The Columbia High School 14th Annual All-School Reunion was recently held in Magnolia and 344 people from around the country attended.
The weekend was hightlighted with special recognition of two classes, along with recognition given to the first-ever black officers with the Magnolia Police Department. The event was held July 5-7 inside the Southview Church of Christ Family Center. Graduates of the classes of 1967 and 1968 were also featured and welcomed into the “Golden Owls” society of they celebrated their 50th anniversary. The last students passed through the halls of Columbia School in 1969.
Former schoolmates gathered Thursday, July 5, for a meet-and-greet. Participants showed up in their casual attire to relaxed, have fun, renew friendships with classmates, and listen to music reminiscent of the high school years at sock hops and dances. They also viewed old pictures, articles and artifacts displayed by various class groups and enjoyed delicious finger foods.
Friday was set aside for business and pleasure. A business meeting was held that morning, followed by the biennial picnic at 12:30 p.m.
Some classes sported their individual class T-shirts, while the majority wore the special-designed 2018 Columbia Reunion T-shirts. There was plenty of scrumptious picnic food. Some sought relaxation before the next exciting event (the prom), while others gravitated to the pre-planned competitive games and activities.
Friday night at Southview, the participants found the center inviting for socialization and beckoning those with 18-year-old spirits to show they were still capable of fantastic dance moves. Reginald Curry provided the music for the evening. Larry and Lynnetta Roberts were chosen as prom royalty and will reign as King and Queen until the 2020 reunion.
Saturday was a day of leisure for all attendees. Early morning golf was an option, but otherwise, the day was open to individuals who chooses to shop, visit family and friends, or whatever.
Saturday night, the Southview Family Center was transformed into a breath-taking beautiful area. The returning alums dressed to complement the atmosphere of the room’s elegance.
Edwin L. Williams, a 1963 graduate, presided over the banquet. Ms. Thelma Arbor of Magnolia was crowned faculty queen. Her longevity, commitment and special guidance were noted and applauded.
Peggy Morris facilitated a memorial period highlighting departed teachers and staff, alumni students, as well as the F.B. and Elizabeth Buffington Memorial. Candles for each group were lit by Ms. Arbor, Morris, Emma Buffington Duren and Wiley Buffington respectively.
The banquet dinner was catered by Marlar’s Cafeteria.
Reunion participants were introduced by class groups, and teachers present were recognized with prepared certificates noting years of service. The Class of 1963 had the largest number of classmates in attendance, followed by classes of 1967 and 1968.
The alumni choir morphed into an ensemble this reunion—seven members. Yet, the group was enthusiastically accepted and applauded.
Representatives of the 50-year celebration Class of 1968 moved the program to an even higher level. Jimmy “Jim” Beard introduced the keynote speaker, Larry Bennett, his best friend since elementary school. Larry provided entertaining remembrances from school days, community involvement and Christ-centered challenges.
Doris Turner-Hutcherson, choir director and banquet soloist for several reunions, aroused the crowd with her powerful rendition of “Stand”.
As the program neared completion, special recognition was paid to the first and second African-American policemen to serve the city of Magnolia as members of the Magnolia Police Department. They were Ellis Flanigan and CHS graduate Talmadge Brown.
The children of each officer were present for the ceremony, with the Brown children surprising their parents by their appearance. Presentations were made to the honorees by State Rep. David Fielding, Magnolia Police Chief Glenn Maxwell, and Magnolia Mayor Parnell Vann.
Awards for the winners of the leisure time games were presented by Joe Russ and President Gracie Tucker followed with closing remarks and accolades.
The returning alumni also offered thanks to the reunion committee members and dedicated volunteers who spent months planning, preparing and reaching out to classmates by mail, phone and email to encourage participation. This commitment to make the reunion successful was evident by the turnout and the enthusiasm shown by all during the three-day event.
The hugs and goodbyes were completed, and the 14th All-School Reunion of 2018 is now a new chapter in the CHS Alumni Association archival book. Everyone is now looking forward to 2020.