Were you there? View vintage high school photos

Our high school seniors will be graduating this week and moving on with their lives, but after the pomp and circumstance of their graduation ceremony, many will look back on their high school years with fond memories. Here are some photos from the Bradenton Herald archives to help some of those who graduated 20-25 years ago remember those happy days.

Just the sight of the iconic facade of the Davis Building in this photo from the late 1950s will bring many Manatee High School alumni to tears, especially since it was demolished to make way for a new structure. Constructed in 1926, the building was first used as the Biltmore Grade School, then for the Manatee High School. It was named after longtime Principal Paul F Davis. Anyone remember what the occasion was when this photo was taken?

During graduation ceremonies, high school seniors hear speeches of hope and promise.

Timothy W. Bembry addresses the Palmetto High School Class of 1989. Does anyone remember what Timothy's speech was about?

Showing off their winning routine, the 1982-83 Palmetto cheerleader squad placed first in competition at the Florida State Fair. This photo was taken Feb. 12, 1983. Can anyone identify all nine of these athletes?

Back in the days the Audio-Visual Club worked to make sure the movie and overhead projectors and other electronic equipment was in good working order and its members were often the nerds of those times. Here Bill Booth, left, Todd Starner, center, and David Hardinge, right, check out the equipment at Manatee High School on Sept. 29, 1982. Ever wonder what the three are up to now? Maybe they all went on to start some successful Internet company and are happy to be in the nerdy class of Bill Gates.

  

Here's a link to some of the Herald's archived photos:

High School Memories

 Post some of your photos to help others reminisce.