Pam Dudding Contributing writer
There is something about high school classmates that create bonds that last a lifetime. In small rural schools, oftentimes, all ages come together, as there are so few in the graduating classes.
On October 9, the Waiteville Community Center hosted their first classroom reunion and invited all students of the old schoolhouse to attend.
“We invite you to celebrate with familiar faces that you have missed over the decades,” they shared. “Come and renew friendships, remember days gone by, and share in life experiences – both past and present.”
Seventeen former students were able to attend.
The Waiteville Schoolhouse opened in 1950-51 and the last class was held in 1967.
Former students were encouraged to bring pictures, memorabilia, or history of the Waiteville School to share with others, and if possible, a copy to leave at the school.
“A classroom was set up with student desks, teacher’s desk, and memorabilia with a list of students attending each year, which helped bring back memories of fellow students and teachers,” said David Furrow.
Everyone was also asked to write down their favorite memories while attending the school.
“All wrote about their favorite foods eaten in the lunchroom and cooked by Mrs. Lucille Crosier, who cooked at Waiteville School from 1950 to 1967. The food mentioned most often was Mrs. Crosier’s rolls,” Furrow added.
Favorite teachers mentioned were Mrs. Gotto Guy and Mrs. Daisy Surface, who both taught at Waiteville School throughout their careers.
A BBQ lunch platter was catered by Taste of Eggcellence.
Students who attended were: Rachel Dudding Elmore, Clara Dudding Sowers, Debbie Dudding Carter, Shelby Harry Porterfield, Shirley Lawson Jones, Butch Harry, Howard Elmore (husband of Rachel Dudding Elmore), Larry Harry, Lloyd Givens, Vickie Hale Lafon, Shelby Eppling Jennings, Janet McDaniel, Roy Lionell Kessinger, Gary Porterfield and Joy Harry.
Additional attendees were: Dreama Porterfield, Pat Givens, John B. Carter, Wayne Sowers, Linda Harry, Bruce Blaylock, and Don Hess, as well as Waiteville Community Center Board Members Renee Eppling, Ruth Wrzosek, and David Furrow. Gary Kessinger and Betty Beane Smith were not able to attend.
“Special thanks go to Shelby Jennings and her sister Joyce Mundy for their work in decorating the auditorium and restored classroom,” Furrow shared.
T-shirts and sweatshirts displaying a picture of Waiteville School (recent picture of the current community center) and wording “I Attended Waiteville School” may be ordered. The colors to choose from are white, gray, and black.
Many attendees requested another school reunion when threat of the pandemic has passed, so future plans are in the making.
The Waiteville Community Center will be hosting their Annual Deer Hunters Supper on November 21 from 4 to 6 p.m.
The menu included BBQ, bun, coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, dessert, and drink. The cost will be $15 per meal. The food will be provided by Taste of Eggcellence with desserts such as cookies, brownies and pound cake also available.
It is another time to share fellowship and see those friends of yesteryear, as well as enjoy a delicious meal.
“Mark your calendar and plan to attend,” the committee shared.