Changing Lee High’s name is a sin

Here are my thoughts and memories of the traditional Thanksgiving football games between Robert E. Lee – Andrew Jackson High Schools. 

First, I want to mention my family – my Dad (Lee class of ’48), my mother (Jackson class of ’50) and me (Lee class of ’69). It was a great Thanksgiving tradition. I can honestly say I never heard a racial slur or demeaning comment regarding the opposing team. This was a pure rivalry game on both sides.  If Jackson won, my mother had bragging rights for a year. Same for Lee. A Lee victory meant the same for my Dad and me. We all loved our schools. 

It was a tremendous Thanksgiving tradition. The gentlemen wore suits and ties and the ladies wore their most beautiful dresses. Kickoff was 2 p.m. in the Gator Bowl. When the game was over you had dinner (with your other half). Everyone had a great time. 

To change the name of either school would be a sin. Every student has fond memories that are talked about even 40 or 50 years later. 

A name change would not make these students and smarter. I noticed recently Lee applied for and received over $10K in scholarships – very impressive. 

Will a change in the school’s name increase scholarships? I doubt it very seriously.  Rather than change the schools’ names, lets teach civics so these students can understand the history of our country. 

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity of giving my opinion on this very sensitive issue. The students deserve the best. Changing the names of the fine schools will not make them better. 

All the best, 
Jimmy Kelly 
Robert E. Lee High School, class of 1969

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