The Christiansburg High School Class of 1967 celebrated its 50th reunion Saturday, Aug. 19 at the Farmhouse. Pictured are: front row (from left), Carroll Hamblin Gossett, June Moye Thomas, Judy Austin Atkinson, Judy Epperly Cole, Kay Pharis, Steve Akers, Linda Edmunds Walters, Philip Beasley, David Easter; second row, Sandra Hixon Mosolgo, Jenny Jurrison O’Reily, Jane Sarver Collins, Reba Miles Smart, Carolyn Kingrea Sowers, Linda Agee Dickerson; third row, Nancy Garland Bulluck, Janet Lester Peterson, Ellen Boon, Jane Nolen O’Keeffe, Nancy Ballinger, Mary Bishop Hawkins, Nancy Bays Lytton; fourth row, Steve Pettus, Judy Sutphin, Sandra Altizer White, Donna Gillespie Cullop, Sally Akers, Rosemary Nunley Phillips; fifth row Bonnie Gilmore Dulaney, Larry Rush, Larry Martin, Joe Simmons, Pam Duncan Simmons, Neoma Sheppard Hall; back row, Terry Dulaney, Dallas Bennett, Thomas Gammon and Lane Bradley Canada. Not pictured are: Robin Spence and Delma Bland.
The Christiansburg High School class of 1967 celebrated its 50th reunion last Saturday at the Farmhouse Restaurant.
Over 60 members of the class attended the social hour and dinner. Before dinner, many of them gathered on the steps of the old Christiansburg High School for a class picture and a fly over by a drone furnished by class member Larry Martin.
At the Farmhouse, the room was decorated with a huge gold 1967 sign made form balloons and memorabilia from days at CHS, including annuals, newspaper clippings and pictures.
Carolyn Kingrea Sowers, one of the organizers of the event, made opening remarks. Christiansburg Mayor Michael Barber offered a hearty welcome and shared some of the changes that have taken place in Christiansburg and to the graduates in the past 50 years.
On a more somber note, Mrs. Sowers and Reba Miles Smart read the list of the 22 members who have passed on since 1967 and who were recognized at the remembrance table with pictures and candles. Also remembered was Mr. Buddy Earp, who was principal of CHS when this class graduated.
After an hour of reminiscing, laughter and fellowship, Class Chaplain, Neoma Sheppard Hall, blessed the participants and the food. As dinner progressed, a slideshow put together by Carolyn Kingrea Sowers and Jane Sarver Collins of “The Class of 1967 Memories Thru the Years” was presented, which included senior annual pictures, candids of dances, the senior trip and various activities. These pictures brought back many happy memories.
After a wonderful dinner, Class President Sandra Altizer spoke of her love for the members of this class and pointed out many of their contributions to the military, education, business, and other areas of accomplishment.
Door prizes were give to those who traveled the farthest, who have been married the longest, those who have the most grandchildren and the most great grand children. Plans were discussed for other reunions and get-togethers and many friendships were rekindled.
One of the highlights of the evening was Mr. Richard Ballengee, who was a class sponsor for this group as well as teacher and supporter to all, who spoke of his feelings for this class. He made special reference to the senior trip to New York City, which brought laughs and remarks from the attendees.
A lovely ending to this special evening was presented by Carolyn Kingrea Sowers and Bonnie Gilmore Dulaney who read a poem written by Howard Spradlin to his wife Regina Altizer Spradlin, both 1967 graduates, entitled “That’s Romance.”
This was via Skype, as the couple could not attend in person. It was full of references to their relationship, which began in high school, full of emotion, and lovely to hear. It provided an emotional ending to a wonderful night.
Many thanks go to the members of the planning committee: Philip Beasley, Land Bradley Canada, Judy Epperly Cole, Jane Sarver Collins, Donna Gillespie Cullop, Bonnie Gilmore Dulaney, Terry Dulaney, Mary Bishop Hawkins, Rosemary Nunley Phillips, Reba Miles Smart, Carolyn Kingrea Sowers and June Moye Thomas.
Special thanks go to Jane Nolen O’Keeffe for providing flowers for the beautiful table arrangement and to Todd’s Jewelry for designing the commemorative pen.
One last thought about the class of 1967.
“Our laughs are limitless, our memories are countless and our friendships are endless.”
— Nancy Ballinger,
Reporter for the class of 1967