News (2023)

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Under Consideration: 55th Reunion to be held 2025.

Place and Date to be announced. Please voice your suggestions.

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The 50th Reunion Concert Event at Redgate Farms in November of 2020 was a great success.

Under clear skies and an almost full moon, about 100 people enjoyed the Rock'n Music, with Food & Drinks, and lots of Fun.

View PHOTOS
50th Reunion Concert Event
November 2020

Essay by Mark Thomas (January 2021) This essay is dedicated to all our friends, classmates, and acquaintances that loved us, touched us and endured us for all those years. We were the class of 1970, which means, we went to school in the 60s. Every time one turns on the TV one hears someone bragging about going to school in the 1960's, well, that was us. Growing up in Savannah, Georgia in the 1960's was a magical time. We were blessed, we had it all. I was fortunate enough to be on most of the Savannah High reunion committees (10 year, 20 year, 35 year (Gold Standard) and 40 year reunion, and various other get togethers); In 2019, it was time to begin planning the 50th reunion. We were able to have three meetings before the pandemic shut us down. We had decided that early June 2020 would be the optimum time, but the virus lockdowns forced us to reschedule. At the second meeting, we decided on October 19, 2020, the one weekend UGA had an open date. But alas, COVID 19 was still raging! I received some calls regarding possible reunion plans. But, when my good friend Howie Leon called, I knew it was time to do something. I reached out to my lifelong friend in the neighborhood, Ricky Smith, whose Grandparents owned Red Gate Farms, and had been instrumental in allowing the SHS reunion committee to use the land for other reunions. Well, Red Gate was having its own problems due to COVID19; a number of weddings (44) had to be rescheduled. Ricky, always the gracious hero, was able to secure the date of Wednesday, November 25, 2020, the day before Thanksgiving. So, the event was on. It turned out that COVID19 affected everyone planning a 50th reunion, so we decided to have a joint reunion with other local high schools, Savannah High, Jenkins, B.C. and St Vincent's. We had a few meetings at Red Gate Farms to iron out particulars. Red Gate Farms was the perfect setting. We had plenty of room for social distancing and the Amphitheater was the perfect setting for "The Sapphire Bullets of Pure Love" to perform. They were fabulous. Vicki McCuen, a longtime friend, catered the event. We had Bar-B-Q sandwiches, potato salad and bake beans; and, a delicious sheet cake that represented all of the schools that were in attendance. Ricky's children (who now run RGF) gifted him with an open bar for the event. Big shout out to his kids since the open bar was enjoyed by all in attendance. When I reflect back on the night . . . the food, the drinks, the music would all receive a rating of 10 out of 10 . . . for those of you who missed it . . . you missed a really Great Time...

Opening Speech by Mark Thomas at the 2020 Reunion Concert Event (This is the speech I gave at Red Gate Farms during the reunion.) This event is dedicated to my longtime friends Ricky Smith and Glen Braddy. Both were instrumental in helping with this event. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank everyone here that braved the pandemic to attend this event. Thank You! So, why did we do it? Well, Ricky Smith and I grew up in Parkside, two streets apart, Ricky in the 1200 block of 48th and me in the 1100 block of 50th. We have remained best friends all our lives. The common thread was sports, we both played for the Panthers, we both played for Myers, we both played for Savannah High. Living near Daffin Park, we grew up with kids who went to Charles Ellis and Savannah High and the private school friends that went to Blessed Sacrament and then on to B.C. and Saint Vincent's. When it was time to go to middle school, Ricky and I went to Myers and most of the kids we met at Myers went on to Jenkins. The 60's were a dynamic time, there is an old Chinese saying, "May you live in interesting times." Well, the 60's were nothing if not interesting, both good and bad. I observed that every time something happened, either good or bad, Hollywood made a movie about it. So bear with me as we take a stroll down Memory Lane. 1961 - The first movie I noticed was the movie "61" which was produced by Billy Crystal. It was a baseball movie about the New York Yankees. Specifically, when Roger Maris hit 61 runs in 1961 to beat Babe Ruth's currently standing home run record of 60. 1962 - The next big event was the Cuban Missile Crisis. The Soviet Union parked nuclear missiles in Cuba and threatened the United States. I was in the 2nd grade, and I remember lining up and marching down to the rail road tracks and a teacher would bring a ladder and we practiced climbing up on a boxcar so in case of an attack we could get out of town. 1963 - The assassination of President John F. Kennedy, November 22, 1963. 1964 - One of the biggest things that year was the heavy weight championship fight between Sonny Liston and Cassius Clay. Also in 1964, we turned 12 years old and began paying attention to the opposite sex and listening to music. The BEATLES arrived in America. 1965 to 1967 - Nothing earth shattering happened . . . but, a lot happened. During these years the Vietnam War was raging. Two of my most vivid memories during this time I was attending Myers and each morning we would stop and pick up Ricky Smith, Mike Gignilliat and then Jim Brasfield and Pat Russell. Pat Russell was killed in the Vietnam War - maybe that is why the carpool is such a vivid memory. And, the second vivid memory is hearing the taps played multiple times in the cemetery located on Skidway Road across from Myers. Taps was played each time another young man was buried after dying in the Vietnam War. 1968 - Martin Luther King was assassinated. 1968 - Robert (Bobby) Kennedy was assassinated. 1969 - The Charles Manson murders in Los Angeles. 1969 - Woodstock. 1969 - One of the biggest events to happen in 2000 years: Neal Armstrong walked on the moon. The 60's, what an incredible decade. For us to plan the 50th reunion, and for it to be the 100th anniversary of SHS, for us to have the coronavirus, the covid-19, and the pandemic, it was just par for our course. I mentioned my longtime friend Glen Braddy. Sadly, he passed away Christmas night 12/25/2020. Rest in Peace, my friend.

