Memorial High
Class of ‘68 holds 40-year reunion 
Wayne Greer
The 1968 graduating class of
There were 58 in the graduating class with 27 classmates in attendance. Nine
classmates and several teachers have deceased since graduation. A candlelight
service was held in their memory by Paulette (Greer) Kilby and Claudette
(Greer) Switzer. Claudette read a beautiful poem (see below) she had written as
the candles were being lit by Paulette. After the ceremony a brief moment of
silence was observed in their honor.
Counting spouse, invited guest, and teachers there were a total of 51
attending. Teachers in attendance were Ms. Lelia
Hammons, Mr. Glen Story, Mr. Darrell Story, Mrs. Carol Hale, Mr. Jim Reynolds,
and Mrs. Agnes (Mullins) Bacon. Traveling the farthest to attend was David and
Carol Hale from
After a very enjoyable meal with plenty of dessert, a brief meeting was
held. Each classmate and teacher were given the
opportunity to share their life after being away from Memorial High for 40
years. Everyone enjoyed hearing about other’s family, jobs, and what had
happened in their life. The teachers shared some highlights from days at
Memorial High.
Raymond Schuler, vice president of the graduating class served as master of
ceremonies.
Lanny Hubbard, a 1967 graduate of Memorial High, produced a
The next reunion is planned for 2013, 45 years.
Members of the Planning Committee were Wanda (Rowland) Patterson, Brenda
(Morgan) Bertram, Wanda (Stephens) Henderson, Monica (Estes) Frady, Vicki (Young) Smith, Mary (Schuler) Lemons, Loretta
(Combs) Brock, Brenda (Roberts) Baldwin, Elizabeth (Powell) Stull, Scena Ann (Goetz) Petrey,
Paulette (Greer) Kilby, and Claudette (Greer) Switzer.
Where Did Forty Years Go
By Claudette (Greer) Switzer
As a fellow classmate you walked with me once
Would you walk with me again
Reflect on a time when our lives were simpler then
A new school, teachers and classmates
Began a new chapter for the class of 1968
To obtain our degree was our ultimate goal
We had to discover ourselves, heart and soul
Rock N Roll music played on the radio
We had no I-Pods, or MTV videos
Fifty-seven Chevys were parked in the drive
We hopped in a pickup truck to go for a wild ride
Flattops and pony tails are a thing of the past
But who would ever thought faded worn out jeans would
last
We finally got our license and on our first date
We heard all the rules, especially don’t be late
We slowly cruised around restaurants and drive-ins too
Maybe check out the sock-hop; what else was there to do
For coffee and coke we stopped at a gas station or general store
We didn’t have McDonald’s and Starbucks with 10 flavors or more
Most of our school supplies came from the local five and dime
No one had a Wal-Mart or shopped on-line
We passed notes in the classroom and tried not to get caught
Whoever heard of emails, voice mail or text
Not to mention PC’s, blackberries and who know what’s next
To our teachers we owe our heartfelt thanks and appreciation
Back then we may not have realized their wisdom and dedication
To instill in us the importance of a higher education
Do you remember the music as you marched down the aisle
To accept your diploma
With a good luck handshake and a smile
Do you remember having nervous butterflies
As you pondered “What Will I Be”
Did you reach you life time goal, did you succeed
High school days are a thing of the past
Hope you look back and say “What a blast”
Now we’re sharing pictures and memories of those high school years
Laughing at our selves and joking with our peers
We’re a little older, some a little grayer and hopefully a little wiser too
Still planning for our future, retirement now and wondering what to do
Yes, Forty years have come and gone
But one does not experience a life alone
Our roots are deep; there’s a bond that holds us together
Cause we’ll be classmates forever
Take care and God bless,
The class from
Memorial High of 1968