Editor’s Note: This year marks the 40th Anniversary of my high school graduation. I just realized this fact not long ago while in bed last night trying to get to sleep. This, of course, ended any efforts at trying to sleep, as my mind took a trip down memory lane.
Written May 1, 2018
By Pamela K. Orgeron, M.A., Ed.S., BCCC, ACLC, Author
First of all, I remember years before graduating I used to sit in class thinking, I can’t wait until I graduate and get out of school. Then I won’t have to take anymore tests (I had test anxiety back then; although, 99.9% of the time I tested well.).
After my graduation from both high school and undergraduate school, I remember thinking, Finally, my test taking is over. Now I can relax. Boy, was I ever wrong!!! When I had to take a class culminating with a test to get my first professional job, working as a bank teller, I was given a rude awakening.
As I continued my trip down memory lane earlier last night I recall thinking about my many trials and accomplishments in the last forty years since my high school graduation, each one a test in their own way. I thought and wondered about how many of my high school classmates have died. At least four classmates’ names came to mind, Among them are Malinda Cox, Buddy McNurlin, Jeannie Andrews, Joe Whitt, etc.. Malinda and I not only attended twelve years of school together but we grew up attending the same church. I had most of my high school classes with Buddy and Jeannie. I remember Joe and I did not socialize together at school. However, I recall Joe giving me a number of rides to or from school or wherever I was going when I was out walking. I have fond memories of each of these former classmates. No doubt there are others in my class who have died, having taken their last test in this life.
Memorable moments from 40 years ago:
- Senior Trip. It was 40 years ago yesterday, April 30, that we arrived home from our senior trip to Daytona Beach, Florida. For those in my senior class who also went on the trip and want to take a trip down memory lane, feel free to check out my FHS Class of 1978 Senior Trip photo album at Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pam.orgeron/media_set?set=a.243436489029764.62200.100000902444155&type=3 - Senior Prom. The 40th Anniversary date for our Junior-Senior Prom will be May 13. The location for the prom was on the Johnston Chaperon Party Boat, Ashland Dock. Prom pictures may be found among my Fairview School Pictures photo album, which also includes photos taken at Senior Skits Day, Awards Night, and Graduation:
https://www.facebook.com/pam.orgeron/media_set?set=a.236422746397805.61002.100000902444155&type=3 - Awards Night, May 16
- Graduation Ceremony, May 30–7 PM at Fairview Baptist Church
Other online photo albums of mine that Fairview graduates may be interested in viewing are FHS Class of 1978 Photos and FHS 2001 70’s Reunion. If any of you are planning a 40th reunion this year, please let me know. I would be interested in attending, if possible, as long as the planned festivities are family friendly with no alcohol or smoking (I’m allergic!) permitted there.
To my former surviving Fairview High School Class of 1978 classmates, no doubt many of you, like myself, have survived many tests of time since we each went our separate ways 40 years ago. Whether we meet again in this life, my prayer for each of you is that you are serving the Lord with all your heart and that you will continue to do so for us to meet again in Heaven. Will you receive the final passing grade of
or will you fail to walk into the light of Jesus? That’s one test I hope you pass. Will you receive an A+ (Heaven) or flunk (Hell)? The road to Heaven is full of temptations and snares laid out by Satan to hinder God’s working in you; however, what a glorious reunion when we cross to the other side, Heaven, a land with no more tears, no more death, no more pain, and no more night (Rev. 21:4; 22:5). Again, I ask
