Recap of 55th reunion

Huge Crowd of Classmates Make 55th Reunion Great Success!

More than 130 classmates and guests converged on Winston-Salem for the 55th Reunion of the R J Reynolds High School Class of 1962. There are 55th Reunion pictures on the Photo Gallery for you to enjoy. Here is a brief recap with some quotes from those that attended and those who couldn't come:

"Our 55th Reunion was SO much fun! It was so good to reconnect with friends and relive memories of our days at RJR. The pictures being shared by attendees are priceless--a great way to extend the joy..."  Harriet Nanzetta Clark

"I am SOOOO jealous. Count me in for the 60th, OK? Just couldn't get away from my 100 students, only some of whom would have been very pleased to have cancelled classs. Sounds like everyone had fun. Hold that thought until 2022, please." Paul Licker

On Friday night classmates cautiously made their way into Brookstown Mill for the first of several 55th Reunion events. But after  a couple of minutes they had quickly been surrounded by old friends and were busy catching up. A part of Friday night was a special video taped welcome from "School Principal of the Year", Leslie Alexander.  You can see her video by going to left side of this Home Page. 

"Last weekend's 55th Reunion was extremely meaningful to me...For all of you who planned the Reunion, and all of you who attended, I am so grateful... I appreciated people introducing themselves, to wake up my brain cells tying their names to their faces, that have been dormant for 55 years  ..."  Marilyn Miller Morris

On Saturday morning, after coffee and Krispy Kreme doughnuts, many convened in the Arts Center behind the Auditorium to hear more about the school from Karen Morris, Director of the Arts Magnet Program, and for an update on the proposed stadium from Stan Dean who is on the stadium committee. Afterward, attendees boarded a bus for a special guided tour of the "New Winston-Salem" by historian Fam Brownlee.

Starting in the late afternoon, attendees convened at classmate Cam Dize Matthews's lovely lake setting for a "Dinner Under the Stars" which, luckily, was a "Dinner Under a Tent"! But the rain did not last long and classmates were soon busy continuing their catch-up conversations. A special ceremony around the lake remembered all classmates and especially those who had passed. Then everyone enjoyed a fantastic meal followed by singing our school songs. More opportunities for memories carried us into the evening that ended with final, and sometimes tearful, farewells and promises to stay in touch. 

"The reunion could not have been better...I don't think the Planning Committee could have added a single detail to make it better... The grounds and tables were beautiful, the food delicious and the memorial ceremony very moving!" -Jean Holton Wilson

"Like most guys in my class, I married above myself. That weekend my wife is receiving an honorary degree from her Alma  Mater." "I too regret missing the Reunion. tremendously...Have really enjoyed the photos and comments. You all look great...Looking forward to the 60th!  -Don Lineback

And from Mike Artman..."I have reviewed all the latest Reunion photos and I have a question: who are you people and what have you done with my classmates?"

Check out all of the photos and other comments as well. If you have other photos, videos or comments, please post them. It was a great time had by all and for those of you who could not make it...we missed you! Our 60th reunion will coincide with "RJR's 100th Anniversay". So please start planning to come and join all of your classmates. In the meantime our website will continue and we encourage you to keep your information fresh and let everyone know what is happening in your life. Our best wishes for a happy and healthful next 5 years-- your 55th Reunion Committee.