Thanks for the Memories!
The DRHS Old School Reunion this year was a huge success! We received many compliments on a job well done, and appreciate your participation whether you were a committee member, a volunteer, participant, part of the entertainment, or honored guest.
I've struggled to find the words to express my particular appreciation of all the committee members. I guess there are none better than Thank You From the Bottom of My LIttle Pea Pickin' Heart!
Robert Brockwell '54 - A major player, advisor, and worker. A former businessman, Robert is the person we all turn to for level-headed advice. His good sense of humor and calm guidance has brought us to where we are. His selfless dedication to the Old School and the Reunions that are keeping us all together is evident in everything he's done for us all. You've all seen him bouncing tirelessly from one chore to the next while visiting with his boundless number of friends and family at the reunions. Behind the lines, he's the same. He has never failed this cause and is an irreplaceable member of ths team. Robert, you're number ONE in my book.
Margaret (Weatherman) Clem '65 - Margaret went over and beyond for this reunion, devoting numerous hours to the slide show everyone appreciated so much! It was a true work of art. But Margaret, too, is right up there with good advice, a calm approach, and dedication. She, like Robert, turned in her second of the three years this reunion has been held. This year, she was not only heavily involved in the Old School Reunion but in her individual class (1965) reunion as well. She carried a double load, but maintained her equilibrium, grace and good humor throughout it all. Margaret, there are not enough KUDOS for you.
Gloria (Gonzalez) Sotelo '65 - Gloria came to me during the very first Old School Reunion in 2001 and volunteered her services. Since that time, she's experienced some issues that would make most people throw up their hands and say to us, I can't help you any more. This year, despite her personal situation, she continued to work until the committee asked her to take a break and look after her family. There's no job Gloria won't take on from contacting former classmates in Del Rio with information, to volunteering to decorate, work the desks, post flyers, locate memorabilia, deal with the local newspaper and more. Her personal integrity and inner strength, her sweet nature and willingness to go the extra mile makes her probably the best loved member of our team. There are no words to describe and to thank you for your PERSEVERANCE, Gloria.
M'Liss (Hamilton) White '59 - M'Liss became involved in this year's reunion by chance. She was paying a visit to Del Rio (from San Antonio) at a crucial time. Her business skills were recommendation enough for us to ask her to handle the business end of this reunion, so we said...While you're there, would you mind...? And she said, Yes. This is not an easy job. In fact, it's probably the worst for a committee member! At times, M'Liss found herself between a rock and a hard place with the committee (mostly me) demanding information and the Civic Center and Ramada coming forth with it in bits and pieces. M'Liss handled these major irritants very, very well. Aside from this, she initially volunteered to do the Patsy Cline skit at the Saturday night affair...a scary proposition that she entered into with apparent enthusiasm. It was a major disappointment that she was not able to see this through, but it's her willingness to take it on that makes her valuable. THANK YOU for a job well done, M'Liss.
Brad Bradley '66 - Being the captain of our website placed Brad in a prime position to dessiminate information quickly to a large number of classmates. He scouted out Texas Pride (the Saturday night band). His suggestion resulted in Rev. Deaton's presentation of the blessing Saturday night. He played a major role in locating rescued memorabilia, and was another local Del Rio native and resident who beat the bushes for out-of-touch classmates to keep them informed. Brad and his wife, Jo Marie, both assisted with the registration tables and decorating. Why, he even fashioned the hangman's noose for the Saturday night Patsy Cline skit! You brought us HUMOR and a good PERSPECTIVE during stressful days, Brad. Thanks so much.
Volunteers - You came ouf of the woodwork, many of you at the last minute. You manned the tables far longer than we expected, you showed up to help decorate, and you freed up the committee members to take care of other responsibilities. You are too numerous to mention, but we saw you and we cannot THANK YOU enough.
Honored Guests:
O. B. (Bob) Poole, Jr. - Former DRHS teacher, principal and superintendent. Mr. Poole's registration form indicates that he was part of the Del Rio school system from 1949 through 1981. This is an impressive record which reeped great respect and made him a good choice as our Guest of Honor. You have inspired so many for so many years, Mr. Poole, and your presence and presentation were heartwarming. It gave us great pleasure to honor you and to have you recognize us in return. Thank you for coming.
Kitty Wade (Weathersbee, Cammack '32 - Kitty, was a member of the first graduating class of the "new" Del Rio High School...before it became the "Old" Del Rio High School. Your personal challenge, Kitty, to the individual classes, resulted in a tidy sum of money that will go to a good cause in the name of the "Old" Del Rio High School. How can we thank you for gracing us with your presence for the last two reunions. Thank you for coming and being an inspiration to us all.
Entertainment:
Jim Putnam '55 - Jim, was the perfect addition this year to the Friday Night Social. Your music and sense of humor, Jim, were appreciated by us all. We are fortunate to have you among us and look forward to your performances at future reunions. Thank you.
Texas Pride (Bo Hutto '65) - I saw this band on Brad's recommendation back in July at Hooker's out at Rough Canyon. I knew this was a good choice then, and this band proved their worth Saturday night. You guys were great! Thank you.
Attendees: Last but not least, the entire committee was gratified by the turnout and comments for this reunion. It was our goal that you enjoy yourself, see as many of your old friends as possible, be entertained, and relax as much as possible. Without you, there would have been only the 6 of us sitting among 45 tables at the Civic Center twiddling our thumbs! We hope you all had a good time. See you next time!
Glenda (Pope) Brown '66