‘Seventeenth Time Around’ was the theme that celebrated the ‘all class reunion’ for the Pearl High School classes of 1949-1983.
“The atmosphere was electric and all ablaze in red and white when more than 500 faithful graduates of Pearl High School began registration for the 17th Bi-Annual Reunion,” said Bill Thompson, Class of 1958 Graduates have gathered every other year since 1949 for a “reunion extraordinary where classmates meet, fellowship and renew friendships.”
The celebration kicked off at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel, where returning alumni stayed over the weekend and served as the headquarters for the weekend of activities. With a schedule of events that included a ‘mix and mingle’ following registration on Thursday, the weekend was filled with many other activities. Friday was a full day with an 8 am Golf Tournament at Ted Rhodes Golf Course, Bowling at Oak Valley Bowling Lanes at 10:30 am, and the Red & White Cotton Ball (crowning ‘Miss Pearl High and Mr. Esquire’) at 7 pm. Two students received a scholarship of $1,000 each for academic excellence.
Activities continued on Saturday with a business meeting and group picture in the morning, then Midday Wine, Cheese and Jazz and another evening banquet, comedy hour and dance called ‘Going Down Memory Lane.’
The reunion culminated on Sunday with the worship/memorial service at MLK at historic Pearl High. The memorial service was dedicated to the memory of deceased faculty and every deceased member of each class year. The guest speaker was Rev. Amos Jones, Jr. a member of the Class of 1956, who delivered a “moving speech on ‘Mother of Pearl.’” A choral group made up of several classes highlighted the program.
The Pearl High Alumni Association (PHAA) is a group of Pearl High alumni who maintain and oversee the preservation of the ‘archive/museum.’ Future plans are to develop a Pearl High ‘Hall of Fame’ honoring PHS alumni who have made deserving contributions.
The J.A. Galloway Scholarship is awarded each reunion year. The scholarship is awarded to a descendant of a Pearl High School alumnus who is attending or plans to attend college.
The ‘Bon Voyage Sunday Brunch’ was held immediately after the service at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel.
A spirited rendition of ‘The Pearl High Alma Mater’ ended the joyful weekend.
