Memoriam for Perry High School 73 & 74 Class Reunion – by Rev. Debra R. Otey
Since our graduation from Perry High School life has taken all of us in different directions. There are some classmates that we have not seen since our graduation day. Having our class reunion gives us an opportunity to get reconnected, reminisce and rekindle old friendships. When we hear the news of a classmate passing away, it saddens us. Tonight as we take this time to honor our classmates who are no longer with us, let’s remember the great times we shared and how they impacted our lives. As I began to read the names, my mind went back to school days, and I immediately remembered them in their youth. How they looked back then, the fun, the laughter, sharing classes together, sharing secrets, hanging out, their boyfriends, their girlfriends, and conversations that we shared.
Some of our classmates have kept in touch since leaving Perry and many have not. This reunion is very special for me; it is my first Perry class reunion. As we are now “seniors”, it is important for us to get together while we still have the chance. Social media has been a great tool and is probably the reason some of us are here tonight. Social media has helped us locate classmates who are alive and receive the news of those who are gone.
As we celebrate and enjoy this great evening, let’s cherish the memories of our classmates who are gone and let’s purpose in our hearts to try to keep in touch. They are gone, but they will never be forgotten. Although there is diversity among us tonight, we still are one because of a shared common experience; we are the Perry High School classes of 73 and 74; whether we are here in the flesh or departed, that is who we are.
We pay tribute to our classmates who are asleep: We remember you, we love you, and we miss you. In my closing I would like to share with you a quote from our former president, the late Ronald Reagan – “Wherever a beautiful soul has been there is a trail of beautiful memories.” We are grateful tonight for the memories.
Nancy Moser Klimcheck Introduction by Lee Kornick
Tonight we are honored to have with us our classmate from the class of “73,” Nancy Moser Klimcheck who has been singing for the last 20 years with the “Professional Corps of the Mendelssohn Choir” accompanied by her husband Bruce. Nancy will be singing a song during our memorial presentation that we all hope will just make you want to “SMILE”!
Benediction Before Dinner by Lee Kornick
May God our Father bless the food that has been prepared for us this night. May it strengthen our bodies so that we may use these bodies to serve Him, each other and the world He has given us.
May Jesus our Savior and Redeemer bless our fellowship and time we spend together this evening. May our time together strengthen our lives as we reconnect with teachers and staff, who taught and encouraged us in our youth, molding and shaping us into the men and women we are today. Reconnecting with old classmates and friends, remembering classmates who are no longer with us and creating new memories.
May the Holy Spirit our gift from God bless those memories. May they strengthen our souls that our memories of yesterday, today and tomorrow follow us through our lifes’ journeys, until we meet again at that eternal reunion in Heaven.
We ask this all to the glory of your most Holy Name.
And everyone said………AMEN!
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