Kyle Lovern | Williamson Daily News

Several Chattaroy High School graduates are shown dancing this past Saturday during their all-class reunion held at the Belfry Fire Department. About 200 former graduates came in for the 3-day event. This is one of the most successful, long-running local high school reunions in the area.

slideshow

Staff Report

Graduates of Chattaroy High School held their all-class reunion this past weekend.

Former residents came from as far away as California, Florida, Ohio, Indiana, New Mexico, as well as local residents, who gathered to take part in this three-day event.

The first graduating class was in 1925, the last was 1962. The 1962 class had a good turn-out, as it was their 50 year reunion.

After the class of 1962 graduated, the school was consolidated with Williamson High, yet remained a middle and elementary school for several years. The building was later demolished, along with the gymnasium, but the memories of happy school days remain for the Chattaroy alumni.

The reunion, which is celebrated every two years, was held at the Belfry Volunteer Fire Department. About 200 grads and their guests attended the reunion.

On Friday evening, the reunion committee held registration. Grads socialized and enjoyed refreshments and greeted old friends. Stories from years past were shared.

Then on Saturday, the Yellowjacket faithful, had a nice dinner catered by Food City. Then they danced the night away with plenty of oldies, with music provided by local DJ Kyle Lovern. The grads enjoyed plenty of jitter-bugging, waltzes and line dances. Group pictures of the graduating classes were also taken by Lovern.

On Sunday morning there was a continental breakfast, followed by a memorial and church service at 10:00 a.m. Roger Campbell served as the master of ceremonies and gave the welcome and invocation. CHS grads Billy Curry and Don Davis sang solo, while two graduates Eddie Watson and Larry Maynard, both of whom are now in the ministry, gave short sermons.

The memorial table was set up, honoring those who have passed away, but will be forever remembered in the hearts of their former classmates and neighbors. Hubert Little conducted this part of the session.

Frank Smith gave the benediction, before many of the former graduates hit the road for their trips back to their current residents. But, as many of them will tell you, Chattaroy is still home.