The Beaufort County High School Alumni Association celebrated its 58th annual homecoming May 4-5, 2018, at the BCHS Alumni building in Pantego. The theme was “Years Past, Years Ahead.” The class of 1968 celebrated its 50th anniversary.

The weekend festivities began on Friday evening with a banquet. The mistress of ceremony was Mrs. Emma Howard. The audience viewed a video and sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Bishop Andrew Boomer delivered the invocation, followed by a warm welcome from Melva Flynn, of the Pantego chapter, and Linda Dance, of the Greenville chapter, gave the response. The memorial tribute, honoring the deceased community and alumni members, was given by Elder Dwight Spruill.

Ethel Taylor Windley, class of 1968, introduced the guest speaker, Dr. Emma Inez Bonner. Bonner was the class advisor/science teacher for the class of 1968. She was a graduate of Elizabeth City State University and after leaving North Carolina, received her master’s and doctorate degrees in Washington, D.C. She retired in 2001 and again in 2009. Bonner was an active civil rights fighter, marched many days and was arrested once. As a result of Bonner’s many activities during her career, and currently, she was able to address the theme, relate it to old and current events so that we all could understand — a job well done. The class of 1968 presented her with a beautiful wall clock.

Other highlights of the night included crowning of the queens by Melva Flynn, alumni chapter members, remarks by Al Whitney, candidate for sheriff of Beaufort County, recognition of all graduates of Beaufort County High School and those who attended the school until 1968. The class of 1968 presented a video of events that occurred during their school days, along with before and after pictures of some of the classmates.

There was a special moment set aside to honor the “80 Plus” club members. Cheryl Credle Cox presented certificates and corsages to Hilda Cherry, Ruth Mann, James Leathers and Luther Mann. A new segment — “Did You Know This?” — was added to the program. Carolyn McCloud gave many historical facts about things that occurred throughout the years: for example, the drama club under the direction of Mrs. Annie S. Davis, champion debate teams, glee club, student council, cheerleader club, championship boys’ basketball team under coach Albert Baker, the auditorium referred to as “the rabbit box” by other basketball teams because it was so small, principals, lunch room with Mrs. Mattie Whichard’s good cooking and before the lunch room was built, how lunches were provided by Mrs. Howell, just to name a few. The evening was enlightening and most enjoyable. The meal was catered by Keyzer’s Catering of Pantego. On Saturday, the parade left Weeping Mary Church on Beech Ridge Road and proceeded to the Alumni Building at 150 Swamp Road. There were vendors selling different foods and merchandise. Quay Weston and Olivia Randall allowed the youth to showcase their talent by dancing, singing and reciting their own poetry.

Join us, same time next year.

Submitted by Carolyn Y. McCloud

Executive Secretary