By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

Shelby County High School is celebrating 100 years of service (1914-1915 to 2014-2015) on Saturday, April 18 from 2-4 p.m. at the school, 101 Washington Street, Columbiana, Ala., 35051.

A while back, Columbiana City Councilman and U.S. Postal Worker Leslie Whiting asked SCHS Alumnus Randy McDonald ‘66, “Is there going to be a celebration for Shelby County High School turning 100 years old?” That question spurred the event.

SCHS was established in 1914 with the Wildcats as its mascot and colors cardinal and white.

It was a charter member of the Alabama High School Athletic Association and currently plays in 5A.

From 1961-1966, the football team won 45 consecutive games, which is the sixth longest winning streak in state history.

Gov. Robert Bentley is an SCHS alumnus, class of 1961, where he was president of the Student Council.

Current enrollment is 655 with a faculty of 50.

The 100th celebration is sponsored by the SCHS Alumni Association, SCHS Principal Gene Rogers, faculty and staff.

Hylott L. Armstrong, Jr. created the SCHS 100th logo, and McDonald was invitation and reservation chair.

The 2 p.m. reception will be catered by Future Homemakers of America (FHA) led by teachers Connie Wheeler and Alana Ray.

A tour of the school will be led by SCA officers and members during the reception.

The program will be held in the auditorium beginning at 3 p.m. Charles Duncan ’67 will lead the pledge and the choral group led by Director Ashlyn Deliandines will sing the National Anthem, God Bless America and the SCHS Alma Mater.

Brother Joe Stone will lead the invocation, Whiting will give the benediction, Rogers will bring greetings from SCHS and Lowe will emcee.

Retired Vietnam War Veteran and West Point graduate, Dr. Emmett Earl Hughes ’63 will be the keynote speaker.

McDonald has worked tirelessly creating a list that includes all alumni, former SCHS principals, faculty, coaches, assistant coaches, current and former Board of Education members and superintendents.

All SCHS friends are welcome!

Please reply by April 10 if coming to McDonald at (205) 451-2067 or rndy2ride@yahoo.com for accurate count for refreshments.