The Beaufort County High School Alumni Association celebrated its 57^th-annual homecoming May 5-6, at the BCHS Alumni building in Pantego. The theme for the weekend was: “Within ourselves, our future lies.”

The homecoming festivities began with the banquet on Friday night at 7 p.m. During this setting, the class of 1967 celebrated its 50^th anniversary. Gladues Peele, class of 1967, served as master of ceremony. Loretta Younger welcomed the group, and Eula Bishop, New York Chapter, responded.

Dr. Garrie Moore, class of 1967, was the keynote speaker. He is currently consulting as executive director to a nonprofit organization in Edgecombe County and president of Moore & Associates, a leadership development and sustainability company. Moore has worked as vice chancellor of student affairs for the City University of New York, where he served as a member of the chancellor’s cabinet and oversaw all programs/services for over 400,000 students. During his 20 years of experience in the North Carolina Community College System, he served as instructor, department head and dean of students. He also has over 12 years of experience working in the University of North Carolina system at East Carolina University, where he served as vice chancellor and associate provost, and he was a tenured faculty member. He holds doctorate and master’s degrees in education, with a minor in public administration. He is a Vietnam-era veteran and has worked in the field of radiology.

Moore was told by a school official that he would never be anything but a farmer, and he quoted many great people who had so much influence over him, especially the former BCHS principal, the late R.S. Cooper: “Procrastination is the thief of time.” Moore gave the audience a lot to think about and to pass on to the next generation.

Musical selections were rendered by Elder Dwight Spruill, Elder Joseph Smith and Evangelist Linda Russell, accompanied by Lorenzo Werts. One of the main highlights of the evening was the “80-plus” honorees. These are alumni members over the age of 80, and most of them are still active members: Lovie Ross, Blanche Reddick, Loraine Mason, Melva Flynn, Mary Canady, Walter Slade, William Mebane (founder), Hazel Keyes, Cathering Loadholt, Roosevelt Davis, Charlie Taylor, Samuel Clark Jr., Inez Brown, Nicholas Whichard, Ethel Gay and Lois Whichard. They were presented a certificate, a poem and corsages.

Peele reflected on the class of 1967 with special honor to their homeroom teacher, B.L. Watts, who was and still remains an important part of their lives. Cheryl Credle Cox recognized all of the graduation classes. Russell crowned the queens who would be riding in the parade held Saturday. Carolyn McCloud recognized the alumni chapters and special guests. Spruill prayed for Mr. Mebane, who has been in the nursing home for a while.

After the parade, on-campus activities included food, fellowship, many vendors, bouncy houses for children and a talent show. Thanks to everyone for your support.