Yep, that’s
what I said, junior high, and who does that, you asked. When I was a kid, we all grew up in a small
neighborhood, went to grades 1-9 together, played after school with one another,
and had our first loves together. Then
it was off to high school a bus ride away, except after one year, it was off to
a different state, leaving all of my childhood friends behind. They continued thru high school together and
have had the opportunity to see each other at the HS reunions, but I haven’t
seen them in 51 years.
I came
across one of the classmates on Facebook and as we were chatting last summer I
mentioned that it would be great to have a Barnes School 9th grade
reunion to catch up with the old gang and the next thing I knew she had one
planned. Nancy worked diligently and
found all but a few of the 30 class members, arranged for a place, and sent
out invitations.
So on July
12, 14 members of the class and one very special teacher (social studies, boy’s
phys. ed. and basketball coach) assembled at the Say-Boy Restaurant
in Fairmont, WV. While most of the
attendees came from the local area, we had attendees from Ohio, Maryland, New
Hampshire, Tennessee (me), and North Carolina (the teacher).
This is the
class less one person who had to leave early.
Nancy and I are sitting beside Mr. Doddrill.
I hate that
one person was hidden and I’m hoping someone else got a shot where he wasn’t –
this is him and the person who had to leave early.
It was very
obvious everyone was having a great time visiting and catching up – I could
hardly get them to sit down and order lunch.
One person made a beautiful quilt for Mr Doddrill and we all signed it - the school colors were orange and black (note Mr. Doddrill's clothing) and we were the Barnes Tigers.
She also brought a hat or visor with the school initials for everyone.
Another person brought a collage of pictures
and I made a CD of the top 39 songs from 1960-61 for the attendees.
This was
definitely a long standing wish come true for me and I hate I didn’t persue it several years ago – I’m extremely grateful to Nancy for making it happen
as I likely would let it stop as an idea.
All photos
can be enlarged by clicking on them.
Have a great
day and thanks for stopping by Almost Heaven South.
One year
ago: Surf & Turf At The Lake
Two years
ago: Berry And Peach Breakfast And Tomato Juice
Larry
7/14/12 Event
7/14/12 Event
How fun Larry and what a great idea. I know you must have enjoyed seeing everyone. Every class should have a Nancy.
ReplyDeleteSam
Very fun!! I am actually off to my 20 year high school reunion this weekend... most of the people I went to high school with, I started in kindergarten with! Growing up in a town of only 2000 people, you pretty much new everyone!
ReplyDeleteThat is so special! Very happy it all came together. Those are the moments we remember for a lifetime.
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful that you were able to pass this idea on to someone who would make it happen. It looks like you all had a fine time.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great thing! People are amazing and you never where a suggestion will lead. I can imagine all the reminiscing and fun stories.
ReplyDeleteOh how neat, Larry.... I've never heard of that... What a great reunion to have...
ReplyDeleteBut--who are all of those 'old' people sitting with you??????? ha ha ha
Betsy
I think it's wonderful that you were able to attend this reunion. How wonderful to get together with friends and teachers from those years.
ReplyDeleteLarry, I think that in Jr. High School, I was a bit of an outcast...almost a loner. The big kid that all of the tough guys (aka bullies) wanted to fight with so they could build their reps... It's probably a good thing that I spent my high school years in a private boarding school. I only remember 2 names from the 9th grade in Jackson MI. Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
ReplyDeleteYou must have had a nice time getting back together.
ReplyDeleteIt's so cool that you all got together again! I have no idea where any of my junior high classmates are now...
ReplyDeleteThat is so wonderful that your class was so close. A rare and wonderful reunion!
ReplyDeleteLarry you are right, no one plans a Jr high reunion. I remember all the kids from my younger years and once we got into high school things got funny- all the who's popular, who's a geek, etc. But in the lower years all of that didn't matter. It would be fun to get together with the little kids I played with! Looks like you all had a great time, so happy you got to do this- and to have a teacher there too! Did he remember you all?
ReplyDeleteWhat fun! I absolutely love it when someone else takes an idea and runs with it to make it actually happen. I am always happy to help, but coordinating the whole thing? WAY too much effort for me these days!
ReplyDelete