Dreher All- Class Reunion, a devil of a success

By Francie Markham
britlit@sc.rr.com

Yasha Jones was honored at the Dreher All- Class Reunion by Dorothy Hollis as Dreher's Teacher of the Year.

"Where have you been,

my long lost friend?

It's good to see you again.

Come sit for a while.

I've missed your smile."

- Stay by Alison Krauss

The friends and the smiles were in Columbia for Dreher's All- Class Reunion this past weekend. It all began with two open houses where throngs entered through the Adger Road entrance to see their school and their friends. There were over 600 Blue Devil alumni in attendance, not including spouses.

On Friday, the eager Devils were hosted by seniors Ebony Perkins and Richard Hahn and enjoyed a student showcase of fine arts, a short movie by Jeanette Arvay's class, refreshments from the National Honor Society, a chance to tell high school stories on film, a presentation of a sculpture by Robin Jones presented by the Class of 1957 honoring their 50th reunion, and lovely tours through Dreher's hallowed halls.

Diane Cardone was honored at the Dreher All- Class Reunion by Dr. Janis Cooper as Dreher's Classified Person of the Year.

Ned Nance, Dreher chemistry teacher, organized the school events and was greeted warmly by many of his former students. Mike Dubard, Dreher athletic director, took photos of the entire event and hosted Blue Devil athletes at Memorial Stadium.

On Saturday, Gwen Fludd's Future Business Leaders served refreshments and led groups through the halls like Disneyland guides. Everyone enjoyed the stroll down memory lane. Graduate Alex English graciously posed with alumni for pictures. "I cheered for you, Alex, as a Dreher cheerleader," one woman said. "I remember you well," he responded.

Throughout the weekend, Dreher memorabilia was sold by Lisa Wilcox and Lori Yandle. In the Memorabilia Room people scoured through their yearbooks, literary magazines, pictures, Blue Print newspapers, and scrapbooks. This room was so popular it stayed open so folks could finish their searches.

Members of the Dreher Class of 1957, Bud Tibshrany (l) and Warner Montgomery, present the sculpture by Robin Jones to Dreher High School to celebrate their 50th Class Reunion. The base of the sculpture will contain a time capsule filled with memorabilia from the Class of 1957. Montgomery promised the class will return in 2057 to open the capsule.

The celebration continued at the State Museum with the Epics' rocking music and Southern Way's delicious food. Debbie Kinder, Ellen Adkins, and Kathy Garrick provided a beautiful and friendly atmosphere and an excellent silent auction. Hundreds of Dreherites found old friends and made new friends.

Among the former Dreher administrators present were Ruth Woodruff, Christine Webb, Rae McPherson, and Ed Thomas.

Speaking where all could hear were

+ Jeanne Stiglbauer (Dreher principal): "…As joyous a night as I ever remember."

+ Kathy Garrick (Dreher parent): "A great event for Dreher and Columbia."

+ Jane Cauthen (former Dreher teacher): "It could not have been a greater success. Folks visited with each other all night long!"

+ Jessica Woodward (Dreher alumni): "The whole weekend took my breath away. Now I really appreciate Dreher pride."

+ A proud graduate: "I graduated from Dreher and so did my nine brothers and sisters."

+ A very early grad: "I paid a nickel a day to my friend to drive me from Dreher to golf practice in 1939. What a wonderful memory."

The memories and the excitement provided a common bridge to Dreher's new facility. Jeanne Stiglbauer said, "Students have entered Dreher from Columbia High, Hand Middle School, Booker T. Washington High School, and other schools through the years, but they all exit as true Blue Devils…This new building will be the same Dreher. She just has a new dress."

"It's good to see you again.

Come and sit for a while."