Photo: Golden Tiger committee members hammer out details for the upcoming reunion for Gadsden High School classes of 1970, 1971 and 1972. (Robb Corker/Messenger)
By Robb Corker/Staff Correspondent
Members of Gadsden High School’s classes of 1970, ’71 and ‘72 will collectively celebrate their 50th class reunion on August 6 at The Venue at Coosa Landing. The reunion begins with a meet-and-greet at 11 a.m. and the luncheon begins at 12 p.m.
The Golden Tigers’ classes of ‘70 and ‘71 were unable to meet for their respective 50th class reunions in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions and precautions. The upcoming cumulative reunion that includes that Class of ‘72 is anticipated to have the highest attendance of any 50th class reunion for the Gadsden High, which closed in 2006 after the consolidation of Gadsden, Emma Samson and Litchfield High Schools.
After sending out 4,145 invitations, the reunion committee received a little over 400 reservations. If other members of those classes intend to attend the reunion, the committee stressed the importance of responding as soon as possible to the reservation, as those registering at the door are not guaranteed a meal ticket that features vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Profits from reunion registration fees contribute directly to the Golden Tiger Scholarship Fund, which pays out $1000 each year to three Gadsden City High School JROTC members. The 2022 recipients are Hunter Enders, Binh Lee and Christian Todd. Class members attending the reunion are encouraged to donate to the scholarship fund. The number of students and amount of money the scholarship awards continue to grow as generous contributions expand the potential of the fund.
Committee member Marie Johnson said that class members have expressed increased interest in the reunion in search of a return to normalcy as COVID-19 precautions continue to loosen. The reunion committee is seeking volunteers from the reunion classes to service the name tag table, decorate tables and serve as greeters. Those interested in volunteering may contact Marie Johnson at mgjohnson4750@gmail.com.