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Escambia County High School’s Class of 1966 answered the Class of 1962’s challenge in the purchase of five theatre seats for the renovated Strand Theatre on Oct. 7.

The class of 1962 purchased one seat on Sept. 14, and challenged all of the graduating classes to do the same.

Class members Rita Salter, Regina Gohagan, Judy Barnes and Mary Jane Schrock presented a check for the seats to Pride of Atmore’s Bub Gideons and Foster Kizer. Pride of Atmore is leading the effort in the restoration and renovation of the Old Hardware Store and Strand Theatre.

“Thank you all, and to your committees,” Salter said about the ongoing project. “What a fresh spirit to Atmore.”

Salter said class members got together, and decided to contribute in the effort regarding the theatre seats. She said the class chipped in until they reached enough money for five seats.

“We’re so happy to contribute to the Strand,” she said. “Our class saw the challenge from the class of 1962, and said that we’d do that, too.”

Each seat costs $500, and features a plaque for the class.

Salter said each chair will hold a special meaning for the class.

Salter said the first seat will be in memory of classmates; the second will be for the educators – teachers, administrators, coaches, workers; the third and fourth seats are dedicated to celebrate the Class of 1966; and the fifth chair is dedicated to Bonnie Bartel Latino.

“She is the glue of our class,” Salter said about Latino.

Salter continued the challenge to other ECHS classes in the purchase of theatre seats.

To purchase a theatre seat, contact Kizer at 251-583-6009 or Dale Ash at 251-254-0833.