This next story is 65 years in the making. That’s how long the high school class of 1958, from Jacksonville, Texas high school, near Tyler, has been coming together for their reunions. Red River Radio News’ Alaina Atnip reports: The Jacksonville High School class of 1958 is hosting their 65th and final annual class reunion on October 14, 2023. The planning for the event has been headed by Sally Hilliard Shank, D’Ann Dublin Reimer, and Carolyn Ann Pavletich Lesh for years, keeping everyone connected for the next get-together. With 65 years’ worth of planning in their pockets, the ladies are ready for this final reunion, though it is a bittersweet feeling, as Lesh explained in a recent phone conversation. “It’s bittersweet but I think it’s a good thing too. I mean, I don’t think It’ll be a sad gathering. I think it’ll be a celebration of our friendship for all these 65 plus years for some of us.”
The class has been tightly connected since their childhood- from riding bikes around the town to dancing to rock n’ roll in each other’s garages. Their special bond remains a mystery, the planners claiming it’s just special. After the first reunion, the group gathered every four years to rendezvous at Lesh’s family farm, enjoying catering by Sadler’s Kitchen in Jacksonville. In recent years, the group has met every two years due to shrinking attendance, but the party continues. And for a longer look at the Jacksonville, Texas Class of ’58, that will air on this Thursday [October 5, 2023], coming up during “All Things Considered” at 4:44 p.m. on National Public Radio
