SPRINGFIELD, Ga. — At their 65th reunion last week, members of Effingham County High School’s Class of 1960 reminisced about one of the first big decisions they faced as students: choosing the school’s mascot and colors.

You might think the nickname, Rebels, was a nod to Civil War soldiers, but according to those who helped pick it, you’d be mistaken.

The story goes back to 1956, when the county’s newly consolidated high school opened. The school’s first full class, then freshmen, took part in selecting a mascot and school colors — a vote that included the entire student body.

Agreement was hard to find among students from Springfield, Rincon, Marlow and Guyton. That’s when beloved history teacher Dr. Willie Todd — who also wrote the school’s alma mater — spoke over the intercom with a pointed challenge: “Quit acting like rebels and give yourself a name!”

The next day, the vote made it official: Rebels decked out in royal blue and white. Bulldogs was another name considered, but Rebel pride won the day.

“How they got to using navy blue for the school colors now I’ll never know,” alumna Mary Hart Kessler said with a laugh.

The story came up again when 11 members of the Class of 1960 gathered Sept. 27 at the Effingham Museum Living History Site for their 65th reunion. The group shared a potluck luncheon surrounded by photos and tributes to classmates who have passed.

The 72-member class remains the smallest in ECHS history.

“That’s why we’re so close,” Beverly Ginn Poole said, smiling.