Contributed article by Sherry Barnes
On Saturday evening July 24th, the Hartford Alumni Association hosted an all-school reunion at The Gathering Place near Greenwood owned by Hartford Alumnus and 1970 graduate Ricki Schoen. We were unable to meet last year due to COVID restrictions. As it would have been the year for the Class of 1970 to serve as the host class, this year the classes of both 1970 and 1971 were recognized.
We enjoyed a casual evening with a delicious light meal also catered by Ricki Schoen. Names were drawn for door prizes. Alumnus Dr. Angie Walker Wiggins donated a handmade quilt, of which we will be taking donations at $5 a ticket. The winning name will be drawn at the December Alumni Committee meeting.
Our traditional Memorial Table contained pictures of 1970 and 1971 members who were deceased and a picture of Leon Burrows, who has been loved by numerous alumni down through the years and will forever be in our hearts. 1970 and 1971 members who have passed include Helen Cothran, Virgil Faires, Linda Farrar, Terry Frasher, Beverley Heavener, Cheryl Newquest, Jimmy Newquest, Mike Maner, and Ricky Morrison.
It was requested that we set up the presentation boards created by the Class of 1969 containing Hartford Alumni who served in the military. We can use them each year and would love to add any names that people may send us. We have 22 boards so far. Just send us a military picture, the person’s name, branch, and graduation year, and if they didn’t graduate just give the years they attended.
There were approximately 45 in attendance at the reunion and we hope more will join us in the future!  More had made reservations, but the very recent resurgence of COVID cut the numbers back at literally the last minute.  Those who attended enjoyed a fun, casual evening getting to see old friends and maybe made some new ones.  We enjoyed reminiscing about old times and happy school memories and getting to catch up with current events in friends’ lives.   Friends are the people in life that make you laugh a little louder, smile a little brighter, and live a little better. Thank God for good friends!
Not pictured: Gerald Pirpich, Charley Bishop, Tom Shankle, Barbara Sharp and her daughter Janet.
