Waynesburg, Pa. – The Waynesburg High School Class of 1954 marked another milestone with its annual two‑day reunion, bringing together a core group of fifteen surviving alumni and numerous family members. The gathering, held Sept. 25‑26 at the Hampton Inn lobby and Back Bay Catering in nearby Carmichaels, celebrated the enduring friendships forged over seven decades.
From Drive‑In Movies to Modern Meet‑Ups
Sheila Wright Black, co‑chair of the planning committee, recalled how the class first met for major milestones every five or ten years. “When we got together on our 50th, we decided let’s try it every year,” she said, noting that the tradition has continued into the 70s.
Black, who travels from Washington County, explained that many classmates originally came from surrounding townships and felt like outsiders at the time. “I’m sorry they felt that way, but from our 2004 reunion to 2026 we are close‑knit,” she said. The reunion now serves as a chance to catch up on health, family, and life’s changes.
Family Participation Grows
With only thirty‑four members of the original class still alive, attendance has naturally shifted. This year’s crowd numbered 37, “more family members than classmates,” Black noted. Some alumni travel from as far as California and New Jersey, while about ten live locally in Waynesburg or nearby areas.
When a classmate can’t attend, Black often steps in as the group’s secretary, locating relatives and even sending obituaries to keep everyone informed. “Every time at this point in our lives, you read your obituaries and you find out things about your classmate that you never knew. It’s history,” she said.
Events and Memories
Friday’s gathering featured pizza, sandwiches, and cupcakes decorated with the Red Raider logo. After a brief social hour, the group dispersed around 6:30 p.m., acknowledging that “we don’t party anymore.” Saturday’s event offered a buffet dinner, a slide‑show of vintage and recent photos, and a piano sing‑along of classics like “How Much Is That Doggy In the Window” and “Amazing Grace.”
Classmate Jay Stiles, a retired Virginia Tech professor, provided a live piano performance and contributed a collection of Waynesburg High School and Waynesburg College yearbooks for attendees to peruse.
Looking Ahead
While the organizing committee now has only four active members, Black remains hopeful. She suggested a more informal brunch or afternoon meetup for future gatherings, acknowledging that many participants “don’t see too well at night anymore to drive ourselves.”
Despite the challenges of age, the 1954 alumni continue to cherish the camaraderie that began in high school and has deepened over the years, proving that community ties can endure well into the ninth decade of life.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
