Former classmates offer thanks following weekend reunion
Staff reports/Compiled by Wade Allen
The 1965 graduating class of the former Washington High School in Waco gathered for its 50th class reunion. The weekend celebration on Oct. 9-11 included a picnic on Friday at Challenger III Park, a reunion banquet on Saturday at Deerbrook Country Club and worship on Sunday at Washington Missionary Baptist Church. The church is next to the former high school whereas most classmates were present. The picnic was quite a success, surpassed only by the banquet. We're sure we speak for most when we recognize this as one of the classes' most exciting events. Those classmates unable to attend, you were missed. We look forward to seeing you at the next event. Entertainment enlivened Saturday's affair. Pastor Rick McCluney brought laughter to everyone with his religious comedy and Erica Stevenson captured all ears with her soulful/jazz renditions of known songs. After the meal, classmates danced to music by DJ Eddie Bridges, a member of the class. During the banquet, the presence of high school teachers and staff members made hearts smile with pride as we remembered their contributions to our lives. The recognition of classmates who have transitioned from this life is still remembered. The class made its 50th reunion special by inviting all former teachers and staff. They presented each of the seven in attendance with a certificate of appreciation recognizing and honoring the contributions they made to the students, the school and the community beyond their traditional classroom instructional duties.
All in all, everyone in attendance thought the event was very successful, thanking the class for the invitation and their efforts. A lot of effort went into the planning and execution of the event. However, our efforts would have been meaningless without the support and contribution of certain individuals and vendors. The truth of the matter, any praise or acknowledgment of a successful event should have been shared with those individuals presenting the vendors and support staff. The first person that comes to mind would be Jackie Bridges, former staff member at The Star. She was instrumental in helping us with publicity during our planning. As a result, we were able to contact former teachers, staff and classmates we would have otherwise not been able to contact. Thanks to some of The Star subscribers, we were able to reach beyond our communities, the county and local subscribers. Then there was Jill Eaton at Challenger III and Lisa Jaynes at Deerbrook club house where they were professional/courteous and the food was excellent. Entertainment was provided and donated by Pastor Ricky McCluney, Erica Stevenson and Eddie Bridges, for which they received a standing ovation. The event was not perfect. It was what is was – successful – thanks to a collective effort by the class and community support. Therefore, we thank each and every one that assisted us in celebrating our 50th reunion. The committee sends regards to those whose efforts secured us proper venues, pick up and preparation of food, music and decoration for both sites, insuring that the entire program was a successful event. We therefore commend all efforts and appreciate the donations of our valuable time. Former classmates unable to attend the reunion: Tommie Byers, John Dawkins, Annie Gantt Johnson, Zullie Earl Lilly, Barbara Brown Lindsey, Delores Webber Miller, Odessa Wilson Montegnegro, Marie Thomas Poston, Emma Eaves Roseboro and Rosa Roberts Stanfield.