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BSHS REUNION REPORTS
Getting these reports together was a joint effort between the authors of the individual report, identified below, Daury Cockrell (now Daury Cockrell Booth since she married Ron Booth last winter), Donnie Mabe Rupp (1958) and Lane Bond (1952). Daury started just after the reunion last year gathering reports. During 2010 she found she has cancer, and is still in Houston as of this writing getting her medications straight. She reports that she is doing fine, but she is not at home to be working. So I (meaning Lane) called on Donnie Mabe Rupp to contact everyone persuasively, and get the reports in. Which she did. Thanks to everyone who helped with this. These are the original reports sent in by the class leaders. Reports in the newsletter were mercilessly reduced to fit the available space in the newsletter. They deserve to be available as they are here.
Classes 1943-45-46 The name badges were a must, because we would not all have recognized each other otherwise. Approximately 60 visitors attended. Some exes brought family members. It was a great time. We had Stewart Smith, ‘43, coming from Reno, Nev.; Cecilia (Long) Norris, ’45, from Palmdale, Calif.; D-Eon Priest, ’45, came from Ashdown, Ark.; Castleberry Campbell, ‘46, from New York, N.Y.; and others came from all points north, south, east and west in Texas. Those from Big Spring turned out great this year. We did not escape cancellations from illness. It hit us pretty hard as we had reservations from Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, San Angelo and several from Big Spring. We missed them and pray that they recover quickly and will be here for our next reunion in two years. As they registered, they naturally received the famous name badges. We presented them with a tote bag from CVB and other gift items and the Chamber of Commerce donated more gift items. They were so appreciative of the gifts. A member from the class of 1946 was truly taken by the little lapel pin with our logo of signal peak on it. Friday evening we enjoyed a Mexican food dinner served in the cafeteria of the Student Union Building by the Great Western Dinning Service. Mexican food is one thing the exes really enjoy when they come home. Saturday morning we met in the Cactus Room at Howard College for coffee and rolls before going on our tour of the city. Several younger class members asked if they could go on the tour with us and I said, “sure.” A few from the classes of ‘47 to ‘54 joined so there were approximately 70 of us on the tour. We left Howard College at 10 a.m. headed for our old gym, which is now Life Church. I had asked the minister, Clint Collins, to address the group, telling them what they had done, and future plans for the gym and our old school building. It is going to be so great to have that building, an “eyesore,” turned into a beauty spot. We then drove to the Settles where we were met by Kris Ryan, general manager of the Settles Hotel project. He spoke with us in the old Boy’s Club building, telling of the plans for the future of the Settles and giving them a timeline of about two years before completion. As we entered the hotel it saddened us as we remember the grand beautiful Settles, where Presidential Balls were held. We, as members of Big Spring High School, were privileged to hold various activities in the lobby, such as pep rallies before football games. Then, later we would hold the junior-senior banquet in the elegant ballroom. We were in our element! We are expecting it to return to that once prestigious hotel. We then drove to the VA hospital grounds, losing most of the other classes as they had other plans for that time frame. Our mission for going to the VA hospital grounds was to show the out-of-town exes the statue of our own George H. O’Brien, Class of 1944, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. Since the unveiling of the statue there has been much limestone work done and lighting, which is beautiful at night. George was a nice guy, and he loved to pick on me! Imagine that. We returned to the Howard College Cactus Room for lunch of open face sandwiches. They heard Assistant City Manager Todd Darden speak on the work going on in Big Spring and its future. They thought he was a very personable person, and asked a few questions. I keep telling them in two years they will have a bright and shining Big Spring. We took an afternoon break. The banquet is always the event of the reunion. I had ask everyone to come with information to share on “How the World was Then and Now.” After a delightful meal, I gave an update on other exes and why some were not present. I then walked out among them with a cordless mike and interviewed each of them. We had a fun time of reflecting back on how it was then: kids, when they went out to play, had to be back home by the time the street lights went on. Riding in back of pickup trucks was a treat, and drinking water from the garden hose was good and refreshing. Our houses or cars were never locked. Most of us walked to school. Only one person that I can remember had a car and that was Stromie in her convertible. How so very strained we are today in comparison with those of yester year. This is just a sampling of our time of reflection. We had a drawing for items purchased and a couple of books donated by the Heritage Museum were those written by Joe Pickle and Shine Phillips; they were the first to go. And then as everything was coming to a close we told those sitting in the chair with a sticker on the back they were privileged to take the centerpiece on their table. I had some great help in taking down everything and packing up. I was told it was dark outside of the Cactus Room, so I took my keys to pull my car up to give me some light. I made the first three steps, but missed the step off the sidewalk, fell backwards and hit my head on the concrete. Ouch! Would you believe we had two EMS personnel as our guests? They took over and would not let me move until they were completely convinced I was OK. I was grateful for them, and thank the Lord. A fun thing that I want to share is I asked my dear friend, John Norris from California and a retired jet test pilot, to take my key and bring my car up, which he did and they followed me home. Sunday morning I met the John and Cecilia Norris and D-Eon and K-K Priest for breakfast at Herman’s Restaurant and he told on himself. He said after finding the ignition, he could not figure out how to turn the lights on. “They came on for a minute and went off,” he said. This was too funny not to tell on my friend, a test pilot who could not figure out to get the lights on in my little Ford Escape. How funny is that! We said our farewells … it was truly an enjoyable morning with these dear friends. I reassured all our exes that in two years Big Spring will be a bright and shinning city and we will bloom again!
