By Louise Blackerby | (Class of 1947) | Special to the Index

On June 9, the Mineral Wells High School Senior Class of 1962 was inducted into the 50 Year Club  and what a celebration it was.

The party started Friday, June 8, with registration, visitation and snacks. Registration continued on Saturday morning with coffee, juice and pastries and more visitation. At 10:45 everyone met in the auditorium to attend the Induction of Class of 1962 program, President R.E. Mason Class of 1949 presiding.

The pledges of allegiance to the U.S. and Texas were led by Vice President Henry (Hank) Gayler (1957). Invocation was given by E. Jim Hughey (Class of 1962). Introduction of guests was given by Marguriete Crum (1959) and Raymond Brewton (1957). The teacher who was voted into the Teacher Hall of Fame was announced by Marguriete Crum. The winner was June Roden (Class of 1949).

A memorial service for persons who had died since the June 2011 reunion was led by Robert Herring (1945). Induction of the Class of 1962 was Bobby Joe Mann (1961). The response was by Kay Stone Cox (1962) who mentioned over and over which class was the greatest of all the graduating classes. It was the Class of 1962. (Of course everyone there knew who was the greatest of all time – their class!) The final consensus was that every class was the greatest.

Next, Second Vice President Jo McCloud Murphy (1959) did the roll call of classes and representatives. As each class was called the cheers were loud and clear, everyone so proud, and rightly so, of their special class.

Imogene Day Harrington (1946) introduced the 2012/13 officers President R.E. Mason, First Vice President Hank Gayler, Second Vice President Jo Murphy, Treasurer Earl Medlin, Recording Secretary Marguriete Crum and Corresponding Secretary Nita Mason. These officers have a lot of work and responsibility and we are greatly indebted to each and every one.

The treasurer's report was given by Earl Medlin (1960). Mr. Mason commented on progress of the 50 Year Club and the facility improvements.

The alma mater was sung with great pride and emotion and then “God Bless America.” Both songs were led by Janice Bean. The benediction was given by Harold Chestnut (1962).

The meeting was adjourned and everyone traveled to the beautifully decorated cafeteria where a  catered meal by Soda Springs BBQ was enjoyed by all.

It was announced that Betty Vaughan Kidwell, Class of 1942, was voted for Coming Home Queen of 2012-13. She will be presented at the Mineral Wells football homecoming game this fall.

The speakers of the program paid homage to our military (past and present). Many of our students left school before graduation to serve our country. Some returned and some paid the real price of war, human lives. No greater love than this. Thanks to all who have served.

Mineral Wells High School students have served in many ways. We have doctors, judges, lawyers, scientists, law enforcement, politicians, ranchers, farmers, railroads, military, merchants, actors and actresses, chefs, government workers, oil and gas, teachers, preachers, journalists, homemakers, builders and the list could go on and on, and all had an influence in the betterment of our world.

We are proud of all our students past and present. The 50 Year Club presents scholarships to our high school seniors. This year's recipients were Brittany Polk, Shannon Cox and Carlton Aldred. There were 29 applicants.

Approximately 325 people attended this reunion. There were lots of “Do you remember whens?” and a lot of laughter and even a few tears and as the old song says “We'll Have These Moments to Remember.”

Next year's 50 Year Club Reunion is June 14-15. We hope to see all of you back again and are looking forward to the induction of Mineral Wells High School Class of 1963. The next meeting of the executive board is Nov. 14.