From Beaufort County High School Alumni Association

The Beaufort County High School Alumni Association celebrated its 56th annual homecoming April 29–May 1.

The theme for the weekend was “Inspiration – Together We Stand, Divided We Fall.”  The celebration began with the arrival of guests on Friday morning. The banquet was at 7 p.m. at the Alumni Building, 150 Swamp Road, Pantego. The mistress of ceremony was Lossie Boomer Webb from the class of 1966. Hortense Whitney, Pantego Chapter, gave the welcome, and Linda Dance of the Pitt County Chapter gave the response. Musical selections were given by minister Joseph Smith and evangelist Linda Russell. Cheryl Credle-Cox recited “Again I Rise” by Maya Angelou.

After a delicious meal, catered by Keyzer Catering (Pantego), the program continued with the Praise Dance Ministry by the Dancers for Christ of Washington. Rosella Faniel, class of 1966, remembered the deceased graduates and members of the community in a memorial tribute.

Elder Nicholas Whichard introduced the speaker, Lady Ethel T. Gay of Greenville.  Lady Gay, a 1950 graduate of the former Beaufort County High School, is the daughter of the late Samuel and Mattie Whichard. She is married to Bishop Robert J. Gay. They are members of the Unison Free Will Baptist Conference, New Haven, Connecticut. Lady Gay, in keeping with the theme, gave an historical background of our school. She named the pioneers, which included teachers and people from the community, and told the audience how these are the shoulders we have to stand on, to reflect, react and move on. Every time we fall, get back up. Lady Gay’s speech was very inspirational and full of facts.

Evangelist Linda Russell crowned the queens who would be riding in the parade on Saturday.

Amye Moore, New York Chapter, recognized all of the graduating classes.  Betty J. Spruill and Carlisa Brown-McCain presented their classmates, class of 1966, who were celebrating their 50th anniversary.

Carolyn McCloud recognized chapters and guests, and the audience sang “Happy Birthday” to Emma L. King who just celebrated her 90th birthday. A special presentation was made to Lorraine Mason.

McCloud thanked all the participants and gave a special thanks to the Pantego Chapter, the host for the weekend. Gruver Burrus and Cedric Winfield provided music. The parade began at 11 a.m., leaving from Weeping Mary Church on Beech Ridge Road. There were vendors on the campus selling an assortment of items to purchase. The weekend was enjoyable.

 Submitted by Carolyn McCloud, executive secretary