Click to Read Polly Powers Stramm Article
About the 2020 Reunion Concert Event

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50th Reunion Outdoor Concert Event for 2020
Hosted by Mark Thomas

Note: Hopefully, there will be a regular 1970 SHS Class Reunion sometime in the future - Maybe 2021 or 2022.

WHAT: An OUTDOOR CONCERT with a LIVE BAND
(Sapphire Bullets of Pure Love) and CATERED FOOD and a CASH BAR

WHAT TO EXPECT: Food, Fun, Music & Dancing for 4 hours.

WHEN: Wednesday November 25th (Day before Thanksgiving)

WHERE: Red Gate Farms 4pm to 8pm.

No Advance Tickets Required
Optional Donations will be Accepted at the Event

Donations are Optional & Any Amount is OK
Please Donate what you can to help cover costs
$10 - $25 - $50 - $75 - $100 - Whatever
Optional cash bar for sodas, beer and drinks
Catered food will be available at no additional charge
(Food is included as part of your donation)

Also Invited are: 1969-71 Classes of BC, St Vincents, & Jenkins

For Everyone's Safety
Masks are Required & Social Distancing will be Encouraged

Please make a special effort to tell the date and event information to all classmates you are in contact with.
Also, tell them to go to 70SHS.com and submit the Contact Form so we can keep them in the loop.

NOTE: For additional information, contact Mark Thomas at (912) 354-9218

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The Latest News from your 50th Reunion Reunion Committee

Note: All are welcome and encouraged to join the Reunion Committee. There is a lot of work to be done to prepare for this special event. A venue has not yet been decided; however, plans are in motion for a live band, a DJ, Food, Drinks, and more.

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Committee Meetings Postponed

Due to the Corona Virus, Reunion Committee meetings have been postponed until further notice.
You can still submit your personal information through the Contact Form; and we will all do our best to continue planning for the reunion from home.

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The 3rd 50th Reunion Committee Meeting - was Monday March 9th at Hilliards

Attending were:
David Dickey
Lois Shinall
Betsy (Cook) West
Nelie (Inglesby) Pittard
Pat (Norris) Duffy
Annette (Wilkins) Holliday
Mary Ann Aiken
Mark Thomas


Discussions involved options (and costs) for venues, bands, entertainment, and food. The Gun Club is being considered for the venue. The time of the reunion has been agreed to be 6pm to 11pm. A cash bar is being considered so that those who do not drink will not have to share the cost. Many have expressed a hope that the reunion will be kept somewhat simple and therefore not so expensive. That is a difficult task considering it is the 50th reunion which most likely will be our last really big one to celebrate. Although arguments were made that the 75th Reunion (2045) should be really big too. The committee is aiming for a price in the $60 range; however, an exact price has not yet been determined. Tickets should be available to purchase online soon.

Many options are still on the table, so if you have any comments, suggestions , or concerns, now is the time to speak up. Everyone has a voice.

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These classmates and friends have contacted us by the Contact Form, Facebook, Email, Phone, or otherwise:

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/Listed 1970 Graduates/

Mary Ann Aiken Donahue (FB)
Deb Archer Scott (FB)
Charlene Baker
Julia Barrett Gravley
Cynthia Beach Redding
Robert Beasley
Tommy Boondry (FB)
John W. Boykin
Oscar Brannen
James Brasfield
Ronnie Burns (FB)
Sarah Watson (FB
Linda Collins
Betsy Cook
Connie Cornell
Eugenie D'Ambrosio
Joe Davis
David Dickey
Mindell Dobbs Brown
Randall Dukes
Reba Durden
Frank Durkin
Stephen Edenfield
Jeni Ellis-Riggs (FB)
Michael Emerson
William Fay (FB)
Lynn Fritts (FB)
George Hammer
Jimmy Hill
Debra Hitt
Judi Holley (FB)
Carol Horton (FB)
Nelie Inglesby
Elizabeth Jackson
Rebecca Jordan Starling (FB)
Jesse Jordan (FB)
Walter Jospin
Jimmy Keating
Carolyn Levy
Steve Lingle
Tommy Long
Cynthia Love
Mirriam McArthur (FB)
John Miller
Karen Mock
Harriett Mincey
Butch Murphy (FB)
Pat Norris
Patricia Overstreet Williams (FB)
Linda Pagan (FB)
Jesse Parks (FB)
Mary Puckett
James Ray
Cathy Reiser
Donna Ridgell
Dana Scoates
William Sharpton
Lois Shinall
Carey Shoob
Donald Smith
Frances St Johns (FB)
Brenda Stills
Janice Tomberlin
Patty Walker Waters (FB)
Tony Webb
Raymond Wexler
Bob Williams
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/Friends of Class of 1970/

Mike Martin
Tommy Bordeaux
Robin Sherman
Stanley Walls
Mr. Hicks, Chemistry Teacher (FB)
Stanley DeVegter (FB)
Marvin Grimm, Jr. (FB) Twila Leigh (FB)

If your name is not listed, please complete the Contact Form so that we can add you right away.

