Special to The T&D

Talking about moments to remember!

The class of 1958 of Wilkinson High School converged on Orangeburg on June 12 and the celebration was on! A golden aura surrounded the members as they celebrated their golden anniversary.

At the entrance to their headquarters, Country Inn & Suites, the class and their guests were greeted by a sign that read "Welcome Wilkinson High School Class of 1958 and Guests -- Golden Anniversary."

The festivities began with the registration and a drop-in Thursday evening. It was delightful to greet each other and spouses or guests and to catch up on 50 years.

The food, all the food, was fantastic and deliciously prepared. The fellowship was superb and the surprises were just out of this world! And that's no joke!

The napkins, the brochures, the programs, everything that would make this a memorable occasion were provided.

Among the many highlights at Friday's luncheon was a second graduation. The class marched in to the strains of "Pomp and Circumstance." They were awarded their 50th anniversary diplomas by their beloved principal, Dr. Robert E. Howard. Later in the program, Betty A. Walker's power point presentation of "The Last Ten Years" and Barbara T. Graves "Tribute to Advisors, Faculty, and Staff" were met with great enthusiasm and laughter.

The class enjoyed the presence of some of its teachers and their families, Mrs. Irene (Westbrook) McCollom, Mrs. Virginia (Parks) Senior, and Mrs. Juanita (Reddish) Roland. Also present were the widow and daughter of Mr. Henry "Pop" Brown, Mrs. Evelyn Brown and Mrs. Patricia B. Lott. Mrs. Mildred Day Rose and Mrs. Theresa Day Nichols represented their father, Mr. Marion C. Day.

Entertainment was provided by a fantastic baritone Chief Gregory Harris and his accompanist Sgt. Gerald Singleton.

As always it is appropriate at such occasions to remember those who have departed this life. After lighting candles and singing "Amazing Grace," led by Essie Mack, an original tribute was given by Carrie Bell Irick, which included words of comfort as we mourned the loss of our classmate, Andrew Utsey, whose funeral was the next day.

Friday night's fun-filled patio party and fish fry was held at the lovely home of Jimmy and Rebecca Abraham.

Early Saturday morning, everyone donned his/her gray and maroon WHS T-shirts and boarded a motor coach for historic Savannah. After touring the riverfront shopping district, they embarked the colorful riverboat for a buffet lunch and cruise up/down the Savannah River. The remainder of the afternoon was spent at the mall shopping/window shopping before departing for Orangeburg.

Everyone was agape on Sunday morning when two white stretched limousines appeared at the inn to whisk the class off to Trinity United Methodist Church, the site of the baccalaureate service, for morning worship. It was a delight to see Mrs. Clara Robinson, one of the teachers, in attendance.

A monetary gift was donated to the music ministry of Trinity in memory of Mrs. Willie Lou Hubbard, Wilkinson's cafeteria manager.

After service, the limos transported the class to Santee for lunch at The Rotonda. Finally, it was back to the hotel for a last round of nostalgia and goodbyes.

Class coordinator Evia Z. Thomas and the steering committee made the events and activities fun and memorable.

There were 40 class members and guests in attendance from as far away as Anchorage, Alaska.

In addition to all of the planned activities, it was truly wonderful to see classmates that some had not seen in 50 years. And believe it or not, no one looked over 50! The entire weekend was a blast.

WHS Class of 59 is anticipating next year's trip to Canada. Each year since the 40th reunion, the class has gone on a field trip. Last year's eight-day trip to Alaska was "best of all," according to Norman "Biffy" Corley.

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