Philip L. and Sara Frances McMillan, of Southern Pines, celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on Feb. 26, 2011. They were married in New York City in 1956.

The couple met in grammar school at Lincoln Park School, in Addor. Philip received a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Hampton University in Hampton, Va. He served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He received a master's degree in biology from N.C. AT&T State University and a certificate in educational leadership from the UNC-CH. He was the principal at Berkley School and Pinecrest High School until his retirement in 1982, after which he opened and operated Phil's Beauty & Barber Supplies, for more than 10 years. Philip was on the board of education, board of trustees for Sandhills Community College and the housing authority.

Sara Frances received a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Shaw University in Raleigh. She taught second and third grades for many years at Academy Heights and Berkley and Aberdeen Elementary School. She also taught reading at Aberdeen Elementary and Sandhills Farmlife Elementary School. She retired in 1984 and helped her husband in his business.

In retirement, the couple have remained involved in the community with various civic organizations and are active members of Poplar Springs Missionary Baptist Church.

The couple have three children, Karen Reese May, of Southern Pines, the late Philip L. McMillan Jr., and James A. McMillan, of Phoenix. They have four grandchildren, Tina McMillan, of Atlanta, Philip McMillan III of Raeford, and Gena McMillan and Lena McMillan, of Nashville; and two great-grandchildren, Christian and Omarri.