Class of 1982 in town for 40-year reunion

Members of the Sheldon Clark High School class of 1982 hosted their 40-year reunion Friday and Saturday. (Photo courtesy class of 1982)

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.

Kim Mollette

“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.”

Kim Mollette, Pamela Branham, Connie Preece and Jan Runyon tailgated Friday with the class of 1982.

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.

Cara Sword and Diana Kirk Nichols had a blast.

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.

The fun started Friday with a tailgate party at The Rock. (Photo courtesy class of 1982)

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 and Morgan Horn

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.

Class of 1982 Ohio crew

“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.

A group of 1982 classmates toured the new Martin County High School and ran into their former teacher Roger Harless (center). (Photo courtesy class of 1982)
Denise Gauze, Pamela Branham and Greg Murphy
Joni Hardin Rupinen and Lisa Crum Kirk
Danny Pack, Rose Crum and Martha Goble
Richard Delong and Wendy Fannin
Chris and Nella Maynard
Class of 1982 at Haven Rest
Charles Parsley and Bentley Kirk
Ricky Alley, Morgan Horn and Denise Gauze
,

Leave a Reply