Classes of 47 – 51 The classes of 1947 thru 51 met on Friday at a Big Spring Mall restaurant for lunch. Most of us walked a little slower while some still kept the same pace. Then it was on to the Homecoming Parade and riding the float. A new route, but interesting. We had many members from other classes join us on the float and fun was had by all. After the parade it was off to the Country Club for dinner. Everybody was talking and visiting and asking each other "what did you say?" I wear those dang hearing aides and I must say some others need those dang hearing aides. Saturday morning it was back to the Country Club for registration, golf and a hamburger buffet. Jean Conley Hubbard had put together a memorial book for our friends that have passed from all the classes. She did a wonderful job remembering our old classmates and it was a great addition to the gathering. A lot of time was spent reading this memorial. Next we were off to the Stampede for Bar-B-Que, Jody Nix and his Texas Cowboys and an evening of dancing. The evening was highlighted by the crowning of the king and queen for the classes of 1947 thru 51. Our king was the handsome Wayne Bonner and his lovely queen Janell Davis. Those two were wearing their crowns and dancing all night . We love them both! And finally breakfast on Sunday morning to wrap up the weekend. We gathered to say our good byes and see you in two years! Class
of 1954 A few of our class rode in the parade on the float of the Classes of 47-51. Twenty or so met at Cowboys for dinner Friday night. Several members and spouses of ’52 and ’53 joined us throughout the weekend. We had doughnuts and coffee at the Dora Roberts during registration on Saturday. Ken Briden told us about his newest book. Some then joined Pat Simmons’ group touring Big Spring (see her report above). At Papa Georgio's at lunch, Donna Boyter did a presentation on why Ace Boyter loved BSHS. Also, Gay Nell Lane Harper presented Daury Garrison Cockrell-Booth with a plaque for her great service as reunion planner for years. Mattie Norwood accepted the job for the coming year. We had dinner at the Dora Roberts Center with Al's Bar-b-que catering our meal. MC Frank B. presented Daury with a gift certificate for the Golf Headquarters. After dinner, we were delighted to hear the Satin Strings Orchestra from Permian High School in Odessa. As always, they were wonderful. Some of our group joined the Class of 47-51 for dancing at the Stampede. A good time was had by all.
Class
of 1956
Class of 1958 About 30 classmates met in Brenham in March 2010 at the Heartland Country Inn for three days of visiting, sightseeing, shopping and fun, ending with a dance to 50s music by a fun band. Someone mentioned to the band that we had an accomplished singer among our group so they invited Larry Nix to join the band for one number (he did a great job!).
Of course, Billy Bob Satterwhite,
"our official mouthpiece", was our MC for a special dinner the last evening
before the dance, and we discussed coming back to Brenham for another get
together.
