1973 — what a time it was! Becoming 18 and getting ready to graduate as the world was experiencing some of the worst and some of the best there was. Inflation was at an all-time high, while employment was at an all-time low.
A recession had begun — the worst one since the 1930s. Abortion was legalized, gas only costs 39 cents, the minimum wage was $1.60, and eggs costs 69 cents.
The Watergate hearings were underway, and the show “Bonanza” was canceled, as was “All in the Family.” Not much different than today in some respects, you might think; our country still has a whirlwind of issues.
The Andrew Jackson High School Class of 1973 was experiencing some issues, too. While the Miami Dolphins were winning the Super Bowl, the AJ high school team was losing. Coach Jimmy Neal did his best to encourage his team, to no avail. Principal Atlee Brown had his hands full, just keeping the students engaged and teachers alert.
That was then. This is now.
Fifty-one Andrew Jackson High School graduates gathered the evening of Sept. 22 for a 50th reunion that took the cake! The celebration was held at the Heath Springs Community Center.
This class was the school’s first graduating class to attend grades nine through 12 at the school after Andrew Jackson High was established.
The original Class of 1973 had 123 graduates. As time moved on, there were physical losses, as well as movement to other cities. But the reunion’s planning committee left no stone unturned when it came to getting this class together.
Leo Harris was the master of ceremony for the event, with Herbert Pate bringing the welcome, Arlene Williams Fair sharing special music, Teresa Anthony Duncan reading Scripture and the Rev. Williford Sowell giving an invocation.
There was a moment of silence to remember the deceased classmates and then a recognition of class officers. Listed on the program in remembrance were Barbara Carelock, class secretary. Others listed were Jack Cunningham, class president; Patricia Truesdale Fisher, secretary; and Gail Baxley Zwicke, assistant secretary.
Recognition was also given to the classmates who very quickly responded as the reunion was planned by Leo Harris, Brenda Sowell Young, Patricia Truesdale Fisher, Jenny Cunningham, Zelma Carelock, Dan Jackson and Larry Southern.
Moving in to the evening, the guest speaker, Flossie Peay Williams, was introduced by Patricia Truesdale Fisher. Mrs. Williams was the former school secretary of Hillside High School, their former high school before integration began. After her reflective remarks of wisdom, the alma mater was sung.
How well they sang and remembered those words! “All Hail to Andrew Jackson High School” resounded around the room with much glee and pride!
The table decorations were assembled in the school’s colors, which provided a wholesome representation of the school spirit that was still in the hearts of all attendees.
After the blessing of the food, dinner was served. Cameras were flashing everywhere, videos were being made and all classmates were hugging, dancing and sharing news on the dance floor.
Special thanks were given to the following people who enhanced the event: Marion Horton, disc jockey; Sherry Click, caterer; Layton Frasier, videographer; and Jamilia Brevard with Tyriffic Photography. All were doing great jobs with minimal interference from the classmates’ oblivious antics!
Yes, friendships were renewed and contacts were given. While the evening ended, the reverberating of the “good ole days” did not. This class is in shape for many more times of celebration. How do you know? Their genuine acts of kindness and love can and likely will be repeated.
All hail to the Class of 1973, may you forever triumph throughout the days!
Shirnetha Belk attended the AJHS Class of 1973 50th reunion as the guest of one of the classmates.
