We’re as Great as Great Can Be…

Yeah, the class slogan for my Pascagoula High School Class of 1966 was “We’re as great as great can be, the Seniors of ’66 are we.” Pretty corny I’ll admit, but it did—and still does—kind of speak to the feeling my classmates and I had/have about each other. That sentiment continued to be evident as we gathered in Pascagoula last week for our 60^th class reunion.

A few of the guys kicked things off on Thursday, June 4, with an informal get-together at Czak’s on Krebs Avenue. Folks came from as far away as Naples, Florida (Charles Atwood) or as close as a couple of blocks (Don McKee).There was a lot of grey hair/lack of hair, and a bunch of “say that again, couldn’t hear you”, but we had a heck of a time renewing acquaintances and getting the weekend started.

On Friday night, class members descended upon Hal and Mary Walker’s place overlooking the West Pascagoula River. Hal has been a gracious host to his classmates several times over the years, which is much appreciated. A cool breeze blew in from the river as we enjoyed boiled shrimp, Taye’s Barbeque, and each other’s company. Later that evening, a crew of us repaired to the Hancock Bar on the top of the City Centre (spectacular view) to continue the conversation and watch the end of the Ole Miss-Auburn Super Regional baseball game.

All the above set the stage for the signature event on Saturday night. Before I discuss that one, let me give you a little history.

The Pascagoula High School Class of 1966 has had eleven formal reunions. Our first on was a five-year deal in 1971at the now dearly departed Cotita’s Restaurant on North market Street. Since then, we’ve gone with a 10-year, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and now 60^th. Venues have included the KC Hall, Scranton’s, Pascagoula Country Club, The Old Place, Hal Walker’s, the Point, and the Grand Magnolia Ballroom. Yeah, the Point (for the uninitiated, this is the tip of land at the far west end of the beach in Pascagoula where couples used to go at night to discuss World History or Senior English): for one Friday night event some years ago, we shipped in chili cheeseburgers from Edd’s, brought ice chests, and pretty much set up a giant tailgate. As Peggy Pittman Ely, our hard working reunion guru says, “We can have fun in a parking lot”.

In addition to the scheduled reunions referenced above, we began a few years back to have birthday parties for when most class members would turn a certain milestone age, the latest, for instance, being 75. This was another brainchild of Peggy’s, and we do them every five years. No fanfare, and smaller attendances, but still a nice touch.

We also have monthly luncheons locally, several groups do regular ZOOM calls, and there are other random get-togethers. All that—the last few paragraphs—to say this: you only gather when you want to, and the Class of ’66 obviously wants to stay in touch and be with each other. Informal research indicates that we as a class have more events than the average high school class.

So, Saturday night’s soiree at the Grand Magnolia was a fitting culmination to the nicely long weekend. A packed house enjoyed a program both fun and reflective. As I stood on the stage doing the best I could as MC, I was looking out over a crowd awash on smiles, nostalgia, and happiness. 

We did an in memoriam for the 116 members we have lost (our class numbered 296). We also recognized the service of our veterans. 

Then, we told stories: class members were given the opportunities to stand and grace us with a remembrance of their time at PHS, and that was touching and enjoyable—and educational. I did not know that Johnny Rednour, when driving his VW microbus to Dauphin Island, had drafted behind eighteen wheelers, or that star defensive lineman Jimmy Bishop had been temporarily kicked off the football team for mooning a car full of coaches from the back window of the team bus. Important information to know.

All the comments were heartfelt and good to hear. We ended the night by having former Choraliers lead us in singing the PHS fight song and alma mater, followed by a touching champagne toast led by Vivian Walker Dailey. Just a wonderful evening all around.

Afterwards, several of us met up at a downtown tavern to rehash the weekend, culminated by a séance to remember those who have gone before us. Don’t ask, but it was nice.

I am quite sure that many of you readers also have excellent and fun class reunions. I’m also sure that I waxed a bit poetic about our class’s recent weekend. I do believe that the Pascagoula High School Class of 1966 is particularly close-knit, and I am proud of that. So, God willing, it’s on to our 80^th birthday party (2028) and our 65^th reunion (2031). As the last line of the alma mater says, “True to you to the end, Dear P-H-S”.