Class
of 1959 BSHS Class of 1959 was still doing fine in 2009 as they celebrated their 50th class reunion. The local exes worked on the reunion several months prior. Thursday, September 17th, before the class gathering on Friday, the locals along with Bill and Cookie Thompson from Stephenville met to assemble greeting bags and registrations. Before the parade on Friday, exes gathered. Eston Hollis provided a pickup and trailer; Joe Bob Clendenin provided hay bales for seats; Jimmy Anderson, an “old” Forsan graduate, volunteered to drive the vehicle in the parade. We rode in the parade to music from the 50s. Following the parade on Friday, the group met in the Cactus Room at Howard College for the evening meal before the football game. Everyone gathered for the Steer victory line on the football field preceding the game; the class was recognized for their 50th class reunion celebration. Saturday morning, Katie Thomas Grimes sponsored a brunch gathering at the Heritage Museum. The museum was a perfect place to reminisce about the good old days spent in Big Spring and “Dear Old Big Spring High.” Lunch was provided at the Moss Creek Ranch among the mesquite trees and rolling hills of West Texas. Saturday night the class met at the Big Spring Country Club for the grand finale. Class member Sue Helms Sewell and her group provided 50s music as entertainment; their group originates from Georgetown, Texas. Among honored guests were former teachers Don and Betty Lou Green, Coach Harold Bentley, and long-time sponsor, Dorothy Cauble. Don Green taught math; Betty Lou Green taught typing and shorthand; Coach Bentley taught history along with coaching football; Dorothy Cauble was a sponsor of the Tri-Hi-Y for several years. Thank you to all the people who organized the 50th reunion. Thank you to the faithful locals who continue to work on all class reunions. Events of this kind require many man hours of planning and preparations. Thank you to each who provided their information of the last 50 years for the book of memories. Getting to renew old friendships was outstanding. We look forward to another reunion in 2014.
Class
of 1964 On Homecoming weekend, we donned our newest CO64 t-shirts, rode in David Agee’s truck in the parade, and went to see the Steers win the football game. We had a party after the game, a great program Saturday night after visiting and reminiscing all day. As usual, we had a brunch on Sunday morning to give each other the last hugs and promises to keep in touch until the next time. We are a very lucky group, and “Let the Good Times Continue”, has been a great motto for our reunions. The theme of our Graduation in 1964 was “The important thing in Life is not where we are standing, but in what direction we are going.” (From Goethe) We know today that our character was materially shaped by our relationships with each other, our parents and our teachers and we were blessed to have learned and carried throughout the years our West Texas values of honesty, integrity, honor, truth, respect for others and a strong belief in God.” Carol Roberts Becker says, “I think it’s important to get together as a group, not only to relive old memories, but to make new ones. Some fought in wars that were not of their doing, but did so proudly. We went into an uncertain world convinced that we could change it in some small way. We pray for one another, cry when one is down or loses a parent, rejoice in the birth of a new grandchild, and are so happy when we can be together to share a meal and fellowship. Jim Scales sent this. “ For me, coming back to Big Spring is to maintain a link to 3 of the happiest years of my youth. As a “base kid” saying goodbye was always in the back of our minds but it’s fun to come and get reacquainted with people I had never expected to see again. I believe BSHS goes to great lengths to foster and promote this feeling among former students and I’m grateful.” Pris Grizzard Brown. The reunions give us an opportunity to go back to the old days and our memories in Big Spring. It’s good to see classmates and remember the good times. Even though we have taken different paths, it’s good to remember our roots. The reunions give us a chance to rekindle friendships and see those classmates who gave us so many precious memories.” Of course the most memorable part is THE REUNION with one's classmates! Preliminaries through email like the quiz of old facts about Big Spring prior to the event started the anticipation. It was really great to be at the parade, so you could point at a group or somebody and wave like they were an old friend and they waved back each and every time. Michael Gorman Everyone should attend reunions; they are one of life’s best rituals. Seeing how time and experience have made a confused and immature student into a pretty serviceable and fine human being is a wonderful thing. The odds are in favor that you will be lead by the review in the mirror of the high school experience. Our Class of ’64 is like that, we are keeping the rituals alive from our lives in Big Spring, We can be so proud of our heritage and of each other, and so we keep coming back to our good old BSHS days every time we can. Classes
