By: Donald V. Watkins
Copyrighted and Published on March 28, 2024
The National Honor Society at Alabama State College Laboratory School in 1965 was something special. I was proud to be a member of this group 59 years ago. These students were brilliant by any standard of intellectual acumen or academic preparation.
The students who were educated in this small all-black school in Montgomery, Alabama went on to favorably impact every aspect of American society, including law, medical research, engineering, civil and criminal justice, science and technology, mathematics, education, business and finance, aerospace, energy, diplomatic services, and international relations.
The Laboratory School had a 100% graduation rate throughout its 49-year history (1920 to 1969), and every student progressed to a post-secondary education. No public school in America today has matched the cumulative achievements and positive impact on the world stage that the graduates of the Alabama State College Laboratory School accomplished throughout their careers.
Amazing to see a 100% graduation rate from the 20s to 60s, and all added post-secondary education on top of that. Shoe string budgets, old books, limited teachers, and old and outdated building structures too. I think the common theme was that everyone worked together to see the kids achieve.