From Betty Lloyd
Mattamuskeet School Class of 1965

The Mattamuskeet School Class of 1965 held their 50^th class reunion on June 13 at Martelle’s Feed House in Engelhard. The Class of 1965 was the first class at Mattamuskeet School.

Twenty-three from a class of 45 attended the reunion. They were joined by spouses and guests for a total of 52 attendees. Two of the class’s teachers were special guests: R.S. Spencer and Morgan Harris and his wife Margaret. Also attending were class mascot Julian McKinney and the current principal of Mattamuskeet Early College High School M.D. Coleman, III and his wife.

Both teachers shared their memories of the school’s early years. Harris praised the class and their parents on how easy the transition from two schools to one was during that first year. He was given a standing ovation for the importance he has played in the lives of so many students over the years and his dedication to the community. He spent his entire career with Hyde County Schools.

Class President Christopher Hudson welcomed everyone to the event. Joan Sawyer returned thanks for the buffet meal provided by Martelle’s. Coleman gave an update on the changes that are being made in the school’s focus.

Class Vice-president Reglyn McKinney Reid led the class in a fun activity to see how classmates have spent the last 50 years.

Betty Harris Lloyd presented each classmate with a booklet that featured biographies of 30 members of the class.

Carolyn Gibbs Williford and Linda Hodges Berry presented an abundance of door prizes that they had worked so hard to have donated.

The party room was beautifully decorated in the school’s colors. Each classmate received a flower in the class colors.

Attending were: Georgine Bouchard Armstrong, Mary Teresa Bland McKinney, Donny Caraway, Clifton Ray Cox, Richard Cox, Carolyn Gibbs Williford, Betty Janes Harris Lloyd, Donald Harris, Linda Hodges Berry, Reglyn McKinney Reid, Christopher Hudson, Troy Lane Mayo, Gary Sadler, Linda Sadler Smith, Joan Sawyer, Brenda Sears Ward, Mary Sears Armstrong, Sharon Potter Spencer, Sherwood Smithwick, Mike Swindell, Brice Williams, Jesse (J.C.) Williams and Naomi Williams Spivey.

Classmates unable to attend were: Lester Berry, Norma Blake Mello, Phillip Bunch, James Cahoon, Robert Cahoon, Howard Cuthrell, Betty Lou Gibbs Riddle, Mary Jane Gibbs McGee, Bobby Jarvis, Janis Pugh Simmons, Rosalind Ramon Heinert, Rebecca Sears Thompson, Glenn Spencer, Lucinda Swindell Bordeaux, Allen Thompson, William Waits, Jimmy Whitaker and mascot Darlene Mann Parent.

Five members of the class who have passed away were remembered on a memoriam page in the bio booklet. They are Nicky Cutrell, Jimmy Gibbs, Myron Jones, Michael Williams and Leland Gibbs.

Planning the event were committee members Christopher Hudson, Reglyn McKinney Reid, Betty Harris Lloyd, Carolyn Gibbs Williford and Linda Hodges Berry.