School plans its 225th anniversary celebration

Decades later, graduates of the Academy of Richmond County still talk fondly about the historic school and their experiences there.

"I just think about pride," said Brad Usry, a member of the class of 1977. "There's so much pride in Richmond."

His father, brother and sisters graduated from Richmond Academy, and he stayed in the school's attendance zone so his two sons could graduate from there.

"It was sort of a family tradition," he said.

This pride will be on display when the school celebrates its 225th anniversary. A casual dress event will be held July 24 at Julian Smith Casino and will feature a cash bar, heavy hors d'oeuvres and music by The Craig Woolard Band.

A ticket costs $50 and must be purchased by Friday. Proceeds will benefit the school.

Richmond Academy has had its share of notable graduates.

Fifty years later, U.S. District Court Senior Judge Dudley H. Bowen Jr. still remembers his days there.

"I think we probably had the highest quality of teachers I ever had in graduate school, college or junior high," the member of the class of 1959 said. "It's an institution. It was altogether a great formative experience."

Other well-known graduates include former Georgia Gov. Carl Sanders and Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt.

Reach Greg Gelpi at (706) 828-3851 or greg.gelpi@augustachronicle.com.