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The 2nd 50th Reunion Committee Meeting

The 2nd 50th Reunion committee meeting was held Monday Feb 24th at Carey Hillard's restaurant at 11111 Abercorn Street at 6:30 pm.
In attendance were eight(8) classmates:

Lois Shinall
Betsy (Cook) West
Nelie (Inglesby) Pittard
Pat (Norris) Duffy
Annette (Wilkins) Holliday
John Miller
Jimmy Hill
Mark Thomas

After input from all, and extensive deliberations, the date was decided to be:

Saturday night, October 24th, 2020 - Mark Your Calendars Now

      ((( Note: This Date had to be put on HOLD due to the pandemic )))

The location remains yet to be determined; however, hopefully it will be decided within a few weeks. Among venues in consideration are the DeSoto Hotel, the Westin Hotel, the Yacht Club, and the Golf Club.

Additionally, it is planned that there will be an informal Friday night gathering of all who want to meet; and that the location will be announced at a later date - possibly Tubby's in Thunderbolt and/or at a hotel venue location.

Sub committies have been formed for Name Tags, Decorations, Progam Design & Printing, Entertainment, Memorial Table, and Souvenirs. Please help if you can. Any assistance in any sub committee will be greatly appreciated by all. This will be a large wonderful event, and will require a lot of work by many.

Please make a special effort to tell the date and event information to all classmates you are in contact with.
Also, tell them to go to 70SHS.com and submit the Contact form so we can keep them in the loop.

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50th Reunion Planning has begun for 2020

The first 50th Reunion committee meeting was held at the 1790 restaurant in November 2019.

In attendance were: David Dickey, Lois Shinall, Mark Thomas, Jimmy Hill, John Miller and Cary Shoob.

Initial discussions concerned a venue and date for the reunion. Assignments were made for research. The month of June 2020 was agreed by all. The exact date in June will be announced soon.

Possible locations include Tubbys in Thunderbolt, The Mackey House, and The American Legion (Bull Street or Victory Drive). If you have any suggestions, please speak up now.

Currently under consideration is a 2-day event - Friday and Saturday. One formal and one informal. A cost of $100 per person for the formal event. Food, music, and other such items will be determined by the location chosen.

The next meeting will be the first week of December, 2019.
If you would like to join the committee, or help in any other way, please let us know. Your help will be very much appreciated by all.


For the latest event information and updates, please complete and submit the Contact Form on this website - Then we will keep you informed.

You can also contact John Miller at (912) 398-8632 for more information.

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45th Reunion

Originally, Saturday, May 23, 2015 ( 6:00pm - 11:00pm ) was set for the date and time.

HOWEVER - the event was put on HOLD.

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Our 40th Reunion at Red Gate Farms June 26th, 2010, was a BIG success

Music was provided by Betsy Cook's son, Tripp West, who is an excellent DJ in Atlanta.
He also provided fantastic DJ services for the informal Friday night get-together in 2005.


Gerald did a fantiastic job of providing all of the food for the event. Everything was delicious, and plenty for everyone. Thanks, Gerald!

The event was held out in the beautiful Red Gates Ampitheatre under a beautiful full moon.
Weather was somewhat cool and breezy, but mostly hot.
Some have suggested scheduling future events in the Fall when its a little cooler.

Red Gate Farms was a perfect location. Lots of space, and a new covered screened porch area!
Thank you to the Smiths for generously providing this fun and convenient location.
Everyone dressed cool, comfortable, and casual - and there was a lot of dancing and laughing.
It was a fun night.


There was a beautiful rainbow at Red Gate Farms as our 40th Reunion Event began!
View more pictures in the Photos Area.

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40th Reunion Committee Members - April 11, 2010



Dec 13, 2009 Reunion Committee meeting at Shucker's in Savannah on Mall Blvd.
In this photo (L-R): David H. Dickey, Rebecca Jordan Starling, Joey Sheppard, Valerie Bennett Sheppard, Syril Barnes, Frances S Johns, and Mark Thomas



35th Reunion Committee Members - 2005

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Click here to visit our Facebook Page:
Friends of Savannah High School Class of 1970


Any questions, call John Miller at (912) 398-8632

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Other Previous "News" Items

Class of '69 Reunion was in August 2009

Contact Marvin Grimm for more info about this event and upcoming events for the class of '69: marvin.grimm@att.net