BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Classmates who hadn’t seen each other in years smiled, hugged and spoke phrases like, “I’m so glad to see you.” They made small talk, and to help them recognize each other more easily, they wore name tags that featured their names — in many cases, their maiden names at the time of graduation — and their class photo.
Those gathered, some accompanied by their spouses, were members of Sheldon Clark High School’s class of 1982, who celebrated their 40th anniversary with a reunion Friday and Saturday.
Over 50 alums met to reconnect, catch up and swap memories held only by their class for the rest of their lives.
“Been to my favorite place on earth, best people I have had the privilege to know, feeling so blessed,” class member Cara Sword said Sunday in a Facebook post. “My only regret is missing those who could not attend.”
Sword and classmate Diana Kirk Nichols hung out during the weekend. They “talked all night,” took in some sights and even viewed wild horses and elk at the Big Sandy Regional Airport.
“We had a blast,” said Sword.
The celebration started Friday with a class tailgate party at the Cardinals game at The Rock, where the class of 1982 fielded Martin County’s first varsity football team as seniors.
On Saturday, classmates started their morning with a hike on King Fisher/God’s Promise Trail. At midday, they toured the new Martin County High School and ran into their former teacher Roger Harless.
When the group came to the school’s cheerleading room, Sword showed off her cartwheel, proving that she’s still got a trick or two up her sleeve 40 years later.
The reunion Saturday night at Haven Rest featured a catered dinner, music, dancing and reminiscing. The classmates did the Macarena, the Electric Slide and the YMCA dance. Nearly every sentence started with, “Remember when…?”
Joyce Mills Horn noted the class of 1982 has been getting together every 10 years.
“We have had a tremendous turnout at every one,” Horn said. “We are so blessed. We fellowshipped, laughed and reminisced at each one. It’s so great to have a class that loves each other and still enjoys each other’s company. Man, we are so lucky.”
John Preece said the reunion was the best.
“The food was great, the music was great and everyone got along so well,” Preece said. “I’m proud to say I’ve graduated with the best class that came out of Sheldon Clark High School.”
Planners worked for several months to bring the class together. They included Horn, Danetta Wells, Pamela Branham, Denise Gauze, Lisa Crum Kirk, Grant Endicott, Brock Alex, Corie Mills and Susan Muncy Elliott, to name a few.
