MA reunion – a walk down memory lane

The Marshall Academy’s Class of 1973 reunion, held at the Kate Freeman Clark Art Gallery in Holly Springs, brought back memories to those attending, said Sarah Fay Crain Sawyer, one of a dozen planning committee members getting out the clarion call to classmates.

“Everyone volunteered for tasks, and it all came together,” Sawyer said. “The reunion was a celebrated, beautiful event.”

“It was awesome to see everyone. It brought back such great memories,” said classmate Robert Akins. “Life takes a toll on all of us, but this event brought back that excitement we had as good friends ‘back in the day.”

He thanked classmates who worked tirelessly to put the event together.

“It was well done and one to be remembered,” he said. “Those classmates we lost were also remembered. They were surely missed.

Robert (Akins) shared touching memories of losing his dad and how sports and his coaches helped guide him through his high school years.

Prentis Woods thanked his classmates for their effort in planning the event.

“It warmed me like a hot fire on a cold winter’s night,” Woods said.

Julia Malone DeBardeleben said, “In a few short hours it seemed we were back in 1973. A special night for a special class.”

Linda Hunsucker Favazza expressed similar sentiments.

“It was a pleasure to reconnect with classmates,” she said. “It truly seemed like ‘yesterday once more.’ The

event was incredibly fun and brought back many fond memories. I also enjoyed working with the planning committee and appreciate the time and special talents each one shared to make the event beautiful and successful.”

For Lisa Carpenter Cox, the reunion was all about reconnecting with classmates and renewing friendships in helping plan the 50th reunion.

“I most enjoyed seeing all who attended having fun, enjoying being together, sharing memories of high school days, talking over old times and sharing some of our adventures from the past 50 years. I am already looking forward to our next reunion,” Cox said.

Tricia Curtis Loftin loved the themes from 1973 and 2023.

“We’ve only just begun,” she said. “It felt like yesterday once more. I was ecstatic to see my classmates who were about to attend the 50th year reunion. It has been over 50 years since I’ve seen some of them.

“Our committee worked so hard together to make this reunion special and it truly was. Someone said that the committee had meetings to plan for a meeting. The committee prepared a Facebook page and progress was shared along the way to build excitement early before the reunion.

“I want my classmates to know how much I enjoyed seeing them and listening to all the stories that were told.”

Loftin said she also enjoyed reading the biographies of her classmates.

“I wish I could name all of the special people,” she said. “But just know it was you. It seems like only yesterday.”

Larry Boatright also provided some memories as a result of the reunion.

“After 68 years, I can look back and know the best friends in my life went to Marshall Academy,” he said. “It always brings a smile to my heart when I think of all the good times - playing touch football on Sunday afternoons with Joe and others, sitting next to Charlotte in my favorite teacher Mrs. Mitchell’s English class, skipping class to go with Mrs. Winters to take pictures in town and escorting Farrah at homecoming. There are too many more to list. I thank the ladies for making this possible.”

For Vicki Little the reunion was a dream come true.

“When I moved from Holly Springs, I always dreamed about it,” she said. “Revisiting the Kate Freeman Clark Gallery was a highlight. It inspired me to consider buying property in the area. There wasn’t a mean body in the place. Can’t say that about many places. Thank you, Marshall Academy Class of 1973, for everything.”

Susan McClatchy Weatherby expressed similar sentiments as did her classmates.

“Kudos to the organizers,” she said. “I also am thankful for those who had the vision of MA and those who continue that vision.”

The Class of ’73 is gifting two (very nice) picnic tables to MA with plaques, Sawyer said.