FROM THE 1964 CARROLL TRAILBLAZERS COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE: "In 1964, four African American students integrated John Carroll High School. Madeliene (Humphrey) Dobbins and Robert C. Smith entered as juniors and Frederick H. Tyson and Diane (Tucker) Murphy entered as sophomores, all having transferred from Immaculata High School. They left behind their friends, sports teams, clubs, and comforts. They persevered in their new environment under immense pressures. Madeliene, Robert, Fred, and Diane excelled at John Carroll and beyond graduation.
In 2024, this pink dogwood tree was planted in their honor in the 60th anniversary year of the integration of the school, and a scholarship was established as a tribute to their legacy. These four trailblazers broke barriers and opened doors for a more diverse community of faith and education at John Carroll Catholic High School."
On Thursday, September 5, 2024, the JCCHS administration, faculty, staff, and students, along with many alumni from the school, and Birmingham community leaders honored these four amazing individuals for their trailblazing sacrifices 60 years ago.
A special Endowed Scholarship, called the Trailblazers Award, has been established and the award will be given annually to a graduating senior at JCCHS Class Night! Additionally, the first 20 people to donate $250 or more to the Trailblazers Award will receive a limited edition t-shirt signed by Madeliene, Robert, Fred, and Diane.
Follow the link to give to the Trailblazers Award > bit.ly/3yMZSys
A special thank you to Archbishop Joseph Marino '71, President Jon Chalmers, former Birmingham Mayor William Bell '67, Thom Gossom '70, Carmen Mays '03, Deacon Doug Moorer '68, Amy Peterson O'Brien '01, Mary Dillard ' 99, Principal Ronald Steele '04, Alumni Director Mike Bouton '73, and all the JCCHS faculty/staff who contributed their time and talent to make this a special day for The Trailblazers and for our entire John Carroll community!
📸 | Mary Dillard '99, OneVoice Magazine and Ashton Jorgensen, JCCHS