On August 13, 2022, the Swainsboro High School class of 1977 celebrated its 45th reunion. The reunion began with a reacquainting hour/ meet and greet at the Summertown Community Center. The classmates then proceeded across the street to Lela’s Restaurant for the reunion meal. Lela’s provided a relaxed, comfortable, and cozy environment with a delicious homestyle southern-cooked meal. The meal consisted of catfish, shrimp, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, rutabagas, coleslaw, French fries, beans, key lime pie, pineapple upside-down cake, sweet rolls, corn meal muffins homemade banana pudding, and tea.
After dinner, the classmates returned to the community center for a night of entertainment and festivities. Before those activities, we took time to recognize the classmates who had passed away and for an open group discussion. Rev Billy Brinson provided a prayer. Jessie Garrett and Kate Way Page led a memorial recognition for the deceased classmates. These classmates are always with us in everything we do as a class. We want their families to know that we will never forget them.
Phyllis Strobridge, Carolyn Daniels, and Joseph Austin provided comments and reflections on high school and life afterward. Harold Scott then offered a brief history of the class of 77 reunions. Previous reunions include a 20th held at Coach’s Kitchen in 1997, a 30th at McKinley’s Pond in 2007, and a 40th at the Swainsboro Community Center in 2017.
A group discussion occurred concerning future reunions, committee leadership, and establishing a class bank account. The floor was open for volunteers/nominations to the planning committee leadership team. Harold Scott was nominated to remain in place as the reunion committee leader. It was recommended that we have annual reunions or class get-togethers. Consideration will be given to maintaining a class bank account and to classmates contributing funds throughout the year. Moses Thomas closed this portion of the night by providing an up-to-date financial report.
John Dennis, Herb Durden, and Jo Alston led the group in games and activities. Numerous prizes and awards were given out to the winners. Tommy Herrington provided closing remarks. Tommy’s comments were followed by the forming of a soul train dance line with classmates dancing to the 70’s classic hit, Disco Duck. The reunion concluded with a picture-taking session. Unfortunately, some classmates had departed, and we could not obtain photographs of the entire group. Each classmate was given a commemorative 45th Reunion coffee mug and a gold Tiger chain.
The Reunion Committee would like to thank all those who took the time to participate in the reunion. We realize the challenges and commitments of life. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and each other. Some of our classmates were experiencing health challenges but still thought it was important to be present. Some classmates came from across town, while others came from out of town. The day was full of love, comradeship, and humanity. It is amazing to look back on a bunch of young teenagers who are now 60-year-old gray-haired adults. We have made this life journey together, and we are forever united.
Lastly, for those who worked on the financial, entertainment, communications, and decorations committees and all who played a part in making the 45th reunion a success, we say a heartfelt thank you. We look forward to the next reunion and seeing other new faces.
Special thanks to the city of Summertown for the use of their Community Center, Lela’s Restaurant and The Lawrence Village Bed and Breakfast for their hospitality.
Classmates in attendance include: Windy Brown Hawkins, Joe Leschia Gunn Alston, Carol Franklin Blake, Carolyn Daniels, Vickie Sherrod, Marylin Franklin Fann, Diane Wadley Garner, Sandra Ray Bailes, Jessie Hudson Garrett, Phyllis Jones Strobridge, Carol Brown Stepney, Gwen Carter, Kate Way Page, Jan Snooks, Linda Woods Thomas, Nancy Flanders Mincey, Carolyn Emerson Brinson, Harold Scott, Herbert Durden, joseph Austin, John Dennis, Moses Thomas, Tommy Herrington, Dennis Cooney, Doug Arnett, Raymond Wynn, Tommy Daniels, Spence Jenkins, Cornell Daniels.
Guest in attendance: Benjamin Hawkins, Ron Alston, Tammy Herington, Ed Stepney, Veronica Arnette, Elmer Thompson, Dr Elaine Wynn, Bill Mincey, Daphne Jenkins, Billy Brinson, Carvie Claxton, Travis Claxton and Donnie Garrett.
