly, short by a few…

Some classmates have departed this life along the way; And are absent from our 25-Year Gathering here today. Now as their names are read; We will remember things they once did or said. And their faces will become vivid once more; Though they haven’t come through the door…

So let us live our lives; Mindful of the things we say and do; For the next classmate missing may be me or you…

--

At this time, please join me in observing a moment of silence for our Fallen Classmates:

• Faith Betts • Wendi Borders • Stacy Foster • Michael Harmon • John Houck • Dawn Long • Rex Minor • Sherry Robinson • And our fallen Principal, Mr. Robert P. Woods

“We honor you because we were classmates, and we miss you because we were friends…”

If you have not already done so, please take the opportunity to visit our Memorial Table honoring our fallen classmates and Mr. Woods.

Thank you.