From Maggie DiGiovanni
Special to the Elmore Autauga News
The ECHS Class of ’65 celebrated its 60th Reunion on Friday, May 30th at Coach’s Corner in Wetumpka, Alabama.
Arriving early, Mary Emma Pannell Holt and husband Ron, Charles Farrow, Kitty Durham Graham, and Larry Nelson with his lovely wife, Mia, put the final touches on the room. Larry and Mia set up a net, floral and vine background for pictures, while the others set up special use tables.
One table paid homage to those classmates who passed away. Another held name tags for the attendees and cards for classmates who could not attend due to illness. Everyone tried to send encouraging messages while signing the cards.
As others arrived, hugs and handshakes brought old friends, many of whom do not see each other often, back together. The room quickly settled into people catching up on lives, maybe a tall tale or two, and promises to visit more often.
With ease, people settled at dining tables with past friends, continuing to talk while waiters and waitresses waited patiently for dinner orders to be given.
The photographers called for various groups to have their pictures taken. The ladies, then the gentlemen smiled and said ‘cheese’ as their turns arrived. Next, couples, lifelong friends, or singles vied for their turns in front of the camera they hoped would prove forgiving as it clicked multiple times.
The beauty of a 60th reunion is finding that over the years, people who were not fast friends during school have moved closer over the years. They find more in common, more to celebrate and a curious joy in spending even a couple of hours together.
