On Saturday, May 26, Wesley Ray High School’s Class of 1968 celebrated its 50th class reunion at Wesley Ray Elementary in Angie.

Its theme was “Blessed Remnants of the Class of 1968.” The Planning Committee members selected this theme, as 12 or more students of a class of 42 have made the transition. However, three-fourths of the students are alive, and these individuals feel especially blessed because they are still here. These individuals have been very successful, as their careers span from farmers, businessmen, engineers and educators, to public/private sector generalists and specialists.

The Planning Committee members Huey Bickham, Lovell Galloway, Brenda Jones, Carolyn Lewis, co-chair, David Lewis, chaplain, Mitchell Magee, Eva Morris, Annie Moses, co-chair, Vertress Moses, treasurer, Clemiel Peters, Robert Peters, secretary, Mae Ratliff, Clifton Roberts, Leroy Spikes and Louana Spikes planned and developed a variety of activities that were designed to celebrate 50 years of life after high school.

These activities included the following: a memorial recognizing those classmates who had gone on to be with the Lord; a recognition of former teachers; a poem written by Annie Moses; a hodgepodge of fun activities by Mae Ratliff, Lubertha Peters and Carolyn Lewis; a keynote address by Robert Peters that reflected on the theme.

The event lasted from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. The Masters of Ceremony were Charles Jones (the valedictorian) and David Lewis. Former teachers in attendance were Mrs. Glory Banks-Davis, English/speech teacher, Mrs. Louella Jackson, elementary teacher, and Mrs. Ora D. Mondy-Pittman, elementary teacher.

After a renewal of old acquaintances and the exchange of pleasantries, the meeting began with the reading of the Scriptures and a prayer by the Deacons. The spirit of togetherness and the esprit de corps that were evident among the classmates and their families were absolutely amazing and breath-taking. However, one of the most interesting and riveting aspects of the reunion was the sharing of individual life stories of events during the last 50 years.

These classmates attended the celebration: Huey Lee Bickham, Johnny Foster, Lovell Galloway, Brenda Pittman-Jones, Charles Edward Jones, Joseph Holmes, Carolyn Jefferson-Lewis, David Lewis, William Lewis, Mitchell Magee, Eva Morris, Annie Moses, Vertress Moses, Evelyn Owens, Clemiel Peters, Lubertha Nichols-Peters, Robert Lee Peters, Mae Ratliff, Louana Pigott-Spikes, Leroy Spikes, Clifton Roberts, Linell Roberts, Larry Rogers and Essie Mae Wade.

We extend a special thanks to Joe L. Lewis, an adopted class member, for his assistance and expertise.

The celebration concluded with the singing of the school’s anthem:

Wesley Ray dear Wesley Ray

Honor to thee now we pay,

All we do and all we say,

Give glory to thee Wesley Ray.

Wesley Ray, maroon and gold

Ever will we uphold.

Our for thee unfold,

Wesley Ray, dear Wesley Ray!