Yvonne Shelton WilliamsWinston-Salem, NC

First of all, I want to thank Bobby, Allan Browne, Gilmer and Mary Ellen for their efforts to locate me and let me know that we were indeed going to have a 50th year reunion. 50th - I can't believe it! That means I'm 68-where did the years go? Sometimes I think about writing a book called "Remember when?" It would be a humorous (to me) looking at the effects of aging. For example, "Remember when teeter-totter was another word for seesaw, not your friends nickname for you because you sometimes lose your balance?" Or "Remember when drying your stomach after a shower only took 30 seconds? " As you can see, I'm still funny. Okay, maybe not-but humor me-I'm an old lady,

What are my memories of MAHS? I will have to admit I do not have as many detailed memories of high school as many of you do. But I do remember how much I enjoyed writing for our school newspaper and acting in our drama club plays. Also, our trip to Europe after our graduation inspired in me a love of travel and languages. Plus, it was so much fun being with my friends and driving Miss Paul crazy. (Years later, I took two groups of students on trips abroad. The old saying is true-'What goes around, comes around"). I majored in Spanish at UNC-G and eventually became a Spanish teacher for 26 years. I actually lived in, then, West Germany for two years 1975-1977 when the Berlin Wall was still the divider between East and West Germany. While living there I was once again fortunate to travel throughout Europe.

I remember as Feature Editor of "High Spots", I did a survey of our student body about their opinion on the Vietnam War. "Do you support it or not?" Working on articles like this made me realize that it was important to always be involved in the world around you. This feeling continued during my years as a teacher. First, with my students, I wanted them to be aware of life outside of a classroom and also as a representative for the North Carolina Association of Educators-speaking out for public school educators and students. Even as a retired educator, I remain an activist. Myself and 6 other retired educators from this area participated along with 30,000 other educators, students and parents in the Rally for Respect in Raleigh on May 16 of this year.

As most of you know, the "Queen of Soul", Aretha Franklin, died a couple of weeks ago. I happened to be at Myrtle Beach and just had to play "Natural Woman" for the entire beach as a

tribute to her. Aretha Franklin was mine and Gilmer Robertson's favorite singer. One memory I have is going to his beautiful home one evening. His gracious mother served us a formal dinner during which we minded our p's and q's. But afterwards, Gilmer and I ran off to play Aretha songs and dance. What a fun time! I'm glad to say even though I am 68, I still love to have a good time!

I look forward to seeing you all at the Reunion!