Published: April 01, 2008 06:39 pm         

RANDOM THOUGHTS: Miss Nettie destined for more inspiration

My first thought when I read about the drive to preserve Miss Nettie was, “What goes around, comes around.” My interest in how a used jet became a CCHS mascot began in 1999. I had done a feature story on the Crossville Airport for the Pride section of the Chronicle. That brought questions on airplanes in the history of Crossville.

Miss Nettie seemed a logical starting point and I stopped by the office of the high school seeking information. The women at the counter were unaware of the history of the plane. Instead I began a search of old copies of the Chronicle. The resulting "Random Thoughts" column appeared October 13, 1999.

Once upon a time, Cumberland County had three high schools – Homestead, Pleasant Hill and Crossville High School which was often called Cumberland County High School. Then in 1962, the three consolidated and took the name Cumberland County High School (CCHS). The nickname became the Jets, replacing Crossville’s Red Devils and Homestead’s Bulldogs.

When the three became one, a vivacious, auburn-haired cheerleader, Nettie Stevens, had a big idea. She started the ball rolling by contacting Sen. Albert Gore, Sr., suggesting it would be nice to have a real jet for a mascot. By the fall of 1963, her idea was realized when a “used” jet with only 1.5 million miles logged was put in place on the lawn in front of the school.

On Nov. 15, 1963, with all due pomp and circumstance, the plane was dedicated in the presence of the student body, military and civilian dignitaries. Principal Everett Gibson was master of ceremonies, and he suggested the jet be named Miss Nettie to honor senior Stevens for her efforts in getting the plane.

Col. William G. Moore, Jr., commander of Stewart Air Force Base, gave the presentation speech. He said, “This occasion is symbolic of the close bonds between the civilian community and military installations throughout the state of Tennessee. This T-33 is beginning another career today – a career that is just as impressive as the one just completed – that of a symbol of worldwide power for peace to the people of Crossville. The U.S. Air force is proud to present such a symbol to you."

It is my guess that one of the students watching the dedication was Curt Watson, who became the 1967 Jets football captain.

Flying was his life’s ambition. Eventually he was tapped for the Navy’s precision flying team, the Blue Angels. Through his efforts, a second jet, a replica of a Blue Angel jet, arrived on campus in 1981.

At that time CCHS was the first and only high school in the world to own a replica of a Blue Angel jet. It was also the only Blue Angel replica not owned by the Navy. Later Watson flew for Federal Express in Memphis, as did his sister.

Miss Nettie later was moved to the Jet stadium grounds. The years took their toll on the old lady, but she is still honored as the first mascot for the new school.

Once Miss Nettie is restored she should be an inspiring symbol for another 45 years.