When Central Alumni Martha Faye Blabon retired from her banking job in Florida, she moved back to her beloved home town of Chattanooga, Tennessee. After such a long time away, one would think the new retiree might become lonely. However, Mrs. Blabon fell back with the same old friends she made during her time at Central High School. To some, this may seem surprising, but Mrs. Blabon strongly believes that the friends you make in high school will last you a lifetime.

Mrs. Blabon graduated from Central High School in 1959. For many women at this time, marriage came before a high school education. “If you got to go to high school,” Blabon explained, “It was an honor.”

While in high school, Martha was very involved in the Merry Mac Club and participated in May Day, a Spring festivity loved by all. She remembers her sewing class, where the students would design and sew their own dresses and model them for the class! “Teachers really taught things,” Blabon remarked.

Although Blabon did not go to college, she was hired directly out of high school due to the exemplary education she received at Central High School. She attended a two-year business school to study subjects such as “speed writing,” which was essential for her career in banking.

To current Central students, Mrs. Blabon encourages that everyone try and remember that the friends you make here will be with you forever.  “The friendships you make now… Don’t count them out,” Blabon assured. Even 50 years after their high school graduation, Martha and her friends are still closer than ever.

For Martha Blabon, Central High School is home. She made many friends and memories in this wonderful school, and she is a proud Central alumnus.