There was discussion of Coach Rives + I was reminded of the day that he said in Mississippi History class " aright git out a piece of paper and number to 10 we are going to have a final examination" Look forward to seeing everyone., Ed
Ed’s memory of Coach Rives is accurate and has prompted me to reflect on my top ten (or perhaps random ten) Prep memories:
1. Coach Rives’ Mississippi History Class – We skipped the Civil War because “that’s been done to death.”
2. The Vocabulary Club – A legitimate academic club dedicated to the advancement of vocabulary primarily through getting others to fill out your vocabulary workbook for you. We were refused a group photo in the Annual because we were “not a real club.”
3. Mechanical Drawing — Learning a trade in the seventh grade.
4. Senior Trip – No, not Panama Beach or wherever it was that the class riffraff went – but London, accompanied by (I hope I don’t leave anyone out) Ken Rhodes, Julie Boteler, Alison Swayze, Anna Bennett, Nancy Adams, Shellie Clarke.
5. Mr. Ed’s Pizza – You had to be at least 15 to buy beer.
6. The Millard Fillmore Historical Society – If you don’t know, never mind.
7. Cooper Campbell’s Pontiac — John Cox, Dale Currie and I disassembled a considerable portion of his car one part at a time each day during Activity Period. By May it would not go in reverse and could only turn left.
8. Miss Cahill’s Art Class – Made paper chains and “The Freak Show” (possibly still in existence).
9. Jackson Prep ACLU Student Chapter – Never got off the ground.
10. Field Trips — King Tut, Parchman, Evangeline, Mr. Ed’s Pizza.
I would have to add as one solid visual memory, the jock strap that hung from the gym ceiling for all six years that I was at Prep. God only knows what kept it from falling during an assembly.
Also took mechanical drawing in the 7th grade. Was terrorized by Coach Richardson thumping some 8th grader on the head with his class ring. Took it again in 8th grade, only to be a victim of Houston Vaughan's beloved paddle. Didn't pursue the trade.
David, I just received the web site info from Jim Defoe. Thanks for putting this site together. By the way, I was on the receiving end of coach Richardson's class ring head thump. It must not have been to bad, as I chose construction as my profession. Really looking forward seeing everybody next week. Excuse my typing skills, Mrs Allen's typing class didn't sink in.
Is anyone else bringing pictures to share at the party or funny keepsakes? I am getting ready to pack and wanted to know. I am bringing a dvd of movies that my mom took of football and basketball and pacer stuff. Debbie Bond Dear
Thanks again for putting this together. It is truly amazing all the memories that were buried in the depths of my mind that have been dusted off since yesterday. I hope many more are shared here.
One that stands out for me was the time that I was stupid enough to actually try to win a pie eating contest. My prize for winning was having to do it again in a "Final" against Richard "Big Daddy" Lingle. Needless to say I lost and was sick the rest of the day.
David, this is incredible! Thanks so much...and thanks to Susan and Bobby for their work as well. I'm with y'all in spirit and I look forward to seeing many of you in the fall.
I am so excited I can't even stand it......my bags are packed...my plane leaves VA after lunch tomorrow..I can't believe I will be home in Jackson at 5 pm tomorrow night! I have not been there since our 10th reunion! I can't wait to see all of you! Debbie Bond Dear
The enthusiasm IS contagious. I'm going to be in N.O., so have changed my plans to drive up to Jackson Saturday. Thanks for the great website, David, Susan and whoever else was involved in the work. (Apologies to the party-planners for the last minute rsvp!)...See you all then.
Of all the crazy junk I remember from high school (anyone else remember the Woodpeckers? Laird I know you were one) the "I love Jackson Prep" line has remained with me the most! That was quite simply a classic. My wife has taught art there for many years and I have been a chaperone at many a dance/pep rally (I know, it scares me too) and I have never heard anything quite like that speech. Wish you were coming Gray!
This has been great reading all of the responses. I'm getting to know all of you again. Can't wait to see everbody Sat. night. I agree---Debbie wins hands down! Julie---I'm glad you're changing your plans to be here.
Does anyone happen to have an old copy of Earthwinds from our senior year? As I recall there were several good entries in it from our class that I'd love to post here. For that matter, do we have any writers, poets, artists, songwriters, etc., out there now? I'm thinking of adding a page to showcase our classmates' talents. Also, if you've had an important event in your life, please submit it as an announcement.
Hi everyone! This has been such fun reading about what's been going on in your lives. I wish I could come but we are off for kayaking in Vancouver Island with our kids! I'd love to see more imput from people after the reunion and I will also update my profile! Have fun this weekend!
David ,thank you and Susan for your great work in getting this website up and running!This has been great getting to hear everyone's memories and learn what everyone has been doing.Looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion! Richard Odom
I have been looking forward to this day with much excitement.Unfortunately I have come down with something. I not only feel bad physically but my heart is broken that I am not getting to see and visit with many of my greatest friends. There are so many of you that I really wanted to visit with.
Miss you all, don't forget about me when this great group gets togethe again.
I loved seeing everyone last night! I have just figured out how to do this "Message Forum" thing (pretty sad, huh?) David and Susan worked very hard on this (OK, Bobby Dye, you too). Maybe they'd volunteer to start working on our 35th.
Tim, you were missed along with so many whose names kept coming up in conversation. One thing I kept hearing all night was "we have to do this more often." I haven't had that much fun in a long time. Bob and Beth, you guys are the greatest, and your house made it feel so much warmer than anyplace else I could imagine. Connecting with my classmates was a like a soul-boost. I'll be waxing nostalgic for a long time. Thanks to everyone who thanked me for getting this website going, but each of you have made it alive. Let's keep it going. Keep your profile updated, email people you rekindled friendships with, post announcements...and let me know how we can improve the site. DR
What a turn out! David and I woke up talking about the reunion ,who was there, who was not :-( , wishing to turn back time and experience it all over again WITH those who could not be there. We missed you! In fact, he and I are both on our computers at the same time writing posting our messages to the class. Too funny. I think we've become addicted. David said it perfectly the other day in the car riding to the Friday night gathering and I quote him, "I love people" . Kinda like "I love Jackson Prep". I believe it. I must love people too, because taking photgraphs fit into my personal goal to speak to every classmate there. Even though I know I did not reach that goal, I still had a great time seeing all of you catching up with your friends. Looking throught the camera lens gave me the fantastic opportunity to capture this event. Forgive me if I seemed to butt in, but I'm glad I did,and you will be too, especially when viewing the pics. So send those memorable photos ,now! Thank you to all those who attended the party, as well as to those who could not, yet got on the website to let us know what's up. Both combined made the best Reunion our class has had. Kudos to everyone!
Ditto to Susan- It exceeded my expectations, and I expected to have a great time! I love how no one really has changed at all except for failing eyesight and a little less hair (or thinning hair)! I wish we could do it again, too! Thanks so much to all who helped pull it off!
Thanks, Bob and Beth, for sharing your home with us. Anna and I much enjoyed seeing everyone who was there, and we missed many who didn't make it. Maybe another time... David and Susan, your work really enhanced the experience. I loved reading up on everyone's profiles. Safe travels for all who are headed back out of town today and we genuinely look forward to the next time.
