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Classmates:

I do want to share with you the fact that all of those who were able to attend our 50th Reunion had a spectacular time. It was so wonderful to see all of our classmates - particularly those who were at a reunion for the very first time since we graduated!!!

Everyone seemed to enjoy all the events. The Friday night gathering was laid back and everyone moved about greeting each other with hugs and much laughter. Saturday a memorial service was held at The First United Methodist Church in SC for the 49 classmates that we are able to identify who have passed away (we still aren't sure about some of those missing who might be deceased.) We were blessed to have Eric Crane play the pipe organ and lead the singing, Jean Ann Mattox Bennett assisted him on a baby grand piano and Phyllis Rumbaugh Fenwick read the names of the deceased after lighting a candle in memory of them. I was a little surprised as Phy read their names, I suddenly began to see each one of them walking before me - a memory I won't soon forget.

Afterwards we had a light luncheon with more socializing and then on to visit the old LaBelle Theater where we all went to be entertained in our young lives and then on to revisit the school where our teachers started to mold us for our futures. During this time, many chose to attend an enjoyable golf outing that was arranged by Judy Bowen Romano with her trusted helper Bull Miller. Later that evening, we met at the Ramada Inn for a dinner, dancing and more visiting session. We had a group picture made and Joan will post it on our website later after we have taken the time to identify everyone. (Oh yes, folks, you'd never know that we have passed that 65+ mark as many of our classmates got up and danced and really did "cut a rug".) My hat is off to them - I sure wish I could have joined them. ha ha) Raymond Barnett did his usual great DJ services as he entertained us with his dancing, singing, imitations and jokes.

Later after our dinner, the committee continued on with their fun by having the Miller twins arrive with the "miraculously found" treasure chest which was opened by Don Evans with great fanfare (it was wired so when it was opened there would be lights flashing and flaring!) Inside as promised were the treasures, all fixed in pouches for three surprised recipients. Mona Mallory helped with the drawing for one man and one woman who each received a lovely gold nugget (made from melted gold which was donated by the committee) with SCHS Class of 1958 engraved on the back of them and dangling on beautiful gold chains. The lucky woman - Jane Monk Monday; the lucky man - Bill Warner. WOW!!! were they ever surprised! They have been entrusted to wear these to show the closeness of the Class of '58 and to wear them when they return for future reunions. (Oh yes, we do plan to continue having reunions as long as we can.) Then a drawing was held for a pair of gold nugget earrings.....William Wray Smith's name was drawn and I assume he gave them to his wife, although I believe he would have truly looked cute wearing them. :- )

Next came a raffle for a beautiful charm designed like the emblem on our high school rings. We give many thanks to Broyles Jewelers who graciously donated this to our class. Bonnie Brenneman Turner was so thrilled when her winning ticket was drawn.

As everyone left after a great evening, they picked up their favor which was a Christmas Ornament with holder. The ornament was white with the South Charleston emblem design placed on the front of it in orange, black and gold and the words SCHS - 50 Years - 1958-2008 written in orange on the back. Everyone received a booklet with a little update from those classmates who responded with their information and also a travel address book. The information for these booklets was compiled and typed by Joan Bennett Belcher. Barbara Webb Pritt gave a glass blown candy kiss to all classmates who were in attendance - such a lovely surprise for us - wasn't that really neat? Another fun thing was the exchanging of our gifts from the state or town in which we live. It was neat to see what clever gifts people had brought from their hometown or state.

This seems to be a good place to mention the others on the committee who have worked so hard behind the scenes: Faye Adams Collins who took care of the Friday night decorations, Dale Miller, Leo Mallory, Vesta Pauley Grinstead and Erma Wood Harris. In addition to the committee, we especially owe a big thank you to some fine classmates who made anonymous donations to help with the expenses this year! Their generosity made it possible for us to keep the cost of this reunion down to the same as we paid for our 45th! Thank you, thank you, thank you to every one of you for your help in making this one of the nicest reunions we've had. I truly hope I haven't forgotten anyone.

On Sunday many of us who still live in SC, or those who were planning to leave later on in the day or take later flights, met for a brunch at the Ramada. Once again, we were able to continue playing catch-up with our lives and tell of those we had managed to keep in touch with or knew about.

Then it came time to leave those whom we have carried in our hearts for over fifty years. It is quite interesting that many of our classmates still manage to talk, e-mail or get together for visits often. I have always said that we DID and DO have the greatest class! Of course, we all had our closest buddies and we usually end up sitting with them at the dinner, but our classmates always seem to have that genuine closeness which leads us to seek out and find each person in the class to spend a little time with them once again. Often people from other classes have told me they were a little disappointed with their reunions because the same people who had cliques in high school still continue to act in that same manner when they hold their reunions.

As an added thought, I do hope while you were enjoying your 4th of July holiday you silently thanked those patriots who paid the price for our freedom.

My love goes to each one of you and we must try to keep healthy and happy so we can be together again in 2013. Gee that sounds like a long way off, but keep a good thought and perhaps we can be together once more!

My sincere love to all, Jackie (Jacqueline Frizzell Pauley aka "Jake")

PS I ask that you please keep in touch with Joan, Phyllis, Don and me with changes of address and email addresses, so we can keep track of you for the next reunion. Also, keep your eyes and ears open and we might find those classmates who are still missing before the next reunion.

50th Class reunion favor