Let the memories begin

Photo by Christy Porter
Classes of the 1940s, from left: Doris (Scott) Lay, 1942; Wilma (Kell) Smith, 1945; and Melvalee (DeWeese) Watson, 1949.

Photo by Christy Porter
The Class of 1973 celebrated their 50th year reunion.

By Christy Porter, Managing Editor

Licking High School graduates from the classes of the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, and 1973 celebrants (by special invitation for their 50th year class reunion) met on Saturday afternoon for an LHS Mini Alumni Banquet at Fly Creek LLC.

Photo by Christy Porter
Denece Mitchell greets attendees.

Visiting and laughter commenced among alumni prior to being greeted and given name tags by Denece (Wrest) Mitchell. Designated decorated tables, along with year appropriate “Highspots” (yearbook) and photographs of the different classes allowed for memories to be shared.

Photo by Christy Porter
Alumni Veterans.

The National Anthem was sung by Herman Hall, with military veterans standing in front of the U.S. Flag, joining attendees with hands over hearts. They were then recognized for their service to our country.

Photo by Christy Porter
Cheerleaders.

LHS cheerleaders from years gone by were handed the pompoms from current cheerleaders Jamie Fike, December Maxey, Calyn Huff and Emalee Breeden, to lead in a rousing rendition of the original LHS school song.

Photos by Christy Porter

Reminiscing and reconnecting overflowed the tables as attendees visited with high school friends from other classes, spouses, friends and family. Tennis, baseball, softball and basketball games were relived, as were many other school and town activities.

Photo by Christy Porter
Classes of 1950s.

Photo by Christy Porter
Class of 1960.

Photo by Christy Porter
Class of 1961.

Photo by Christy Porter
Classes of 1962 and 1963.

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Class of 1964.

Photo by Christy Porter
Class of 1965.

Photo by Christy Porter
Class of 1966.

Photo by Christy Porter
Class of 1967.

Photo by Christy Porter
Class of 1968.

Photo by Christy Porter
Class of 1969.

Representation included members from the classes of the ’40s – 3; ’50s – 21; ’60 – 2; ’61 – 8; ’62 – 3; ’63 – 8; ’64 – 5; ’65 – 4; ’66 – 10; ’67 – 9; ’68 – 13; ’69 – 10; and ’73 – 4; along with 35 other family and friends.

Photo by Christy Porter

Photos by Christy Porter

Music and dancing opportunities were provided by Herman Hall, Class of 1964, with his “The ’50s at 70 Dance Party!”

Photo by Christy Porter

Photo by Denece Mitchell

Delicious food was enjoyed from Fancy Nancy’s Concessions – Hometown Mobile Café and Keep It Classic Ice Cream food trucks.

Photo by Christy Porter

John Mitchell, Class of 1968, coordinated the event, with help from many including wife, Denece, and Leonard and Lois (Edwards) Floyd. The initial planning process for the classes of 1963-1969 snowballed in the short planning time due to additional class interest.

“Special thanks are extended to Woody’s Flowers for the table decorations, a perfect touch, and Herman Hall, for the time-appropriate music,” said John, who was pleased with the turnout.

Donations were not solicited for the event, but were generously given; expenses were met and the excess donations will be given to a scholarship fund at Licking High School.

Photos by Christy Porter

Photos by Christy Porter

An unanswered question remains, “How many attendees had previously worked for the Rawlings Company in this same building?”

Photos by Christy Porter