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Class of '56 holds anniversary celebration The cold, quiet, stillness of the Tignall High School lunchroom came alive with laughter as students of the 1956 graduating class gathered there Friday for last minute preparations for their 50th anniversary celebration. The special event was to be held on Saturday, September 16, at 3 p.m. Those working like little beavers behind the scenes were Nikki Evans Ahlf, Zan and Margie Bunch, Olivia Rhodes Norman, Thomas and Gladys Roth, and Elizabeth Fendley Williford. We were fortunate to have Laverne Baird as a volunteer helper. The tables were decorated with red tablecloths with white plates and napkins, Tignall's colors. Gladys Myers Roth brought zinnias in assorted colors from her garden. A vase of zinnias was placed on each table to make it more festive. In one corner of the room was a special table decorated with blue and silver, our class colors. A couple of statues of Indians were placed there as symbolized on our class rings. Pictures were placed on the table with banners on the wall in honor of Coach Thomas Bunch and Mr. Dan New, our principal. Pictures of Floyd Fendley, Jimmy Thornton, and Mrs. Frances Duke were used with a banner on the wall in memory of our deceased. When the working crew was satisfied with their efforts, they departed to go their separate ways home to anticipate the next day. Saturday they would gather there once again with all their classmates for their 50th graduation anniversary celebration. The socializing started at 3 p.m. with coffee, lemonade, and finger foods made by the students. All were happy and excited to see Denny Hinton, his lovely wife Ruth, and his son Sidney. After making the rounds, visiting and talking of old times and new, our program started at 4:45 with Charles Heard giving the welcome address. He spoke on "What We've Left Behind." The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Nikki Evans Ahlf with a volunteer to hold the flag, Sidney, the son of Denny Hinton. Both were dressed for the occasion with red, white, and blue. The Alma Mater was led by Nikki Ahlf who also read "Miss Me But Let Me Go," in memory of Mrs. Frances Duke. Olivia Rhodes Norman was prepared to welcome our teachers, but unfortunately none were able to attend. She proceeded with "In Memory of Our Deceased," with a moment of silence. Gladys Myers Roth started in alphabetical order with comments from our classmates. Most spoke of their trials and tribulations, giving credit to our Creator, the presence of God in their lives. She called on Nikki Evans Ahlf, Nikki stood and recited William Shakespeare's "When In Disgrace," in memory of Mrs. Duke. At 6 p.m., Alden Roberson gave thanks for the food and all enjoyed a barbecued chicken dinner with all the trimmings with a large choice of desserts. After everyone was stuffed, the visitation started all over again. Those who attended were Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Adams, Nikki Evans Ahlf, Laverne Baird, Mr. and Mrs. Zan Bunch, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Heard, Mr. and Mrs. Denny Hinton and their son Sidney, Mr. and Mrs. Dale Long, Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Myers, Mr. and Mrs. Pelham Norman, Mr. and Mrs. Alden Roberson, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Roberson, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Roth, Mr. and Mrs. Morgan Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Billy Truitt, and Elizabeth Fendley Williford. We all had a beautiful day, no one was ready to go. It had been a long time since we all had been together. Most of us had not seen Denny Hinton since our graduation. There were many smiles and much laughter. Dusk found a few of us lagging behind, still talking and laughing. We didn't want a minute of the day to go unnoticed, but once again the time had come for us to go our separate ways and get on with our lives.
Thank you, graduates of 1956, for all your efforts to make our 50th graduation anniversary celebration a memorable occasion and a huge success.
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