Recently, the Rock Hill High School Class of 1963 was reunited as they celebrated their 50th class reunion. The three-day event occurred on the former stomping ground of our youth.

Events included a Friday meet-and-mingle social that was hosted by a classmate, a Saturday banquet dinner and a Sunday picnic.

Much of the area has changed but still lives on in the memory of our glory days. Some places remain, under new management, others no longer exist, while some places became new memory makers.

Overall, it was a grand weekend for fellowship and renewing acquaintances. Another RHHS graduate, Wally Christian, provided musical entertainment for our reunion during the weekend.

The Knights of Columbus were major players in the success of our reunion. Their facilities provided the setting for our Saturday banquet dinner.

The volunteers of the organization are an outstanding group of individuals who excel in cooperation and assistance that assured the success of our evening. The facilities are first-rate, modern, private, handicapped accessible and the cornucopia serving of tasteful food was excellent.

Our decorating committee transformed the hall into an elegant setting for the evening with a magnificent display of floral and color coordination, seating arrangements and memorabilia displays for attendees.

It was gratifying to be able to offer my classmates such a local setting for our memorable event.

Our class also wishes to thank another local entity, the Village of Coal Grove, for providing the Paul Porter Park facilities for public use.

Thankfully, we did not need the more than adequate shelter house as we had a rain-free afternoon picnic and cookout. The nearby hilltop parking was appreciated by those needing special assistance.

We were also able to display our reunion banner on the shelter house and made some new acquaintances during the day. The park was well kept and very presentable for our use, a fact that we respected as we departed with our rubbish in tow.

Our reunion came to a close as out-of-towners departed the area with a new vision and some happy memories of their home town. Time brings change.

Many of the places we recall from our youth may be gone, but some of their replacements offer great memory making, also. For those who attended, I say “thank you.”

For those unable to attend, you missed a great reunion.

Viola Adkins Thomas

Chairman 1963 RHHS

50th Class Reunion