Beech Tree News Network

Saturday, September 8th was the Rochester school reunion in which all graduating years were recognized and accounted for. In all, approximately 30 were in attendance. The reunion was held at the Rochester Community Building. The final graduating class was 1953 and included June Lee, now June Lee Pendley, who resides in Morgantown.  Lewis Givens, from Jacksonville, Florida, and his sister Alvenia Fuller ( ’46) were among those in attendance.  Coleen Turner, ( ’48), spearheaded the event. 

Graduating classes that were represented were 1946, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1952 and 1953.  There was an “in memory” book to commemorate those who have gone on to be with the Lord.  Those were L. H. Harper (10-15-11), Harold John Harrison (12-29-11), Faye Wester Bolen (2-10-12), Billie Joe Peay (3-19-12), Stella Harrison Mefford (3-28-12), Louie Moore(5-18-12) and Bro. Joe Bunch(7-6-12).
When asked whether she enjoyed her time at Rochester school, Colleen Turner commented “Yes, I did, my senior year was best year of all."

 
Later there were door prizes and recognition.  There was one present from the 1952 class.  Three in attendance were 84 years-old.  Lewis Givens travelled the farthest to the reunion (Jacksonville, Fl.).  Melba Holman was the winner of the door prize.  Since the anniversary of 9/11 is this week, attendants shared their memories of that fateful day: where they were, what they were doing.  I even shared my own memory of that day, as it coincided with Colleen Turner’s, who was caring for my late great grandmother at the time.

Of course there was food.  Can’t have a party without food, can you? Sandwiches, pies, fruit, etc. were all spread out for reunion goers to enjoy. 
Several historical facts of 1952 were read (actually it was a guessing game), including the president which was Harry S. Truman, the New York Yankees were World Series Champions, the Detroit Lions were Champions of the NFL, the Minneapolis Lakers were the NBA Champions, Kansas won the NCAA basketball championship and Les Pauk started selling his classic electric guitar.

Story by Andy Sullivan, Beech Tree News/WLBQ1570AM