Life

EHS class of 1976 holds 50th reunion

ELKINS – The Elkins High School class of 1976 held its 50th reunion Aug. 21-22 with 65 classmates and 46 guests, including four teachers, attending. The two-day gathering was held at Magnolia Hall on Scott Hill.

A casual evening was held Friday with hors d’oeuvres provided by Beanders Restaurant. Pinball, corn hole and several rounds of trivia were available for classmates' entertainment. Various forms of memorabilia were on display for all to enjoy.

Saturday's festivities began with appetizers provided by The Daily Grind. A class photo was taken by Alexandria Kimbleton Photography, who managed to round up the group of 68 just in time to miss the rain. Dinner was catered by Fish Hawk Acres.

Activities throughout the evening included the Willie on Wheels photo booth, a bag raffle, and a silent auction. Class President Sharon Lockhart served as emcee for the evening. Class Vice President Cliff Marstiller provided the invocation before the meal.

A portion of the evening was set aside to remember the 45 classmates who had passed away since graduation. A slideshow of their photos ran as Belinda Calain Coberly provided remarks, after which attendees were asked to share memories of the deceased. The presentation ended with a prayer by James Judy.

All seemed to have a good time and asked about plans for the next reunion. The committee is looking at having a 70th birthday party in 2028.

As the concluding event of their 50th reunion weekend, the Elkins High School Class of 1976 dedicated a "Buddy Bench" located in the courtyard of Elkins High School.

The bench, which included the inscription "Be the change that you want to see in the world," was built by the school's Vo Tech class under the direction of Chad Caldabaugh.

In the dedication remarks, class vice president Cliff Marstiller commented that it was the sincere hope of the Class of 1976 that the bench would be a gathering place where conversations would be had, feelings would be shared, bonds would be formed, memories would be made, and friendships would be nurtured.

Class members wish for every current and future student at Elkins High School to form bonds of friendship that will endure and support them throughout their lives, as the bonds they formed back in 1976 have endured and called them back to this 50-year reunion.

At the conclusion of the dedication remarks, the class presented Caldabaugh with a donation for the Vo Tech department. Current EHS students gave a tour of the school to attending classmates.