NATCHEZ — Graduates of North Natchez High School and the first class of Natchez High School brought memories back to life this weekend in two separate reunions.

Natchez High School

Twenty years ago, North Natchez High School and South Natchez High School were brought together to form Natchez High School.

Dedrick Harris, graduate of the first class from NHS, said it was nice to see some old faces from his high school days.

“I haven’t seen some of these people in 20 years,” he said. “It is nice to go out and be able to reminisce about things from the past.”

Being the first class to graduate at a newly formed high school, Harris said his class had to experience a lot of change.

“We were asked to do a lot in a short amount of time,” he said. “It was a merger of two schools, and there was a whole lot of new things to deal with.”

Another graduate of the first NHS class, Monica King said she was upset when she first got the news that NNHS and SNHS were merging.

“It was going to be something different,” she said. “But we made the best of it and came together in love.”

The group from NHS had many activities over the weekend including a worship service on Sunday morning and a banquet on Saturday night, but Harris said the cookout they had at Jack Waite Park Saturday afternoon brought back the best memories.

“I’m hanging out at the park I grew up in,” Harris said. “This is the park our parents knew where to find us at. I have so many memories growing up in this neighborhood.”

Allison Laurant, another graduate from the inaugural class of NHS, said it was wonderful to feel like she was back home.

“We are one big happy family,” she said. “It goes to show you people can get together peacefully.”

North Natchez Ramaganza

Across the river at the Vidalia Conference and Convention Center, graduates from every class from NNHS gathered for brunch in the morning and a banquet in the evening Saturday and a worship service on Sunday.

Annie Edwards, graduate from the class of 1976, said it was a good feeling to get together with her fellow classmates.

“People go their separate ways after they graduate,” she said. “It feels special to have everyone come back together for a reunion.”

Sonette Tensley, graduate from the class of 1979, said it was a blessing for her to be able to go to the reunion.

“It is good to be seen as often as you can by your old friends,” Tensley said. “It’s a happy experience to just sit, eat and socialize.”

Benny Thomas, graduate from the class of 1978, said it is always good to be able to interact with others from your past.

“Sure it’s fun to come back and see who gained the most weight, or who lost the most hair,” Thomas said. “But it mainly about having a good time reminiscing.”

Thomas said being there, remembering the people and events of his youth is something he appreciates.

“Being here helps you embrace the present, discuss the past and think of the future,” he said. “There is nothing like coming together in happiness.”