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On Saturday, April 28, 2007, 177 former students, teachers, coaches and friends of Ackerman School gathered at the Ty Cobb Complex for a time of renewing friendships and reconnecting with the current needs and goals of the School.
Alumni returned to the AHS campus from 9 different states; Mississippi, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas, California, Alabama, Florida and Georgia. The alumni members traveling the greatest distance were all from California: Marlon Vanlandingham Ogden (57) from Sacramento; Jim Covington (53) from Santa Rosa; and John W. Cockrell (47) from Fontana.
The class with the highest attendance this year was the class of 1957 with 23 members present. The class of 1953 came in a close second place with 19 members present.
The eldest man was, of course, Banks Weaver from the class of 1928 who stood and announced that he was 98 years old. The eldest lady in attendance was Mrs. Louise Staples of the class of 1931 with a close second going to Mrs. Ella Bright Staples of the class of 1932.
Former students, teachers, coaches, administrators and friends were welcomed by AHS 1969 graduate and Reunion president Buddy Smith who also offered the invocation.
The Ackerman School Reunion group enjoyed a beautiful instrumental rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by AHS Band member and senior Aaron Suber followed by posting of the colors by the the Weblos Scouts Pack 41. The Weblos are under the able direction of Charles and Betsy Oswalt and the color guard consists of; Tyler Cagle, Drew Huffman, Chay Oswalt and Kent Vaughn.
Ackerman High School Principal Rhonda Huffman welcomed alumni to campus and thanked them for their continued interest and involvement in the school. AHS Band Booster President Glenda Smith shared about a cookbook project which is underway to raise funds for new band instruments.
AHS Choral Director Ricki Prewitt addressed the alumni with a glowing report of continuing success of the choral music department followed by a selection of two beautiful performances by the Girls Sextet.
Miss Martha Ward, former 6th
grade and Jr. High English teacher from 1948-55,
surprised our reunion group with the gift of
school pictures from her teaching era. The
pictures were spread on a table after the
reunion and stirred much interest and fun. The Ackerman School Reunion group voted to establish an annual scholarship to be awarded a student based on criterion to be studied by the officers and steering committee and a recommended made to the group next year for discussion and adoption. Following the vote to establish the scholarship, a total of $300.00 was donated in the form of honorariums and memorials to start the fund. One meaningful way to honor or remember your Ackerman School classmate, teacher, administrator or coach is through a donation to the Ackerman School Reunion Fund in memory or honor of that person. We will gladly send an acknowledgement of your gift (if desired) when we are provided with contact information. In addition, we will post this information on the Ackerman Reunion Website if desired. Our treasurer, Mrs. Drexell McClure (48), will gladly assist you with memorials/honorariums and can be contacted at 2540 Bywy Rd., Ackerman, MS, 39735.
Officers of the coming year were confirmed by the Reunion Group: Bruce Erwin – President; Hazel Garrett – Vice President; and Drexell McClure – Secretary/Treasurer. The Reunion Group elected three members to serve on the Executive Steering Committee: Rhodena Lang – 2008; Jack Bowie – 2009; and Barbara Nelson - 2010. Our outgoing Secretary/Treasurer Ruth Nowlin and her husband, Joel, were given a rousing applause for their selfless service to the group. We offer a special thanks to Joyce Vaughn who did splendid work as our reunion photographer this year. The Ackerman School Reunion group would like to acknowledge the outstanding backing of The Choctaw Plaindealer and The Choctaw Chronicle in support of our annual reunion event. Reunion president Bruce Erwin announced the next Ackerman School Reunion date of April 26, 2008 as the crowd was wished God’s blessings until we meet again.
Teachers and Coaches in attendance:
Roll call of class and number present:
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