By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
LCHS classmates reunite
Reunion1
Members of Liberty County High School's Class of 1967 pose for a photo during their recent reunion. - photo by photo submitted
By Marjory Varnedoe
Guest columnist
Coastal Courier (Hinesville, GA)

“LCH School, our Alma Mater, to thee we’ll e’er be true. We adore thee for leading us higher to nobler things anew ... Your ideals we’ll share ... And so we pray that we’ll never stray from memories of LCH.”
Those words resonated through the hearts of the Golden Seniors of the 1967 Liberty County High School class celebrating their 40th reunion.
Forty years ago, 87 promising young people exited the hall of the first LCHS in Midway. On May 25-27, about 50 of them reunited.
College reunions are grand occasions that usually take place somewhere other than the home base. The venue for high school reunions is usually the home site. For the class of 1967, coming home was an experience that is still being talked about because we continue to express our gratitude to all who made this reunion an exhilarating experience.
Our theme, “Shower of Stars,” was prominently displayed in centerpieces on the tables at our getting re-acquainted social on Friday night. The classmates had an opportunity to introduce themselves in their own special way.
All became cognizant of an interloping theme throughout the introductions. We realized much praise and thanks was being given to an Almighty God who had brought us through tear-filled and sleepless nights throughout the years.
All the class members had accomplished after leaving high school were the results of a kind and forgiving God who wanted the best for his children.
At the social, each classmate and guest received a gold tote and a 32-ounce purple water bottle. Complimentary items from Coastal Electric, Heritage Bank, VIP and Bell South were included. The souvenirs added to the community welcoming spirit that was evident throughout the weekend.
The night ended with door prizes for 30 or more questions, such as “Who traveled the farthest, the shortest distance, arrived by plane, the number of kids, pets, etc.? In the process, we learned some interesting tidbits about our classmates.
Saturday morning, about 25 classmates and guests were present at LCHS graduation. The class appreciated Ms. Scott for announcing their presence at the ceremony. We waved our purple and gold handkerchiefs as we were being recognized.
A tour of the Dorchester Museum conducted by the curator, Deborah Robinson, was the group’s next adventure. Mrs. Robinson got a chance to see some former students, also.
Later, the class toured the Geechee Kunda Cultural Arts Center and Museum for Georgia in Riceboro. Jim and Pat Bacote, curators, fueled the desire in the classmates to learn more about their heritage. Most promised to return to both museums and bring others.
Finally, after a day of adventures that fed the mind, the group indulged themselves in the classic southern meal at Young’s Seafood in Hinesville. Traditional rice, okra and tomatoes, shrimp, fish, fried chicken, sweet potatoes, green bean, cornbread, banana pudding and sweet tea were a scrumptious meal that fed the body well.
An added treat were the coconut strips brought by our classmate, Henrietta Relaford Weaver, who owns a bakery, “The Art of Baking by Henrietta,” in Key West, Fla. She has also appeared with Paula Deen on the Food Channel.
Everywhere we went, the classmates were taking pictures in an effort to preserve the emotional high that was evident all around.
Sunday morning, about 30 classmates descended on First Zion Baptist in Riceboro. Some may have been tempted to say we had the spirit in the church. But the spirit met us there and quickly embraced us throughout the service.
One of our advisors and banquet speaker, Thomasina Wilson Snell, presented a dramatic monologue, “The Crucifixion,” by James Weldon Johnson.
The entire church seemed mesmerized by her heartfelt and dramatically choreographed presentation.
Our closeout activity was a banquet in the Benjamin Holmes Annex of First Zion Church on Sunday evening. Stephen Mullice presided over the program that had Mrs. Snell imparting words of wisdom to those assembled.
Former faculty members present were George B. Varnedoe and Deborah Robinson who provided the music.
The reunion was such a success, graduates decided to meet again 2012.
If anyone wonders whether a high school reunion is worth the effort, the Golden Seniors would see the question as a non-debatable issue. The rewards far outweigh the work involved.
Classmates get a chance to come home and visit family, see the progress made in their communities, connect and bring positive re-enforcement to those needing a lift up. It offers a perfect opportunity to reconnect with friends you have lost touch with during the years.
It is an chance to network and let the community see you cared enough to come back and spend some time with them.
Our reunion reunited some friends who had been together all 12 years of school, grades 1-12. What could be better than returning for a high school reunion? Coming home has its advantages and the rewards are priceless.
Sign up for our e-newsletters