“James, we have two choices” – my introduction to W.E. “Ted” Pate, then-principal of Bolton High School.

Neither was attractive but one – suspension – was far less so than the other. I took the other. We’ll skip the details. 

Over the years I’ve wondered how many the late Mr. Pate kept in school with that Lady or the Tiger approach.

Now I wonder how many attending the Bolton Hall of Fame banquet and installation April 25 may have been among them. Darn sure know some possibilities.

Pate is one of five inductees in the Hall’s second class, selected by the school alumni organization.

I am told, not surprisingly, that tables and individual tickets are going fast, likely duplicating last year’s sellout for the inaugural event.

It’s been my good fortune to also know Mr. Pate’s fellow inductees:

The late Scott O. Brame – first through an unsolicited, not for public acknowledgement $10,000 donation that rescued a youth baseball/siftball program, subsequently for a host of community projects;

Foster Walker III – first as a classmate, subsequently as supporter of innumerable community programs and projects;

Robert Ryder – first as a classmate’s little brother, met during construction of an ill-fated river raft in Ryder driveway on Gary Street; didn’t stay little long, becoming LSU football legend. Brother, Tom, an inductee last year.

Dr. James “Jeems” White III – first as president of Louisiana State Medical Society, subsequently as civic leader through Kiwanis activity.

Tickets for the event can be purchased through boltonalumni.org/winfame/ 

Best advice is don’t wait too long.