The Good Ol' Boys Are Back in Action!
The organization, the Good Ol’ Boys, was formed so the original members of Metairie High (the original name of Haynes when it was a high school) could meet and discuss important issues concerning them and society. This organization was formed in 1989, and it was given the name the “Good Ol’ Boys," for it reflected the nature of each individual member. Shortly after their founding, the group has opened membership to anyone who originally lived in Metairie. The group currently has 183 members; sixty to seventy people attend the luncheons on the first Wednesday of every month. The group is so well known that it has had senators and sheriffs come to speak about the upcoming events and situations in America. The group even has Mr. Helmstetter, our school principal, come and speak to them about the school and its progress.
Structurally, Metairie High has evolved into what is now Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies. The Haynes main building used to be a two story building. There also used to be an additional auditorium that comfortably fit approximately about two or three hundred students (1948). There were only bicycle and bus transportation to school at this time. Only teachers had cars. There weren't many grammar schools and there also weren't many high schools on the East Bank. The school bell only rang between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The bus cost seven cents. There weren't any homes, just surrounding sheep; however, the two story building is an original building. The gymnasium was not here.
Haynes wasn't always the name of the school. It was originally named Metairie High School. Mr. Helmstetter wasn't the Principal of it either. Mr. Paul Hubble was the original principal of Metairie High. The second principal of Metairie High was Mr. Vernon Haynes. Before becoming principal, however, he coached track and basketball at the high school.
Over all, the interviewed men of the "Good Ol' Boys" were very impressed with Haynes and are proud of the current students and their accomplishments. They just asked that everyone remember that you are number one.
The sweet gentlemen return to Haynes often, thanks to Mr. Helmstetter. He lets the Good Ol' Boys come back and use the facilities at Haynes for meetings. They make twenty baskets for Thanksgiving for the less fortunate, letting Mr. Helmstetter give out three to students of Haynes. They also make Christmas Cast donations; and they just really like to be here.
All in all, the wonderful nature of our historic school has a wonderful and interesting past. Hopefully, we will continue to have a bright and expecting future.