ENGELHARD — Almost 100 Mattamuskeet High School alumni will gather in Engelhard this weekend for a reunion, but the event means more than one might expect.

The classes of 1971, 1972 and 1973 came through the school at a pivotal moment in eastern North Carolina, during the early years of integration.

Racial unrest was prevalent at the time, with the African-American students boycotting school during the 1968-1969 year. All but 19 students stayed home that year to protest the closing of black schools in the area, according to JoAnn McCullough, MHS class of 1972.

Mandatory integration was enforced in Hyde County during the 1970-1971 school year, but in 1972, another problem arose.

One point separated the class valedictorian from the salutatorian, as an African-American student edged out a white student. Despite the numbers, however, the white student was listed as valedictorian, McCullough said.

“That was not accepted by the black community,” she said

The discrepancy and ensuing unrest led to the cancellation of the school’s graduation ceremony in 1972.

“I think it was so much more of the time and era,” McCullough said. “Because the students pretty much got along.”

Since McCullough didn’t participate in the boycott years earlier, she received her diploma in 1972, but never had the opportunity to walk across the stage.

Fast forward more than 40 years, and Mattamuskeet High’s alumni — black and white — are ready to move into a time of celebration.

The reunion for the three class years is booked for Saturday evening at the Davis Youth Center, and will include long-overdue catching up and a catered seafood meal, according to organizer Dennis Benston.

“It’s not going to be your average chicken and barbecue meal,” Benston said. “We’re looking forward to having a splendid time.”

Although an important time in North Carolina’s history, the events in the late 1960s and early 1970s in Hyde County are laid to rest, and the alumni are looking forward to the future. For many, it’ll be the first time seeing one another in 40 years.

“We’re just looking forward to coming together and having, you know, a good time,” McCullough said.

The Mattamuskeet High School class reunion for 1971-1973 will be held Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Davis Youth Center, 33478 U.S. Highway 264, Engelhard. Cost is $50. If interested in attending, call Dennis Benston at 252-944-9420.