Wilmington Class of ‘82 reunites

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The Wilmington High School Class of 1982 celebrated the 35th anniversary of their graduation on Saturday, May 20 with lunch and buffet dinner events at McCoy’s Catering on Gurneyville Road in Wilmington.

The hall was decorated with an orange and black banner, with table favors of our class members’ picture embossed around a vase with a candle inside. Flowers also adorned the tables; table decorations were by Shelley Connors Williamson of Wilmington.

A military display with all the flags including red, white and blue lights were by Larry Bender of Clarksville.

Our memorial table adorned 18 deceased class members. Brenda Hayslip Cox had each candle lit as their names were read. She had yellow roses and each name and date of death on placards.

Mr. and Mrs. Larry Bender of Clarksville made an orange and black picture frame. Many enjoyed getting their pictures together. Both decorated the mantel with lighted numbers 82 and orange and black decorations. Larry also displayed his cap and gown that he can still wear.

Mr. Terry Hatfield provided music for our evening inside and outside the facility.

Twenty class members and a few spouses attended the luncheon. More than 60 classmates and guests attended the dinner.

Special guest Steven Haines of Wilmington, who was also our teacher, shared information about the WHS Foundation and the good work being done through philanthropic support of our schools.

Mr. and Mrs. Art Roberts of Wilmington were also guests, He spoke to the class about personal connections to the Class of 1982. We were honored with the presence of Mr. and Mrs. Rodger Sprague of Wilmington.

The Pledge of Allegiance was followed by introducing our 22 military members. Some are already retired.

We also honored our deceased members.

We found that Linda Foster Ruhl came from Fort Myers, Florida. James Rose of Wilmington changed the most. And Lynn Brooks Mason of Mason hasn’t changed at all. Linda Foster Ruhl also has the most grandchildren. Kim Washington has the oldest child. Doug Young has the youngest children (twins).

Prior to the events, many were given a tour of Wilmington High School by Mindy McCarty-Stewart. We felt like kids again having brought back so many memories.

We then decorated McCoy’s hall and concluded with a stop at McD’s Pub, which was one of the favorites growing up in Wilmington.

Throughout the reunion many came and went. We have a videotape to purchase of the weekend events. Please contact Judy Holmes Hatfield if you would like one.

From left are: front, Dayna Whitley-Kocher, Kim Webb Goodwin, Valdez Matthews, Debbie Harp Bryant, Lynn Brooks Manos, Linda Foster Ruhl, Sara Wildoner Maus, Jay Carey, Judy Holmes Hatfield, and Dave Sollars; second row, Scott Holmes, Yolonda Branham Lewis, Dani Johnson Carruthers, Teresa Holland Earley, Stephanie Schmid Massling, Sandie Stryker Wingo, Lisa Warehime, Ann Faircloth, Cindy Moore Bowman, Colleen Lewis Smith and Bob Maher; third row, Dan McCarty, Larry Bender, Doug Young, Sonya Collins Kranbuhl, Ned Thompson, Shelley Connors Williamson, Jim Rose, Paula Guzzi Walker, Kim Kelleher Thomas, Sherry Storer, Sharon Schoefield Sams, and Kim Harris Washington.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/06/web1_whs-82.jpgFrom left are: front, Dayna Whitley-Kocher, Kim Webb Goodwin, Valdez Matthews, Debbie Harp Bryant, Lynn Brooks Manos, Linda Foster Ruhl, Sara Wildoner Maus, Jay Carey, Judy Holmes Hatfield, and Dave Sollars; second row, Scott Holmes, Yolonda Branham Lewis, Dani Johnson Carruthers, Teresa Holland Earley, Stephanie Schmid Massling, Sandie Stryker Wingo, Lisa Warehime, Ann Faircloth, Cindy Moore Bowman, Colleen Lewis Smith and Bob Maher; third row, Dan McCarty, Larry Bender, Doug Young, Sonya Collins Kranbuhl, Ned Thompson, Shelley Connors Williamson, Jim Rose, Paula Guzzi Walker, Kim Kelleher Thomas, Sherry Storer, Sharon Schoefield Sams, and Kim Harris Washington. Courtesy photo

By Cindy Moore Bowman

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