by Virginia Sollie Gellerstedt

When the Class of 1969 graduated from Carroll High School, class members had no idea how the cultural events which soon followed would impact our lives. Within months of commencement, man walked on the moon, the original Woodstock took place, and young men faced the draft lottery for the Viet Nam War. On the eve of the turbulent 70's, Carroll High School graduated 246 young men and women to face the world.

With 30 years of living since high school, many of CHS’s 1969 graduates gathered to celebrate the friendships that helped shape our youth. On August 13 and 14, around 78 former classmates assembled at the Panther Creek Country Club for our 30th anniversary reunion.

The relaxed weekend was organized by a committee of classmates living in the Ozark area. Frank Garrett chaired the committee, as he graciously and capably did for the previous two reunions. Red and white decorations reminiscent of high school dances were coordinated by Bebe Garrett.

Recognizing classmates was made easier because only 1969 graduates were invited on Friday night. We knew the people there were in our class -- whether we recognized them of not! The mysterious guest in the pink bunny costume (Bennett Shuman) was the star of the evening. Light hors d’oeuvres and recorded music provided a great background for the happy occasion.

On Saturday night, some classmates brought their spouses, heavier hors d’oeuvres were available, and music was provided by a live band. Garrett emceed a program recalling many high school events, memories, and teachers; special tribute was paid to classmates who have passed away.

A lighthearted program centering on high school clubs and recognitions was presented by Cindy Williams Lanier with help from Linda Sheffield Bolton. Southern Star Publisher Joe Adams joined in the festivities as he recalled the great success of our football team.

A special point in the evening was when everyone who had attended Ozark City Schools for all 12 years was asked to stand together. Another highlight was when Class President Dexter Wood spoke eloquently about the benefits of the diversity in our class, especially the world perspective added by students who joined the class because their parents were stationed at Ft. Rucker. Also, our class’s freshman year, 1965-66, was the first year of integration at CHS.

During the evening, Howard Johnson was voted "least changed," Eddie Akridge (with his white hair and beard) was voted "most changed," Sharon Saunders Bryan has the most children, Susan Snellgrove Paramore has the most grandchildren, and Wilmer "Buddy" Parker, III, has the youngest child. Elizabeth Littleton Walker earned recognition for traveling the furtherest distance for the reunion; she lives in Naples, Italy.

On behalf of all the classmates living outside of Dale County, I’d like to express appreciation to those who worked to locate graduates and to coordinate the reunion. We appreciate all the classmates who have remained in or returned to Ozark to help develop and improve our hometown.

It was fun to learn about the education, military service, work, marriage(s), children, and even grandchildren that have been part of the last 30 years. We take pride in the triumphs of classmates and we grieve the disappointments and losses most have experienced in the course of life. Now more than ever, we understand that each of us is part of the "whole of us." No matter what major events we face in the future, we will always have a special bond as the CHS Class of ‘69.