Classmates and their families were greeted at the door by the class vice president, William Brewer. A remembrance table with a candle and the names of those classmates who are no longer with them was presented by Frankie Griffith Geddings, Susan Dennis Carter, and Mary Edith Eaddy.
Classmate Mark Chewning shared the story of the tragic school bus accident that occurred in January 1953 that took the life beloved classmate Thomas Harrelson and injured many others. Two school busses without students aboard were racing side by side near Racoon Road on the Jordan Highway and had a head on collision with the Manning School bus full of students. Classmates reflected on the memories and the impact of the accident on their lives.
Ray Richburg said the blessing and the group had a delicious lunch catered by D&H BBQ.
After lunch George Lesesne introduced the guest speaker, Dr. Sylvia H. Clark a renowned Educator, Author, community leader and beloved former teacher of the 1960 Class. Dr. Clark spoke of the successes of many former Manning High School students throughout the years. She then presented a fascinating program on the history of Clarendon County. Dr. Clark gave copies of her book Shadows of the Past: An Illustrated History of Clarendon County. to each classmate and many classmates and visitors had Dr. Clark sign their books.
After the program, Meree Morris McAlister and Karen Thompson Senn read a poem about the class that included every classmates name and was written my May Hinson and printed in the school newspaper, The Monarch, on May 27, 1960. Jackie Eadon Chalfont read a tribute poem she wrote about the old Manning High Building and its meaning in their lives.
George Lesesne led the group in a fun trivia game about life in Manning in the 1950s. Tracy Shady was recognized for traveling the farthest, coming from Collinsville Illinois. Frankie and Bill Geddings were recognized for being married the longest at 62 years.
All agreed it was a successful reunion and look forward to another next year. The meeting was ended with the singing of the Alma Mater and a special remembrance given by George Lesesne about Munsy Ridgill. A special thank you to all who attended and to Dr. Sylvia Clark for the great program and books. Special thanks to Jay Lesesne and Jena Cox for taking pictures during the event and filming the program to be posted on YouTube.
