Sarepta Celebration of Friends is an organization that is open to all former Hornet students, administrators, staff, bus drivers, and all that were ever affiliated with Sarepta High School. On October 4, the newly refreshed Sarepta Community Center was filled with over one hundred voices sharing joyful moments of the past, heartfelt conversations and lasting memories.
Harold Dean, one of the original organizers, greeted everyone. “Coach” Ken Ivy, told entertaining past stories. Both men graduated in 1956. In a moment of silence, Betty Coile Shows, class of 1966, read the list of names of those that had died since last October. Renee Andrews McClusky, class of 1974, gave an informative talk on Sarepta history.
Delores (Tope) Colvin, class of 1951, was the oldest student and oldest teacher present. Other former teachers mingling with this crowd were “Coach” Jerry Lott, Truvesta Johnson, and Janice Carpenter Taylor. Peggy Carraway Adkins, class of 1960, served twenty (20) years as school secretary, and, as Mayor of Sarepta, explained that all the graduation pictures that once hung on the walls will now be displayed on metal circular freestanding racks.
The oldest “Room Mother,” at one hundred and one (101) years old, was Eileen Thomas. Mrs. Thomas served the class of 1960 throughout all their years. Eva Joy Foster Moore (class of 1967) and husband Travis from Colorado and Kathy McClary Wooley (class of 1968) and husband Mike from Florida shared the distinction of traveling the farthest.
Sarepta native Josh Branton had an accident when he was younger that limited his mobility. He now has a wheelchair accessible transportation van. Josh needs funds for the upkeep of this vehicle and this organization helps to provide for these additional expenses. There is a Hornet Fund set up with Carter Credit Union for this purpose. At each annual meeting, which takes place on the first Saturday in October, donations are made and can be made throughout the year. Any support in this endeavor is greatly appreciated.
