James Milam was a member of the Russellville High School Class of 1960 and is the long-time chairman of the Russellville Independent Board of Education. He wrote and delivered the following poem at the Russellville Alumni Association Meet and Greet during the Tobacco & Heritage Festival Oct. 8. The classes of 1959 and ’60 were inducted into the Black and Gold Circle. It could be sung to the tune of the RHS alma mater.

"Forward Ever"
Two score and ten years ago, we
followed the winds.
Whether here or on distant shores,
we remained friends.
Back then, whether walking, talking,
or the nightly cruising,
Mess with us, and you’ll get a bruising.
Those days of mischief and learning,
Generate memories that are yet burning.
Fifty years, we think we look the same.
Fifty more, we’ll make the same claim.
A circle never ends whether made in ‘60 or ‘59.
As we gather and celebrate, that is the sure sign.
"Forward Ever"
Two score and ten years ago, we
followed the winds.
Whether here or on distant shores,
we remained friends.
Back then, whether walking, talking,
or the nightly cruising,
Mess with us, and you’ll get a bruising.
Those days of mischief and learning,
Generate memories that are yet burning.
Fifty years, we think we look the same.
Fifty more, we’ll make the same claim.
A circle never ends whether made in ‘60 or ‘59.
As we gather and celebrate, that is the sure sign.