Newcastle holds All-School Reunion

Newcastle All-School and Community Reunion kicked off with a full slate of events that drew dozens of people of all ages back to their alma mater. The reunion happens just once every three years – and so leapfrogged over pandemic restrictions. No one missed a thing!

It all started with a Pre-Homecoming gathering at Newcastle Methodist Church on the evening of Friday, Aug. 5. The early birds set off on Saturday morning for a 9-hole golf scramble at Olney Country Club, and the rest of the alumni registered in the foyer of Newcastle ISD foyer to talk to former schoolmates, eat snacks and win prizes that were given away all afternoon.

Photographer Roxanne Bruns was on hand to snap photos of each class, as well as groups of family, teachers, and friends.

The evening was filled with the music of R.A. Hill, and awards for distinctions such as the oldest person attending . That prize went to Wade Fikes of the Class of 1949. The prize for the youngest graduate attendee went to Kelsey Shields, from the Class of 2019.

The graduate who traveled farthest to attend the reunion was Lainey Nantz who came from Pennsylvania. The attendees ended the assembly with the singing of the Newcastle school song.

The evening’s entertainment was held at Fort Belknap, and started with a barbecue meal under the arbor, catered by Daddy Bob’s Smokewagon.

The adults chatted and danced under the stars on the Fort’s tennis courts to the music of Newcastle grad Ricky Clayborn. Kids enjoyed the bounce houses and slurped on snow cones.

On Sunday, the festivities came to a close in the school auditorium with a community worship service led by Christian Hope Musicians and Chad Owen with Pastor Michael Cyr of Newcastle Methodist Church.

Friends, classmates, even admins visiting under the arbor at Ft. Belknap on Saturday evening.

Photo submitted by Rita Choat