Aiken High School

Wilkinson High Class of 1961 celebrates golden anniversary

The Wilkinson High School Class of 1961 enjoyed a week-long celebration of its golden anniversary on both land and sea.

On Friday, June 10, the group held a meet-and-greet session at the Alpha Kappa Alpha House on Russell Street. Classmates from across the United States were present to enjoy light refreshments and oldies music while getting reacquainted. Friday night's event was coordinated by the alumni committee, led by Queen Butler Shuler.

On Saturday, June 11, the group met at the Liberty Room on U.S. 301 for its main celebration, coordinated by Annette Aiken Jennings and her committee. Alumni president Dr. Wilbur Shuler hosted the event. Master of ceremonies was Ted Nell, and guest speaker was David Hammonds, a classmate who traveled from Wisconsin with his wife. He spoke of the benefits of diligence, hard work and commitment to a purposeful goal, holding to the reunion's theme, "Prosperity and Endurance."

Three of the class's favorite instructors - Clara Robinson, Irene McCollom and James McFadden - were present to participate in the festivities. John Morris Wright played an instrumental solo, "At Last," for the class's enjoyment. In addition to a wonderful meal, the class viewed photos of classmates from the high school years, those taken during recent reunions and candid shots sent in by classmates. Songs from 1958-1961 - the class's high school years - were played during the event.

Sunday morning, the class attended Olive Grove Baptist Church, where they enjoyed a message by the Rev. James A. Cromartie. Dr. Shuler spoke on behalf of the class.

Just after 1 a.m. Monday, members of the class boarded a bus for Port Canaveral, Fla. There, they met classmates who traveled from other destinations and boarded Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's Monarch of the Seas, a 2,000-passenger ship, in the early afternoon for a four-night cruise. Cruise coordinator was Delores Walker Lewis.

On Tuesday, the group spent the day at their first stop, Cocoa Cay, Royal Caribbean's private island in the Atlantic. There, classmates were free to participate in water sports, sun bathing, walks along nature trails or shopping at the straw markets. They also enjoyed an island barbecue.

On Wednesday, the group arrived in Nassau and participated in countless activities, including shopping, tour trips, and boating to Paradise Island and other local attractions. The sound of island music was everywhere.

Each night aboard the Monarch of the Seas was an adventure. Never-ending activities included fine and casual dining, live theaters, live game shows, a casino, numerous bars and lounges, pools, a spa and fitness center, an open-air basketball court, a library and a midnight luau.

Aiken High graduates Jones, Snyder honored for CHOICES ...

While a student at Aiken High, Jones served as the sports editor for the school's newspaper, the Hornet Herald, was captain of the varsity basketball team, received the Daughters of the American Revolution Citizenship Award, acted as a "big buddy" to neighborhood youth, among many other accomplishments. He has signed a national letter of intent to play basketball at Anderson University where he will major in journalism. Full terms and conditions can be read here.

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Full terms and conditions can be read here.

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