WS Chronicle

The Atkins High School Class of 1963 held its 50th high school reunion from June 14–16 at the Hawthorne Inn and Conference Center and the original Atkins High (now Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy).

The theme of the reunion – which was co-chaired by Dr. Paul “Chip” Bitting of Raleigh and Dr. Caroline Lattimore of Durham – was “Respecting the Past – Embracing the Present.”

On the first day of the event, classmates picked up registration materials at the hotel, including the reunion class gift – a specially designed Atkins High School 50th Reunion afghan. An evening reception was also held.

Saturday, June 15 events included a luncheon/memorial service hosted by Dr. Bitting and with remarks by Dr. Janice C. Whitaker, Rev. Essie C. McCullough, Bobbie G. Russell, Bernard Cockerham, Dr. Lattimore and LaVerne G. Gaither.

A tour of the old Atkins was also held, as was an evening social gathering and banquet, where grace was offered by Chauncer Eldridge .

The culmination of the evening included recognition of five former Atkins teachers – Clara Gaines, Carolyn G. Burrell, Cornelia J. Forbes, Flonnie T. Anderson  and Marion S. Winbush. A guest teacher, Doris Hartsfield, was also honored.

A church and worship service was held at United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday, June 16.

The 50th Reunion Steering Committee also included Gaither, Carolyn Brown,  Eldridge, Biggers Hicks, Carolyn F. Mills, Russell, Carol L. McDowell, Perry Seawright and Lucinda Vaughn.