School

In its early years, Pulaski Academy received state funding through annual appropriations. The initial commissioners, appointed by legislation on December 25, 1822, included Furney F. Gatlin, Nelson Clayton, Hardy Vickers, William Hathorn, and Robert Thompson. An additional act in 1830 expanded the commission to include Robert N. Taylor, Jacob Watson, John Rawls, and William L. Tooke, reflecting the growing governance structure of the academy in Pulaski County.

The Pulaski County Academy records detail the establishment and evolution of educational institutions in the area. Organized in 1808, the Pulaski County Academy was chartered and known as Hawkinsville Academy by 1831. The Mt. Horeb Grand Valley Academy, established in 1808, has its first recorded activity in 1840. In 1832, the Walnut Branch Academy was also noted. A report from 1833 indicated that the Academy served a total of 91 students, comprising 35 males and 56 females.

From 1926 to 1935, Pulaski County Georgia had three superintendents: T. A. Clower served from 1926 to 1928, followed by M. E. Thompson from 1928 to 1933, and J. P. Millican for a brief period in 1933. The principals during this time included M. E. Thompson (1927-1928), J. P. Millican (1928-1933), F. M. Greene, Jr. (1933-1934), and G. T. Simpson (1934).

Seventy-five years ago, John Polhill and Dick Carruthers became co-principals of Hawkinsville Academy, which opened with a modest student body in a single room. During a spelling class, a student humorously mispronounced “proceeding,” prompting Polhill to jest about quitting. Carruthers agreed, and they dismissed the class, marking it as the briefest term in the academy’s history.

The Pulaski County Board of Education has played a crucial role in elevating the local school’s standards through dedicated, unpaid service from its members. Their unity in decision-making has fostered collaboration among the Board, City Commission, educators, and community members, aiming to cultivate responsible citizenship among Hawkinsville’s youth. Notable members from 1926 to 1935 include H. F. Lawson and D. E. Duggan, with Dr. E. C. Brown serving as chairman in 1935.

The County Board of Pulaski County, Georgia, includes members Rev. G. R. McCall, Ira E. Stanley, Robt. W. Wynne, Jas. J. Kinchin, E. A. Pollock, David H. Hendley, and Hezekiah Harrell, with service terms of four years for several members. This governance structure reflects the leadership committed to the educational development of the county, underscoring the importance of local oversight in fostering community growth and support for its schools.

The Pulaski County Georgia School Commissioners appointed in April 1872 included G. R. McCall, who served as President of the Board, along with J. J. Kinchins, I. E. Stanley, R. W. Wynne, and E. A. Pollock. Their terms were set to expire following the Grand Jury’s decision at the November term in 1874. G. R. McCall was subsequently appointed County School Commissioner again in April and was elected on December 12, 1876.

The 1888 Hawkinsville, Georgia School Census details the population by race and gender across various districts. The town of Hawkinsville recorded 136 white males and 160 white females, alongside 174 colored males and 174 colored females. Other districts, including Cochran, Salem, Tripville, Walker, Hartford, Mitchell, Blue Springs, Whitfield, and Dupree, also demonstrate varied demographics, revealing a total of multiple ethnicities and gender distributions within the educational context of the area.

In 1894, Pulaski County organized a teachers institute that garnered significant interest, leading to annual events featuring state educators and diverse programs. The following year, a county fair was established, prompting improvements to educational facilities. Over eight years, the Chautauqua movement evolved, attracting teachers from surrounding counties and enhancing community engagement. Various superintendents and a dedicated group of trustees played pivotal roles in maintaining educational standards and expanding the school’s facilities, culminating in the school achieving Southern accreditation under the leadership of Prof. M. W. Harris.