The 1973 class of the former John F. Kennedy High School celebrated its 40th reunion with three events during the weekend of July 5.

On that Friday evening, more than 50 people dined in a special dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn in Harbour View.

The ballroom was filled with black and gold decorations designed by Sharon Cherry. The program was opened by mistress of ceremonies, Madelaine Kay Bellamy Johnson, who took guests down memory lane with historical trivia and top news stories of 1973. A guess speaker, Ledell White, husband of Geraldine Sweat White, delivered a spiritual message. Prayers were offered by Horace Britt and Mary Baker Warren.

In a candle-lighting ceremony, Sharon Cherry and Rosa Childs memorialized 18 class members who are deceased.

Pamela Stewart, chair of the class reunion committee, presented certificates of appreciation to committee members Sandra Beamon, Horace Britt, Sharon Cherry, Rosa Childs, Evelyn Boone Gibson, Patricia Ingram Hyman, Rose Scott-Slaughter, Ann Luster Stallings and Geraldine Sweat White.

Class members received commemorative trophies for athletic participation during their high school days, including Stewart (cheerleading), Clifton Boone (basketball), Eddie Richards (football) and Geraldine Sweat White (drill team).

Soloist Eric Knight and musician Benford Hunter provided music, and photographer D’el Slaughter captured the class members in a group photo.

On Saturday, July 6, a cookout catered by Angie Mullins was held at Meadows Park in Suffolk as the reunion’s second event. As guests partook of the feast, Hunter played jazz and ‘70s music in the background.

The reunion culminated on Sunday, July 7, when the group attended worship service at Oak Grove Baptist Church, where Anthony Copeland is pastor.

Participants who traveled the farthest to attend included Claudette Eley Coyle, of Texas; Denise Butts Johnson, of New Jersey; Clifton Boone, of Georgia; and Alvin Johnson and Joseph Parrish, both of Maryland.