Founded in 1989, the home of the War Eagles did not start off as high school. In fact, it was established as a junior high with both middle and high school students. 

But this isn’t the only difference I noticed as I flipped through South’s old yearbooks. 

From late 90s hairstyles to wacky school events, our school has seen it all. 

South Forsyth keeps some of its oldest yearbooks in the West Hall Annex, stacked on top of each other in order. I  made multiple trips to gather pictures, but what was most intriguing was the trip down memory lane. Of course, I didn’t  experience being a War Eagle during the early 2000s or even the year 1990, but I still felt nostalgic for a time when I wasn’t even alive yet. 

Understanding “Nostalgia”

What does it mean to be nostalgic? 

A simple Google search will tell you that it’s a longing to relive a certain time in the past. Still, I felt sentimental when laughing at the fluffy hairstyles and thick mustaches of yesteryear, because seeing everyone’s smiling faces reminded me of my own friends and the times we shared at this school in the present day. 

Nostalgia can be triggered by anything, but it’s the memories it connects to that matter most.

Sports

Many South Forsyth students were curious to see what being a War Eagle looked like in the school’s early years. Junior Rachel Toter shared what she thinks is so different from then. 

“The sports here have definitely changed,” Toter said. “I don’t think we even have some of them today.”

She had flipped to a photo of a team wearing hockey jerseys with “South Forsyth War Eagles” on them. 

According to early 2000s records from the Georgia Historic Newspapers database and a team picture from the 2002 yearbook, South Forsyth indeed had an ice hockey club known as the Forsyth Wolfpack. 

The Wolfpack competed against schools like Walton and North Cobb at arenas such as IceForum and the  Cooler, and they even skated their way to winning a gold medal.

“It also looks like there used to be a lot more school spirit at games,” Toter added as she observed a 1990 picture of students crowding around a large spirit-night bonfire. 

Clubs

Participating in clubs has always been a big part of student life; SOFO students engage in clubs they are most passionate about and in areas they could see themselves working in the future.

Career and technical (CTSO) organizations are especially popular at our school. The most popular are DECA, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). All three are among the largest chapters in the world, with DECA being the second largest globally and FBLA the largest chapter in Georgia. 

Freshman Maya George was curiously turning the pages of the 1990 yearbook when she stopped at a black and white photo showing a group of FBLA students. 

“There’s only 15 members!” she said, astonished. 

Today, South Forsyth FBLA has over a whopping 700 members, all students passionate to learn about the business world. The group “shattered limits” at this year’s State Leadership Conference and won Chapter of the Year in Division 1. 

Georgia FBLA also awards Region Sweepstakes for chapters that “excel in competitive events”, according to its website. South Forsyth FBLA earned this accolade for 12 consecutive years. But who’s counting, right?

And of course, South Forsyth DECA also grew both in member count and success. It took home multiple first place wins and earned the First Place Inspire award for innovative chapter initiatives. 

“We’ve definitely expanded as a school, and I think we’ve become a lot more driven,” said junior Sidney Kong. 

It’s safe to say clubs at South Forsyth have come a long way; from only 15 members to hundreds of students competing in events and taking initiative, our school has made a name for itself over the past 30 years.

Believe It or Not

By today’s standards, it’s almost hard to believe – but the 2002 yearbook features two full pages devoted to “Blind Dating.” Pictures show students blindfolded, smiling, and being matched up at a restaurant. 

“Doing something like that now would be considered weird, or even embarrassing,” said freshman Locke Shivers. 

This reaction reflects just how much social norms have shifted since the early 2000s. What was once a fun way to meet your potential partner now feels out of place in today’s social environment. 

“People are more drawn into their technology now, so it’s easier for people to find and meet each other online,” added freshman Yasin Ghazal. 

This is just one more example of how much student life at South Forsyth has changed over the years.

Prom

For any high schooler, prom is among the most most important nights of the school year.

Once second semester rolls around, prom quickly becomes the center of conversation throughout the school.  The excitement hasn’t changed, and the costs haven’t either. 

Buying the perfect dress, renting a tuxedo, paying for dinner, and even renting a limo can all add up to hundreds of dollars. Even for students with a part-time job, preparing for a perfect night can be stressful. 

In a 1991 article written by Cloyce Brackett for the Forsyth County News, former South Forsyth student Shelley Puckett shared her thoughts on the expenses. 

“I had no idea it was going to be so expensive,” she said. “I hope the price will be worth it.”

This year’s “Masquerade” prom was at Lanier Technical College and the prices were no different from what they were in 2007, with tickets costing as much as $75. 

Fashion

Hoodies. Baggy wide-leg jeans. Graphic tees. Sports shoes. Even flip-flops. These are what today’s War Eagles throw on for school. But what was high school fashion like back in the 90s? 

90s high-schoolers had their own “dress code.” Guys often had mullets, thick mustaches, and pegged jeans. For shoes, loafers and army boots were considered the standard. 

For girls, bangs were  poofed and purses were to be stocked with all the essentials, from hairspray to a small mirror. 

“The hairstyles have definitely changed,” said senior Arshia Datta. “Back then it was scrunchies, perms, and feathered bangs. Now, it’s slick-backs and messy updos.”

Pictures also show how far fashion has come in the last 36 years. In 1990, girls on Homecoming court wore dramatic hairstyles with tulle or chiffon dresses. These days, it’s short dresses with corset bodices and sequined body cons. 

Looking back through decades of South Forsyth yearbooks, it’s clear that every generation of War Eagles left its own mark at the school. Sure, the trends and traditions have changed. 

But the memories we make here surely haven’t.