Goldbugs of Alva High

History of the Goldbug

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It seems that in the early 1920's, a high school principal, J. allen Thomas, taught English. He was a great admirer of Edgar Allan Poe and especially like "The Gold Bug."

According to the Reunion 2000 article appearing in the special edition of the Alva Review Courier at Reunion 2000, "Mr. Thomas conceived the idea of awarding beautiful paper goldbugs to outstanding students at annual honor banquets. The bugs, which were made by the high school students, went to those who were rated superior in their classwork and to those who were judged as being talented performers in music, debate, dramatics, and other school activities."

After that in the late 1920's the students began calling their athletic teams, "Goldbugs." The idea continues to this day. The mascot, Goldbug, is the "Symbol of Excellence" in academic and extracurricular activities.

Original Alva High School Song

In the 1920s there was a song composed by Earl Shelley during the '20s and was used to open all their school assemblies.

Complete lyrics to the song are....

"Once again we as schoolmates assemble, we far would lift our hearts in song, to our high shcool our dear Alma mater, let gladness the moments prolong. We are proud of our lads and our lasses, of honors won in days gone by, so here's a cheer for Alva High School, for Alva High School, for Alva High.

Here's to our classes, here's to our lasses, here's to the lads they adore. Here's to the seniors so mighty, juniors so flighty, freshies and sophomores. Let mirth and gladness banish all sadness, and as the days go by, you'll find us ready and steady, boosting for Alva, High.

Soon for us will our school days be ended, and joys of youth that fade so fast. But we know that our hearts often ponder, on mem'ries that are past. There are joys that will long be remembered, and friendships too that ne'er shall die. So here's a cheer for Alva High School, for Alva High School, for Alva High."

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