Every spring, the small town of Caledonia in Lowndes County is the site of an event increasingly rare these days. On May 12, Caledonia High School will host its 84th annual school-wide alumni banquet, welcoming members of every class that ever graduated.
“From what I understand, this is the last school in Mississippi that does this,” said Randy Luker (’73), president of the organizing committee. About 200 to 250 alumni usually attend the banquet. This year’s theme is “All roads lead to home.” Held on Mother’s Day weekend, the gathering coincides with many family homecomings in the close-knit Caledonia community.
“It’s a wonderful tradition, a great way for alumni to stay in touch, catch up with old friends,” said Luker. “Every time, it seems like somebody comes back that we haven’t seen in years. It seems like the older people get, the more they want that connection.”
While certain classes will mark 20th, 30th, 40th and 50th class reunions that weekend, banquet organizers also encourage more recent alumni to attend the class-wide gathering. Caledonia High’s 2017 senior class will be special guests.
“We’re working hard at getting young people doing this and keeping it going,” Luker said.
Committee secretary Haley Salazar added, “We want young people to take a real interest. … I think at some point in our lives we know how easy it is to lose somebody, and we’re really trying to have them feel a part of this.”
How to go
Tickets to the event at the Caledonia High School cafeteria are $20 in advance, available by mailing payment to the Caledonia Alumni Banquet, P.O. Box 352, Caledonia, MS 39740. Tickets at the door are $25. Social hour begins at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m.
All alumni celebrating their 50th and beyond reunion may bring their spouse or a guest. Presentations including Alumni of the Year will be made at the banquet.
“You never know who you’re going to miss if you’re not there,” said Salazar. “We want everyone to come out for an evening of good food and fellowship, while rekindling friendships and enjoying cherished memories.”
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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