The New Stanton Senior high School Class of 1957 was in rare form as classmates flew in to Jacksonville from around the country to celebrate 58 years of friendship. Classmates flew in from Californian, Washington, D.C., Illinois, Maryland, Georgia, The Carolinas and South Florida. The reunion was held June 12-14th at the Jacksonville Airport Doubletree Hotel and other locations throughout Jacksonville. On Friday classmates gathered at the hotel for an icebreaker to fellowship and reminisce about the past, have dinner and discuss future reunion assemblies. Classmate and Reunion Co-chair Gwen Lang-Jones who flew in from California along with her husband and classmate Walter Jones was the emcee for the evening, Gwen took to the mic and held court with jokes about age, history, and the drawing of door prizes. Reunion Chairperson Lamar Hall was also in rare form as he spoke to his classmates about their legacy as Stanton Highs Classmates and how the reunion theme: “We have crossed the bay; we are crossing the Ocean; the horizon lies ahead” was a testimony to their longevity and success. On Saturday afternoon classmates met for a “Fun at noon” event for a lunch, a talent show, and more comedy! Classmates continued to network and many rode the chartered bus to be relived of driving and take advantage of the opportunity to sit and chat with classmates. As the sun set, classmates dressed for the banquet at the hotel. The banquet was a stylish affair where classmates were able to dress in elegant attire while dancing the night away. Local flutist Linda Witsell, whose sister Harriet Witsell is a 1957 graduate was the featured musical guest. On Sunday, classmates were eager to attend church service at St. Matthews Baptist Church located on Moncrief Rd. Classmates said a prayer for the 14 classmate’s that had died the past year. The classmates Blue Devil farewell and business meeting was held later in the day with a catered lunch, line dancing, a bid whist tournament and more reminiscing! The New Stanton High School class of 1957 reunion committee members F. Lamar Hall, Harriet Witsell Bowens, Charles T. Buggs, Idella Knighton Bynum, Pricilla Boston Florence, Henry Gates, Gwen Lang-Jones and Robert T. Williams will continue to meet to discuss plans for the next reunion slatted for 2017. The date and location has yet to be announced. Throughout the year classmates keep in touch and updated on classmates who are sick and shut in or who are in need of donations and support. Reunion Chairperson F. Lamar Hall, remarked, “How great it is for our classmates to come together to reminisce and express love and celebrate the many blessings we’ve had in our lives. This journey has been God’s blessing, favor, mercy and goodness as we will finish the course as New Stanton Blue Devils.” (photos KFP& Gabrielle Simington – print front page)
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