The Sock Hops will return to Troup High School on Feb. 23 for the group’s fourth annual concert and fundraiser to benefit projects through the Troup High Alumni Association. 

The group sings classic rock favorites from groups like The Eagles and The Temptations in a four-part harmony that organizers say brings people back year after year.

“It is good, clean, family-fun music from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s,” said Shane Frailey, alumni association president. “They are back by popular demand. Every year they ask us to have them back, so this will be our fourth annual [concert]. We are really looking forward to it.”

Event organizers said that they hope to see other alumni and past attendees at the event, but they also hope to be able to introduce members of the community to Troup High School through the concert.

“It not only supports it money-wise, but it introduces a lot of people to Troup High School and how it is involved in the community,” said Ellis Cadenhead, former alumni association president. “Even the fact that Troup High students were involved in the Kia advertisement for the Super Bowl, that is great exposure. There are great things happening at Troup High School, and through the alumni, we support all of this.”

Over the years, the Troup High Alumni Association has sponsored a variety of projects big and small for the school, ranging from purchasing classroom supplies to the sign in front of the school. However, these projects would not be possible without the support of the community.

“This is the biggest fundraiser that we have each year,” Frailey said. “We give away $2,000 scholarships to two kids, and we’ll continue to do that — that is the Walter “Big Earl” Thompson Scholarship — and every year for teacher appreciation we feed the teachers and all the faculty at Troup High School.”

The Troup High Alumni Association also recently purchased new flags for the school’s drill team and dinner for the band during a play off game. 

“The Troup High Alumni Association is a blessing in so many ways and is invaluable to our success,” said THS Principal Elizabeth “Niki” Watts. “Obviously, these members are personally invested in THS, so they are always willing to go above and beyond to support initiatives that they know will benefit the school, our students and our staff.”

The alumni association has also donated gifts for THS’s academic signing day.

“Honestly, there has never been anything that we’ve asked for their help with that they haven’t been willing to do for us,” Watts said. “That kind of support is awesome, and it really exemplifies exactly what we mean when we talk about our ‘Troup High Family.’ The alumni association has our back, and we’re so grateful for that.”

Additionally, the group organized the alumni walk through the old Troup High School building, which later became Whitesville Road Elementary School. The walk through the now-closed elementary school attracted around 300 people, according to Frailey. 

The alumni also hope to serve as an example of what Troup High School students can do after they graduate. 

“I would like to think that the alumni association in their partnership with the school has helped increase the graduation rate,” Cadenhead said. 

“We try to instill what it means to graduate from Troup High School and be an alumni. The support that we give the principals, Chip [Medders] and now Niki [Watts], I think it speaks very highly of the group in trying to promote Troup High School throughout the community.”

The Sock Hops will perform in the Troup High Fine Arts Auditorium on Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15 in advance and can be purchased at Troup High School, LaGrange Toyota and Weathers Honda. 

For additional ticket information, contact Cadenhead at (706) 884-5546 or Troup High School at (706) 812-7957.