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James B. Woodson
1950- 1958

We give tribute to Mr. James B. Woodson, our former principal, for his dedication and commitment to staff, faculty and students. Principal Woodson began his career in Nottoway County in 1943 and resigned in 1958 from Luther H. Foster High School to become the principal of Walker-Grant High School in Fredericksburg, Virginia. 
Woodson message

To the seniors of 1957...

J.B. WOODSON, Principal

To the seniors of 1957

Dear Friends:

Again, we come to the parting of the ways. And, again, it is time to extend what we sometimes consider final good wishes, congratulations and last-minute admonitions. Certainly for me last-minute admonition seems desirable. It grows out of a soul-deep urge which I find myself unable to ignore. As much as I would like to say to you that your high school achievements will assure a successful future – as much as I should like to let optimism be the dominant thought in these last words to you as your principal – I still find myself constrained to offer a word of caution even at this hour.

Your high school graduation represents an achievement for which you have reasons to be justifiably proud. Mastery of the subject-matter involved in the various courses of study is undoubtedly an indication that you do possess many of the basic skills and abilities necessary to success. Further study and further mastery of skills and techniques should be relatively easy – and certainly possible. My final admonition to you, however, has to do with attitudes of the spirit rather than accomplishments of the mind.

In the days that lie ahead, I think you will need more and more to center yourselves on the development of spiritual strength and the maintenance of emotional balance. You are going into a world that is pregnant with distractions, divisive appeals, selfish proposals, prejudices, bitter feelings and confusing ideologies. In the midst of the confusion, as these negative forces become more and more widespread, at times even your faith in mankind may be shaken to the depths. Therefore, you will find yourself needing an abundance of faith and also an ever-increasing power of endurance. Where will it come from? I hardly need add that it must come from within.

Briefly, let me suggest that you rely on yourselves and on the Divine guidance of the One who possesses all power – and who will bountifully bestow the same upon you if you are in a receptive mood.

"In Quietness and in Confidence Shall be your Strength."
(See Isaiah 30:15)

With my best wishes,

Your principal,
James B. Woodson

Quote from Principal Woodson's Letter to the Seniors of 1957

"In the days that lie ahead, I think you will need more and more to concentrate on the development of spiritual strength and the maintenance of emotional balance. You are going out into a world that is pregnant with distractions, delusive appeals, selfish proposals, prejudices, bitter feelings and confusing ideologies. In the midst of these influences, you will most certainly find yourselves often confused and perplexed. At times even your faith in mankind may be shaken to the depths. Therefore, you will be needing an abundance of faith and also an ever-increasing power of endurance. Where will it come from? I hardly need add that it must come from within."