The Huntingdon High School Class of '53 consists not only of the 34 graduates who received their diplomas from Huntingdon High School in May of 1953 but also any other individual who has ever been a member of our class during the 12 year period we attended school in the Huntingdon School System - provided that he/she did not graduate with any other high school class. Names of those 45 persons considered to be members can be seen by clicking here.

The class is somewhat a paradox; it is both homogenous and divergent. Sons and daughters came into this class from families who ranged from being share-croppers to farm owners, from factory workers to businessmen and professionals; from families who were poor to families who were considered fairly well-off. All of these school boys and girls now found a common bond upon which a "close-knit" unit was built - together they were a class.

Yes! From the beginning this was a very special group ... it was a class ... And yet, it was more than JUST ANY CLASS: All members seemed to put themselves aside for the love they had for all other class members.

During those twelve years, we all found that we could play together, laugh together, cry together and, yes, even argue and sometimes fight with each other. In all of these and all other interactions, the class found that life had a much fuller meaning because of every other class member. Yes, during our twelve years together, we found a love for one another not unlike that of family and of very best friends.

Now, as time goes by, this 45 members of the Class of '53 have grown even closer. The first class reunion took place the very next year after graduation - followed by another reunion in approximately two years. After this, the next reunion was held in 1973 - the 20th year after graduation. At this reunion, the class voted to observe each tenth year anniversary thereafter.

From the first reunion in 1954, with seven class members present, attendance has steadily increased and by the time the 40 year anniversary rolled around, there were 17 classmates present.

The 40th year reunion of 1993 generated so much enthusiasm, the class voted that beginning the very next year, we would hold the event on an annual basis. Thus, beginning in 1994 and each year thereafter, the class has met during the month of April.

In 1999, 23 classmates attended. However, this number was surpassed the very next year for the 2000 Reunion. That year, the number grew to 28 classmates and an overall total of 48 attending - when guests are included.

It is interesting to note that, with the exception of only one male member of our "Graduating Class of 1953", all other surviving male members of the actual graduating class have attended at least one (1) reunion over the years. The highest number for any one reunion was during the year 2000. During that reunion, twelve (12 of the 14) male members were in attendance.

Furhermore, the male members of the class, along with some of the husbands/friends of our female classmates, have formed such a "bond of friendship" that those, who are within a reasonable traveling distance, get together regularly for lunches, coffees and other get-togethers. At these affairs, we not only enjoy the food, fun and fellowship; but we keep up with current affairs as it pertains to each other and all other classmates and their families. Furthermore, an occasional trip is planned to various locations such as Nashville, Ft. Campbell, Ky., and Natchez Trace.

In addition, the class has grown so close that mini-reunions are also held each quarter, during each year, by those living around Huntingdon and in surrounding areas. Some class members travel from as far away as Nashville and Memphis to attend these affairs.

The Class has been very privileged to have teachers from our high school days attend these reunions with us. Mrs. Martha Thompson was our class sponsor and she attempts to attend each year. Also, Mrs. Addie Hilliard, who was one of our much loved English teachers, attends almost every year. Others who have attended were the late C. H. Pudor, the late Guy Robert Kirk, the late Miss Anna Pearl Nesbit and the late J. Otha Forbes. Mr. Pudor was Principal of Huntingdon High School during most of our school days in the Huntingdon School System.

Several teachers have often been heard to comment that they are amazed at the spiritual bond ... the camaraderie ... found between classmates of this Class of '53.

Only a few short months after graduation, our class was saddened and shocked by the news that a classmate, Bruce Chandler, had been accidentally killed. Neither could we escape the sadness as other members died over the years since graduation. Our hearts continue to be deeply touched and saddened as others have passed from our lives, over these many years, : James Simmons, Mertie Faye Scott, Doris McKinney, Billy Joy Laster and Donald Davis. We miss each and everyone of these, our classmates.

Although many of us who remain are now separated by miles and by various occupations and family obligations, there remains a bond, a very strong thread of unity, that cannot be broken. Some of the members became housewives, business managers, owners and employees, professional educators, factory workers, industrial leaders, farmers, religious leaders, hospital administrators, engineers and career servicemen in various branchs of the United States Armed Services.

Over the years, individual class members rejoice whenever any others have been, and some even continue to be, successful. For instance, here are three of those who have distinguished themselves in ways that are very notable and for which we share their joy.