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The Tullahoma High School Class of 1973 convened for its 50^th reunion this fall and what a great time it was! The class has met every five years since graduating and the “golden anniversary” was greatly anticipated. A reunion committee, capably led by Julie Hutson Foreman, consisted of Deirdre Vincent Sickles, Ruthie Klautsch Garner, Cindy Osborne Williamson, Bonnie Darlington Heikkinen, Connie Broadrick Brown, Jenny Wagnon Conry, Vicki Lawrence Thoma, Barbie Szczepanik More’, Terri Myers Daugherty and Patty Wells.

Honorary committee member Bill Sickles also contributed a lot of work to make the event successful. After several months of thoughtful planning and searching for classmates, the announcement went out. Plans included a tailgate gathering at Wilkins Stadium before the Wildcat football game. Principal Greg English and Athletic Director John Olive stopped by the gathering to make sure all requests had been fulfilled. A section of seats was reserved for the alumni who enjoyed a winning game and performance by the THS Band. Following the event, many class members continued the visit at Frazier McEwen Park.

The next morning, class members were treated to a tour of the school with Dr. English. When entering the main lobby, male students gathered on one side while female students gathered on the other side, somewhat reminiscent of 50 years before. The much-improved auditorium was the next stop and everyone enjoyed locating the many seats purchased by the Class of ‘73. Afterwards, the group dispersed to rest and study annuals before the gathering that evening. Lakewood Golf and Country Club was the venue and over 80 class members attended along with guests.

Retired home economics teacher Trellis Northam Sinclair added a lot to the trip down memory lane. A special Table of Remembrance with over 70 photos of deceased classmates was prominently displayed. School memorabilia, flowers and balloons added magic to the scene. Emceed by Julie Hutson Foreman, class members no longer with us were memorialized by Wayne Jordan by the reading of names and prayers said; Jimmy Tipps sang a musical tribute to them. Julie’s recounting of fun memories lifted our spirits and Joanne Johnson Vertovec led a champagne toast to the class. Tunes of the ‘70s helped transport us back to the previous half century.

The weekend concluded with a Farewell Breakfast at Frazier McEwen Park.  Of all the reunions, this one seemed to be the most relaxed and congenial.  With that being said, the Class of ’73 is continuing to meet on the first Tuesday of every month for lunch in Tullahoma.

Check the class Facebook page for time and place, and an email goes out. If you are not on the email stream and wish to be, please contact Julie at jlfrmn7@icloud.com. Yes, 50 years can make a difference!