On Friday, May 30, 1975, 56 seniors walked across the stage of the Whitesboro High School cafetorium to receive their diplomas from Superintendent W.W. Chilcutt and members of the Board of Education. Faculty sponsors were Mr. Ralph Craddock, Mrs. Pat Hackler, Mrs. Brenda Raley and Mr. Randy Reedy. Exactly 50 years and one day later, former students and faculty gathered once again to celebrate a half-century milestone.
Planning for the event began in August when a group of alumni met together to brainstorm ideas for a reunion. They chose Cook’s Main Stage in downtown Whitesboro as the perfect venue and set the date. Mark Pike agreed to serve as treasurer for the event.
On Saturday, May 31, after months of preparation, 37 alumni, spouses and faculty celebrated together with music, food, conversation and reflection. The decor of the evening combined authentic WHS memorabilia from the ‘70s with modern accents to create a beautiful and welcoming atmosphere, thanks to the talents of Debbie McNees and Jane and Brian Parish.
Jerry Smith led the group in prayer before the meal. Bufferzone Farm Catering, owned by WHS alumna Teresa Brookshear Stopher, provided a delicious meal that included appetizers, a selection of entrees with sides, fresh garden salad and dessert.
There were also planned activities. Carla Hawkins led a “Class of 1975 Trivia” game and Venita Moon presented slides with updates and humorous stories from a questionnaire that had been created by Carla Lawson.
Lastly, several alumni took the microphone and shared tantalizing stories and special memories. All the while, photographs illuminated by flickering white candles honored the memory of eight deceased classmates who are greatly missed: Kathleen Morgan Box, Julie Poynter del Angel, Patricia Bailey Gonzales, Larry Kosark, Ardon Lee, Robbie Ramsey, Trina Slaten and James West III.
It was obvious from the hugs, smiles and laughter that even after 50 years, the bonds that were formed at Whitesboro High School are still warm and vibrant.