of 68-9 “They came from near and they came from far to share some memories and retell some class jokes; feeling eighteen in spirit (though we looked like our folks) – to dim the lights and roll back the years and be young for the night!” The BSHS Classes of 1968 and 1969 had their 40th and 41st years reunions together on September 18 & 19, 2009 during the BSHS Homecoming. The fun began with all meeting for a fun and loud Homecoming pep rally at the BSHS gym. After the pep rally, we all loaded onto a trailer to ride in the Homecoming Parade. What fun we had singing to the oldies on the CD player and tossing candy to the kids! That evening, by invitation from Principal Mike Ritchey, the exes formed the line for the Steers to run through prior to the game. Amazingly, the line of exes reached from goal post to goal post! What a great game it was for homecoming as the Steers beat the Andrews Mustangs! Meanwhile Terry Marshall, Thomas Land, John Choate, Terry Jenkins and others were holding down the fort (Kokopellis) and grilling sausages for after game snacks. We gathered at Kokopellis to visit and eat and be entertained by one of our own, Ralph Passmore (class of 69’), who had brought his guitar and equipment! Saturday morning started off bright and early for many as over 60 classmates played in a golf tournament (organized by Pam Welch) at Big Spring Country Club. The winning team consisted of Russ Rutledge, Terry Pate, Kenny Brown, Pam Welch & Kathy Korte (friend of Larry Horn). I was glad that Lee Harris and Billy Bob Spier wanted me on their team ! A brunch that morning for the ladies was held at Jeanie Johnson Knocke’s home and hosted by Jeanie and Laura Parks McEwen. The women really enjoyed visiting and catching up on old times! A sandwich lunch was provided at Kokopellis on Saturday afternoon where many took the opportunity to come out, eat and spend the afternoon having a great time. Saturday evening a wonderful bar-b-que and all the fixings were provided for the exes. Local DJ, Joel Perez, provided the evening’s music with “oldie goldies” and anything else the crowd requested. Some of our future “Dancing With the Stars” were Bea Billalba Stevens, Bruce Jaegar (Laverne Lancaster Jaegar’s spouse who can do a “mean” YMCA!), brothers Tony & Felix Martinez, Penny Peurifoy Lewis, Pat Billings Taylor & spouse Lonnie, Terry and Nancy Mathis Marshall, Pat & Lea Gray, and Cheryl Carter Click & Barney Hise. There was a great turnout with a total of over 200 in attendance. As hectic as it was, hopefully a wonderful memory was made by all. The Sunday morning clean up was greatly helped by Carl Lancaster (class of 68’) pitching in and hauling off all the trash!! Those coming
for the first time from the class of 68 were Mike Agee, Donna Ferguson, Becky
Roger Weakland, Linda Switzer Wolf, and Tom Wood. Becky and Linda were best
friends in high school and reconnected after 41 years! Those coming for the
first time from the class of 69’ were Tony Arriola, Jay Berry, Robert Deming,
Juanita Mata, Coleman Nalls, Jamie Rouch Edwards, Tommy Switzer, Anita Valles,
Richard Walling and Billy Bob Wilson. Organizers for the event were Jeanie
Johnson Knocke, Lou Jones Campbell, Thomas Land, Nancy Mathis Marshall, Laura
Parks McEwen (class of 68’), Pat Billings Taylor, Jann Forrest Caffey, Perry
Gamble, Terry Jenkins, Gary Kelley, Vicki Morrow, Shelane Parnell Roberts and
Pam Welch Welch (class of 69’). The BSHS Class of ’79 had their 30 year class reunion at Homecoming, on September 17th & 18th, 2009. We gathered Friday morning at the Courtyard (the old Big Spring Hardware building) to decorate for the weekend’s festivities. A lot of classmates showed up to help. We broke for lunch and met at Casa Blanca Restaurant for a bite to eat. We met at Steer Gym for the Homecoming Pep Rally that afternoon, where fellow classmate and ex-cheerleader, Selena Jones Crow, gave a wonderful pep talk to the assembly and then did her famous “high kick” to show the crowd that the Class of ’79 still has what it takes! After the Pep Rally we met around the corner from the school and boarded our Homecoming float. We had a rather large turn-out of at least 50 classmates or more! We all met up again at the football game where fellow classmates Kim Preston Phinney and American troops. This special flag will remain on display at the high school for future generations to see. After the game, we gathered at the Courtyard for an impromptu party. There were several classmates there that didn’t get to stay for the rest of the weekend, we were sorry Debbye Salazar ValVerde were crowned “Coming Home Queens” for Homecoming 2009. We then gathered on the field to welcome the mighty Steer football team. Our classmate, Alex Childress, presented BSHS with a United States flag that he brought back from his tour in Iraq. This flag was raised at the football game Marquez, who paid tribute to Elvis Presley (via Jail