Warm and fuzzy….can’t get the smiles off our faces….hugs to last until next time….special memories recalled and laughed about….wonderful new memories made….where we’ve been and where we are….knowing that it doesn’t matter if we’re “fluffier” or have less hair or more wrinkles….they still saw the smile in our eyes! 

It came and went so quickly -- our 35th Big Spring High School class reunion.  For most of us it was one of the most wonderful, memorable, fun, laughing, crying, happy, sad, hugging and kissing times we’ve had in 35 years.  It was magical. We pulled together - again. We were there for each other - for our “Ely” and for Karla and for their children.

And now we will be there for Ronnie and Robbie and their children….the class that prays together - stays together.  Ronnie Baird worked with all his heart for weeks to help put together the benefit cookout  to help Karla and Ely Clanton. Ronnie worked tirelessly to make sure the cookout was a success—and it was.  More than $3,000 was raised to add to the “Friends of Ely Trust Fund.” At the end of the cookout, Ronnie took food and supplies back to those who had helped, but at the end of that day, he didn’t show up for the party. Ronnie was in ICU at the Veterans Hospital ..he had a massive heart attack and spent the rest of our glorious weekend in the hospital. Prayers DO help. God was and is watching over Ronnie and Robbie and their children because HE IS HOME!  Ronnie was flown to the Albuquerque VA Hospital (one of the best!) where he went through “rotor rooter” surgery...he’s resting comfortably at home and would love to hear from friends.

Our  parade float on Friday afternoon proudly displayed Ronnie Baird’s replica of Al’s Drive-In. Friday night’s  football game with Abilene Wylie proved to be one of those occasions when some were heard to say, ”But wasn’t the BAND GREAT!!”  We proudly wore our black and gold T-shirts designed by our own “Nancy T” with our class ring prominently displayed with the words “Kept Us All as One” -- which we learned means more than we knew. The gathering at the Country Club after the game was full of fun and chatter. They actually had to blink the lights to get rid of us at closing time!

Judi Forshee Atkins chaired our reunion committee - she’s our glue - she’s the one that keeps us together. Nancy Thomas Allen in a unanimous decision was declared our class angel, and she received a “halloed” T-shirt in loving tribute from the class. Doug Rountree was declared “Chef Extraordinaire” and was given a stain-free apron in honor of his tireless work pulling everything together for the cookout on Saturday. Cheryl Wilbanks and Jim Cahill were cheered for their 37 years of married bliss! I think their smiles were even bigger this year! Steffi Clark Payne traveled like a trouper from GERMANY! Hope it was worth the miles, Steffi!! The most children award goes to Dennis Collins - 7 little angels!! The most grandchildren winner is Sandra Conner Pegan with 10!!! Joe Aulds had the youngest child – can you imagine an 8-year-old? And,  Ann Coyle Gould had the oldest grandchild! 

 We want to remind everyone of our outstanding web site at http://bshs65.org Our Web Master, Ray  Anderson, was honored at our Saturday night bash. The site has won a bunch of awards (posted on the site) and the compliments are pouring in. The pictures of the reunion are being posted as we speak! It’s a great way for the class to keep in touch!

Our BSHS Class of ’65 Memorial Scholarship is doing well according to Ann (Howard) Duncan. We have helped four outstanding young people who all have family  ties to our class.  Kristi Hooser, Cori Wilbanks, Blake Proffitt, and Amanda Heffington have received scholarship funds over the past several years and are continuing to pursue their educational goals and dreams. We selected Fred Morales for the 2000-2001 award year and we hope Fred will be able to attend in the spring semester. 

The memorial list of classmates must be maintained and updated as needed -- especially with the addresses of family members who can be notified when memorial contributions are received to help “grow” our scholarship fund. If you have any information for the memorial list, please forward it to Judi by email or snail mail.