Panther pride: Three Jemison alumni have books in school library

Published 12:17 pm Thursday, June 2, 2011

Pictured are several books in Jemison High School's library/media center written by the school's alumni.

Three Jemison High School alumni have contributed to the school’s library/media center, adding their own publications to library’s collection.

“I feel very proud,” said Paula Avery, librarian. “It is good to have alumni who have gone out and are successful because it shows the students they can do the same. Several of the students who have seen the books are like, ‘ oh wow’. It’s good for the students to see.”

Dr. J.K. (Johnny) Folmar (Class of 1950) has donated several books throughout the years, including some he has edited that pertain to the Civil War. This year, the media center received a copy of his book, “Rudimental Poetic ‘Ritings, w/Incidental Incursions of Incisiveness,” a collection of poems written throughout his life.

Folmar is a retired history professor from California University in Pennsylvania. In January of this year, a second reprint of “From That Terrible Field: Civil War Letters of James M. Williams, Twenty-first Alabama Infantry Volunteers,”edited by Folmar, was published.  A press release for this book can be found at http://coloradoconfederate.blogspot.com/, a site that is written by the great-great grandson of James M. Williams.

“The Natural Beauty of Alabama: the photography of Frank Emory” (Class of 1970) is another book added to the collection this year. Emory photographed scenes from one end of Alabama to the other. His website, http://www.frankemory.com/, offers the opportunity to see pictures and to order a copy of his book.

Also, three books, written by 1997 JHS graduate, Micah Howard, “Perspective and other thoughts on helpless egoism,” “What’s on Your Mind? an autobiographic interpretation through prose,” and “Renaissance” were also acquired this year. Howard was recently married and graduated from medical school. His website, http://www.micahhowardmd.com, provides more information about his achievements.

“We are just as proud of them as we are our athletes,” said Avery. “It shows the students that they can be as successful in school as they are later in life.”

The publications of these Jemison High alumni are shelved with pride in the school library/media center.