"We welcome you to Forest Hill. We have a rapidly growing student body, and we are pleased to have you join us. If you have come from a school where you found the students and teachers to be arrogant, where you found the quality of education to be lacking, and the general attitude to be poor, you'll find the same thing here at Forest Hill. If you've joined us from a school where you noted a positive attitude, where the teaching is top-notch, and there is a strong pride and school spirit, you'll find the same to be true here at Forest Hill. We look forward to your accomplishments during the coming years."

Mr. Walker was principal from 1965 through '81, assisted by Mrs. Walker through '78, at which time Jackson Public Schools kicked in a restriction on family ties at any given school. It seems JPS was a different animal from Hinds County Public Schools. Here's the employment timeline for Mr. & Mrs. Walker from 1965 through '89...

The Walkers are age 77 in 2002. Retired since '89, they are enjoying good health. Mr. Walker has undergone hip and knee replacement (old sports injuries have caught up with him), and he plays golf regularly. They reside just down the road from Forest Hill.