House Rock) and Michael Jackson (via Billy Jean). Thanks Gus! We had a moment of silence to remember the 29 fellow classmates that have passed from this life. Fellow classmate, by Childress and fellow classmate Jerry Holten, also a fellow veteran of the Iraq war. The flag was one that flew over Saddam Hussien’s palace after it was seized by they missed the rest of the festivities. Saturday morning 8 of our classmates played a round of golf at the local Country Club. Some of them had never been up so early in their lives! At noon, we met up on Scenic Mountain for a picnic lunch with our families. Several people brought their grandchildren to enjoy the event! Saturday night we enjoyed a catered dinner at the Courtyard and then it was on to “Disco heaven”, with a DJ and karaoke and special entertainment by fellow classmate, Gus Frankie Noyola Izqueirdo created a collage that had all of the deceased classmates’ pictures and names on it. Also, a special letter from Frances Wheat was read by classmate Stephen Trevino. In it, she congratulated the class on this special time and she also thanked us for remembering her son Larry Wheat. His death has never been solved and there was a petition circulating around the room to reopen the investigation. Several classmates signed the petition in honor of Larry. The whole weekend was a huge success due to all of the wonderful classmates that turned out for this event! We truly have one of the greatest classes that BSHS has produced! With left over funds, we were able to help the cheerleaders buy a new BSHS mascot uniform. We also made a donation to the Janice Rosson Bond Scholarship Fund . We look forward to seeing you all in 2014 for our 35 year reunion!
Class
of 1989 The Class of 1989 celebrated 20 years this past year!! We started the weekend by meeting Friday afternoon at the pep rally. We screamed and yelled like we were 17 and 18 again. Later that afternoon, we rode on a on a float that Jesse Rios put together for us for the homecoming parade. It was hot, but we sure looked great in our black Class of ’89 shirts…..and we were a hit with the crowd with TONS of candy to be thrown. We all met at the football field and joined the line-up on the field for the Big Spring Steers to run through. We watched the game and cheered them on. Later that evening, we went to a classmate’s parent’s home and had an amazing time! It was so much fun to catch up…..until 3 or later in the morning!!! Saturday morning, several classmates went to tour Big Spring High School and then headed to the picnic at Comanche Trail Park. At the picnic, we took a class picture, many other photos, ate and watched our kids of all ages run around and play. That night, the Class of 1989 gathered at Dora Roberts Community Center for dinner and dancing. We had old scrapbooks and momentums for all to look at. Alisa Anderson put together a slide show that ran throughout dinner of our high school years. We gave out fun, crazy and semi-serious awards throughout the evening. It was so much fun to reminisce about old times, and we created a LOT more new memories. A huge thanks to all that made it happen: Carrie Reid Layton, Dianna Fish, Shay Johnson Damaske, Alisa Anderson, Joey Douglass Pinell, Jesse Rios, Irma Moreno, Deanna Beckham and Christy Alexander Brown. It couldn’t have been the AMAZING, FUN success that it was without all of your help!
Class
of 1999 The Big Spring High School Class of 1999 began their reunion festivities by meeting at Displays of Splendor to decorate the class float on Friday afternoon. The class then attended the Pep Rally and participated in the homecoming parade. (special thanks to the Moates for driving and providing the truck, trailer and decoration supplies!) Friday night, we met on the football field to help kick off the Homecoming Game, then sat together and cheered on our Steers. Saturday, we met on top of Scenic Mountain for a family picnic, where everyone visited and caught up on the last 10 years. Saturday evening, we held our social gathering at John Wesley’s where awards were given out. Some of the awards given include: the “Class Sweethearts” award for the longest marriage to another classmate presented to Heath Bailey and Lindsay (Moates) Bailey who have been married 7 years, the “Lassie Come Home” award for the classmate who traveled the farthest presented to Arthur Olague traveling 576.76 miles to attend, the “Agoraphobia” award for the classmate still living closest to Big Spring High School presented to Amanda Bair who lives 0.56 miles from BSHS, the “Breeders Cup” award for the classmate with the most children presented to Angela (Green) Mendez who has 3 children, and the “Dick Clark” award for the classmate who looks most like they did in high school presented to Landon Wagoner. Overall, the BSHS Class of 1999 had around 40 classmates (plus spouses) attend all or some of the reunion festivities. BSHS Class of 1999 10 Year Reunion Committee included Jennifer Davidson and Leslie (McLellan) Proctor.
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