Story by Shelli Parker sparker @ athensreview . com

Larry West ’ s calling and dream to build a monument dedicated to all of the students , teachers and faculty of Fisher , Blackshear and Bishop Schools is becoming a reality . The new monument is nearing completion at OD Badgett Park at 1015 N . Hamlett

Street in Athens .

The school was demolished in the late 1970s and many pieces of its history along with it . Trophies , records , photos and more were discarded , making this monument emotionally significant for those who attended .

Ronnie Irving attended Fisher from first grade through graduation . He says the wall is a great way

to bring up memories from days gone by and the people that walked the journey with him .

“ Fisher was a great experience . The wall reminds me of people . Every name that is on the wall from Fisher , Bishop and Blackshear , when I see their name I think of them . Happy moments and great memories .”

Irving said the staff did

a magnificent job with the materials they had access to at the time .

“ The teachers there were dedicated to their responsibilities and really cared . I think they did a great job helping us mature into young adults ,” Irving said .

West attended the school himself until integration took effect in 1968 . His mother attended as well and graduated in 1942 .