We had just recently attended the prom (above invitation) and were getting ready for graduation. Our Senior Class Sponsors, Mrs. West and Rawlins showed tremendous patience and emotion when our time came.
The notices went out and senior notables named;
Our graduation was on Friday night and the Glee Club sang Come Saturday Morning, and then it was all over:
Our year had come to an end. For better or worse, we had "arrived" - just where that was, we weren't sure. Some to college, some to the military, some to the textile mills which are now almost gone in the South. A group of senior girls rode around all night (of graduation) with only a couple of cans of spray paint for protection (not to mention gas was only 24 cents a gallon). I wonder if they ever told their parents what they did? Amazingly, they showed up for awards day on Saturday (in the same clothes).
We had a 10 year class reunion and a combined 30 year reunion with several classes. All Tryonites were invited back to celebrate what was Tryon High School when it finally closed down - and Keith Henson works extremely hard to get us back together at least once a year at his lake place.
As best I can tell, we haven't solved the common cold or world peace, but we have grown to be; teachers; lawyers; engineers; electricians; politicians; ministers; golf pros; college president's; parents and; good citizens. Some have stayed in the area, while others have moved away, never to return. What we learned growing up in Tryon, we have passed on to our children - although they don't know it, and you may not realize it. The small town life and values made an impact on each of us.
And amazingly, Tryon is probably the least changed thing in our 40 years. Certainly, Tryon High School is as ancient to this years Polk County High School graduates as the Civil War - Oak Hall hotel is gone, and the trains don't run anymore (although you can hear the whistle done by Tryon legion James Cowan)
but Harmon Field and the Tryon Daily Bulletin remain, and the Youth Center still has plays and horses are probably a bigger deal than ever - and Side Street Pizza is a wonderful addition.
Most of our class remains - though we may never see each other again - such is the cycle of life. But, we have been forever changed because of our time together. God speed on your journey in life.
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