The Atlanta High School class of 1971 celebrated their 35th class reunion the weekend of July 7. Beginning on Friday night 35 members and guests enjoyed fellowship and delicious fish dinners at Spruell's Restaurant in Doddridge, AR. Laughter and joy was the theme of the evening as old and new friends enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere at Spruell's.
The reunion continued on Saturday night as class members along with spouses and friends met at the Indian Hills Country Club for dinner, a program, and dancing to the old and new music sounds provided by Donnie and Amber Hunt. 45 classmates along with approximately 30 guests enjoyed an evening of much laughter and the renewing of old friendships. Class president Bill Dupree and class Secretary Debbie Vaughan Henson chaired the delightful and entertaining program. The class viewed a composite video of their high school days plus the 10th, 20th, and 30th reunions. This video was made possible by the talents of Debbie Vaughan Henson and her husband Bill Henson. Debbie announced that they will add footage of the 35th reunion to this video. Following the video the group shared their vote for most changed, least changed, most unusual job, etc. Many attended the class reunion for the very first time. Several classmates attending this year's reunion traveled from as far away as Washington, D.C. and Las Vegas, Nevada.
There were also several "celebrity" guests attending the reunion. Among them were former Head football coach George Jackson and his wife. Also attending were former assistant football coach, head track coach, and Advanced Math teacher Roger Sessions. On behalf of the Atlanta Grade School Friends, Coach Jackson presented the details of the fund raising effort to restore this former Atlanta educational building. Following the presentation the class voted unanimously to donate the remaining funds for the reunion to the fund raising effort for Atlanta Miller Grade School. Everyone attending the festivities agreed that the 35th reunion was the very best reunion ever for the Atlanta High School class of 1971.
As agreed at the 30th reunion the class plans to have a reunion every 5 years. True to the spirit of the entire class it was a night to remember and cherish.
