A beautiful, perfect day and
244 + happy people could be seen at Ackerman
High School Saturday, April 29, 2000.
Alumni from 13 states made
special efforts to attend the reunion. Happy
faces from Arkansas, Alabama, California,
Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio,
Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and - of
course - Mississippi said they would not miss
this reunion for anything.
Registration began at 1 PM
with Alumni President Carlton "Bo"
Reid calling the meeting to order at 2 PM and
opening with prayer given by Rev. Curtis Guess.
Recognition was given to
member traveling greatest distance and for the
second year in a row Parhnell Prewitt of Coas
Bay, Oregon, traveling over 2500 miles received
the award. Eldest member present was recognized
as Banks Weaver of Ackerman and Mrs. Ella
Staples was eldest lady present.
Attendance for the day was 244
people with 180 alumni registering and 64
spouse, guest and teachers. As registered; Out
of state - 62, Ackerman - 81, Mississippi - 101,
and out of town - 163.
Door prizes donated by
Ackerman merchants were drawn at this time.
Financial report was submitted
by Treasurer Sylvia Moreland and all collections
and expenditures were accounted for.
Expenditures items were given; postage,
envelopes, paper, labels, janitor and plaque.
Balance on hand 4-29-00 is $502.20.
Bo recognized the different
classes that were having their reunion on this
date also; Class of 1940 - Lake Tiak-O-Khata,
Class of 1944 - Lake Tiak-O-Khata, Class of 1948
- AHS library, Class of 1949 - Bobby and Mary
Lou Cooper, Class of 1950 - Lyndal Chambers,
Class of 1951 - Marion Kelley, Class of 1954 -
Candlewick Inn.
Bo then recognized Patty
Draper of Choctaw County Extension Service.
Patty told of the County Dawg Days of Summer
Festival to be held August 11 and 12 and
encouraged all to attend. The group was asked to
share items of display dating back to the 1970's
and do not miss this yearly fun event held down
town Ackerman.
Choctaw County Genealogy Web
site information was made available by Johnnie
Bouch of West Milton, Ohio. Johnnie, a native of
Ackerman, wanted to encourage Choctaw Countians
to know what's available on line and log on
website and discover your roots. Information
will also be placed in the Choctaw County
Library.
An overview of development in
Choctaw County was made by Bo Reid. He discussed
the market for flyash generated at the Red Hill
site. Land restoration to land owners,
development plan over 5 year period of 1 billion
dollars invested in Choctaw County and of new
companies locating in this county. Bo discussed
industrial tour by school bus to lignite plant,
also tour of school complex under construction,
which has been arranged for those interested
after the meeting adjourns.
At this time the business of
electing officers for 2000 was opened by
outgoing President Bo Reid. Bo reported that
Vice President Marion Kelley consented to
stepping up to President. There being no other
motion from the floor, Marion Kelley was elected
President for 2001. Felt Montgomery was
nominated by Mary Jo and Bobby Black nominated
by Clarence Jackson to Vice President. A count
was taken of alumni voting and Bobby Black was
elected Vice President for 2001. Nominations
opened for Secretary - Treasurer and there was a
unanimous decision to re-elect Sylvia Moreland
for another year.
Officers for 2001: Marion
Kelley, President; Bobby Black - Vice President;
and Sylvia Moreland - Secretary - Treasurer.
Bo's closing remarks were made
and at this time he asked the group to consider
or think about how the funds should be spent
from alumni donations. The question was raised
if the alumni would be interested in securing a
trophy case to be placed in the new complex with
an engraved plate recognizing Ackerman alumni.
Alumni were then encouraged to think about
additional projects and mail their suggestions
in.
At this time podium was turned
over to Marion Kelley. Marion discussed plans
for the 2001 alumni meeting to be held in the
new complex. Floor opened for discussion.
Majority was not in favor of entertainment
program. Discussion was opened for refreshments
to be available with drinks and finger foods by
Fredna Dent. There were no volunteers for
chairman of this project. Majorie K. Anderson
moved we have soft drinks only. Clyde Thomas
McGee gave second and motion carried. School
Principal Ronnie Ware stated he would have
drinks and cookies on hand for this occasion
next year.
There being no other business
Marion asked for motion of adjournment. Motion
to adjourn as made by Clarence Jackson to
adjourn at 3:15 for tours and visiting.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sylvia P. Moreland
Secretary/Treasurer
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