It’s been 50 years since the Class of 1974 donned their caps and gowns and graduated from Morgan County High School. April 6, members of the class will gather to revisit and reminisce about their high school years in Hartselle.  

Among the alumni returning for the reunion are Roger Chapman, Charlsa Taul Perdew and Timothy Lockhart. From their days walking the halls at MCHS, the three alumni have gone on to have careers in the military, law, the oil industry and the Atlanta Opera Chorus. The trio say they are looking forward to attending the reunion and visiting with classmates from 50 years ago.  

Roger Chapman  

Roger Chapman, a name synonymous with success both on and off the field, has traversed a remarkable journey from his early days at MCHS to becoming a prominent figure in the oil industry. 

 Chapman graduated from MCHS in 1974 before pursuing higher education at The University of Alabama. It was here that his prowess on the football field shone brightly, as he played a pivotal role in the university’s triumphs, being a vital part of the 1977 SEC championship team and the 1978 national championship team. 

Roger Chapman

In 1979, armed with a bachelor of science degree in Geology, Chapman embarked on his professional journey in the oil business, starting with Warrior Drilling and Engineering in Tuscaloosa. His expertise and dedication soon caught the attention of industry stalwarts, leading him to Jackson, Mississippi, where he joined Clayton Williams Jr.’s Texas-based oil company in 1981. 

Chapman and his wife Amy made Brewton, Alabama, their home in 1983, where he assumed a pivotal role in managing the oil and gas assets of the McMillan Family.  

Currently, Chapman works as the general manager and part owner at Goodway Refining, LLC in South Alabama. 

He and Amy are proud parents to two married children, Tyler and Caroline.  

Charlsa Taul Perdew  

Hartselle native Charlsa Taul Perdew, daughter of Charles and Martha Taul, has crafted a life harmonized by her love for music and football. Currently residing in Somerville with her husband, David, Charlsa has cultivated a multifaceted career that encompasses her roles as a mezzo-soprano, educator and author. 

Charlsa’s musical journey has seen her as an integral part of the Atlanta Opera Chorus for 13 seasons. She also lent her vocal talents as a soloist for two seasons in the Atlanta Opera Studio Program. As a dedicated artist, she further contributed to the Atlanta Opera’s Artist/Mentor Program. Her passion for education manifested in curriculum guides she authored for the summer music camp series, sponsored by Atlanta’s Fox Theatre. 

Charlsa Taul Perdew

In her role as a professional singer, choral director and educator, she has coached state champion vocal ensembles who have graced iconic venues such as Westminster Abbey and Carnegie Hall. Her choral work has been spotlighted on demonstration recordings by Shawnee Press, Inc. 

Despite her thriving career in music, Charlsa’s heart beats to the rhythm of football, a passion rooted in her childhood in Hartselle. Upon her return to North Alabama, this passion inspired her to pen “Southern Girl’s College Football Guide.” Beyond providing in-depth explanations, the book features interviews with former Hartselle football players who have experienced success in college and professional football. 

Attributing her enduring love for music to influential Hartselle teachers like Hollis James and Wanda Thompson, she said she cherishes the early relationships forged in her hometown. Today, she maintains a private voice studio and music consulting business.  

Timothy J. Lockhart  

Timothy J. Lockhart’s career spans the realms of law, military service and literature. A distinguished graduate of Georgetown University, he earned his J.D. with honors in 1990 before embarking on a journey of service and scholarship. 

A former U.S. Navy officer, Lockhart’s dedication to duty led him to collaborate with esteemed agencies such as the CIA, DIA and Office of Naval Intelligence. 

Beyond his military and legal endeavors, Lockhart has is a published author of several mystery and thriller novels. He has penned articles that have appeared in the Naval Intelligence Quarterly, Naval War College Review and The Virginian-Pilot. 

Timothy J. Lockhart

Lockhart’s academic achievements include a master’s degree from Auburn University and a diploma from the U.S. Naval War College, where he graduated with distinction in 1994. 

Lockhart lives in  Norfolk, Virginia with his wife and daughter. 

Reunion organizer Mike Smith said everyone is excited to see their former classmates and spend time catching up with old friends.  

“We have had a lot of great responses so far and are expecting a great crowd,” Smith said. “We’re very excited to see everybody.”  

The reunion will be held April 6 at Tabernacle Farms from 6-9 p.m. The venue is at 1240 Tabernacle Rd. SE, Hartselle. A catered meal will be provided by Freight House Restaurant and costs $45 per person.  

Attendees are asked to R.S.V.P. by March 27 by calling Margaret Gilchrist Murdock and (205) 253-7205 or by email at margrgm@aol.com.  

For questions or more information, email Smith at hmsmith56@hotmail.com.