Sister Francine Poller was a graduate of Center HS (Class of 1950), as well as a graduate of Savannah State College (Class of 1955). She received her Masters in Mathematics from Atlanta University in 1962. Known as a strict taskmaster who was passionate about preparing her students for the future. She continued her career in education as a math teacher and guidance counselor in the Dade County School system for 28 years. She joined St Peters Missionary Baptist Church at an early age and returned in 1994, to go on to serve as the church’s treasurer, and President of the Mother’s Board.

It has been a fulfilling 33 years, extremely rewarding and very fruitful, that was made possible through love of students regardless of their attitude or abilities. It has not been without problems to solve, but all problems were conquered with love because God is love. This was Sis Ruth Strozier’s response when being interviewed after retiring after 33 years of teaching. Sis Strozier was a graduate of Paine College in Augusta and Columbia University. She began her teaching career in Blackshear as a teacher of home economics, basketball coach, and director od the chorus. She later taught in Thomasville and Alma. She later became a member of the faculty at Hazzard Hill School in Waycross where she taught the third grade, helped coach girls’ basketball, helped with the school’s annual opera, sang in the teacher’s chorus, served as the principal’s secretary, and testing chairman. After 18 years of service at Hazard Hill, she was assigned to teach physical science at Center Junior HS, there she was named as chairman of the department. Sis Strozier was a member of St Peters Missionary Baptist Church where she served as the Sunday school teacher for over 30 years. She directed the youth group, served as the pianist for the AJ Shaw choir, mission president, and secretary of the Pastor’s Aide Board.