Reunion Wrap Up

Our 20 year reunion came and went this past weekend. So many memories have been swirling around in my mind that it's been hard to sit still and write about it. I feel a little bit like a deflated balloon now that all the excitement is over! I'll try to wrap it up for those of you who coudn't be there.

Saturday night, 27 LHS classmates, plus their spouses and dates, showed up for the big reunion event at the Athletic Club in the Springdale Holiday Inn. We mingled and visited and tried to figure out who everyone was, and had some drinks and hors d'oeuvres. After a while, we all sat to watch our Class of '89 updated DVD. There were lots of laughs and a few tears as we watched. We also filled out ballots to vote about our classmates. Finally, the results were announced. Here are the winners:

Most changed male classmate: James Maberry (really it was just that he has short hair now)
Least changed male classmate: Jason Moorman (really he does look exactly the same - minus the mullet)
Most changed female classmate: Robin Scott (you wouldn't recognize her)
Least changed female classmate: Sarah Epps (not sure about that one)
World traveler award (most places visited): Shawn Foley (he's traveled to 12+ countries since graduation)
Gas guzzler award (who drove the farthest): Jodi Huffaker, who traveled from Arizona
Mover and shaker award (most states lived in): Robin Scott, whose husband is in the military

The winners got a certificate and a nice "Lincoln Alumni" T-shirt. Most of the attendees stayed until the end, at midnight, and had more and more fun as the night wore on. A few hardy partiers didn't want the night to be over, and met down the street at a bar to visit some more. They (OK, we) finally left when the bar closed at 2 am.

The Sunday family event turned out well, too. We met at Battlefield Park in a pavilion near the playground. Many new friendships sprang up between the children who came. A few of the classmates were dragging a bit after the previous night's fun, but everyone seemed to have a good time, anyway. A few people showed up who couldn't make it the night before. We don't have a group picture from Sunday, but some of those who came (whom we didn't see Saturday night) were: Cody Smith and his wife, Liz Olszewski and her fiance, Steve Sposato and his dad, Coach Sposato, and Carla Spencer and her daughter. The weather was nice, and I even heard some plans being made for a 25 year reunion.

If you weren't there, you missed a great time, but we hope you can make it next time, and we hope the blog will help you feel a little like you were a part of it.

Many many thanks to Jami Shrum for all her hard work on the reunion, and all the extra wonderful things she thoughtfully provided. Also thanks go out to Julie and her husband for the awesome DVD's, and to Robin, Susan, Brandon, and Shelly for all their help before and during the event. Everyone did a great job!

Some Photos from the Reunion

Click on the album or slideshow above for more pictures

Tammie (Anderson) Lane

Tammie has been married to James Lane for the past 18 years, and they have two sons, Taylor, age 12, and Seth, age 9. Tammie and her family live in Lincoln and she currently works as a bookkeeper at a CPA firm in Fayetteville. Tammie says about the past 20 years: "I married Jim in 1991, moved to California for a year and lived on a Marine air base. We moved back to Arkansas and lived in Lincoln, Fayetteville, and Russellville. We have two sons and have lived back in Lincoln for 7 years. I currently work at a CPA firm in Fayetteville."

Lance Barker

Lance is married to Christi. He works for The Clorox Company and the US Army. Lance will be out of town the weekend of the reunion, but he wants to tell everyone hi and says that "everything is good."

Deon Birkes

Deon has been married to his wife, Traci, for 5 years. They have two kids, Jace Justice Birkes, age 4, and Layni Rayne Birkes, age 21 months. Deon writes, "My wife works as a teacher in Stilwell, OK, and I teach and coach in Lincoln and have been coaching for the the last 16 years."

Brandon Bradley

Brandon has been married to Angila for the past 17 years. They have two children, Taylor, age 20, and Bayli, age 14. Brandon currently works for Ozarks Electric and lives in Cincinnati. Of the past 20 years, Brandon writes, "I went to VoTech in Springdale for 1 year, worked at Cargill for 7 years, worked at Webb Wheel for 2 1/2 years, Sam's Swine and Poultry/Double J Farm and Home 6 1/2 years, R & R Truck and Trailer 6 months, and am currently at Ozarks Electric. I joined the Fire Department, coached my son and daughter's ball teams, and have been owner of Bradley's Donuts in Farmington for the past 5 years."

David Bush

David Bush has been married to his wife Deana for the past 7 years. They have three children, Seth, age 21; Braden, age 18 and Garrett, age 6. David currently works at Latco and lives in Westville. For the past 20 years, he says he has been "working, hunting, and served in the National Guard for 15 years. Went to Desert Storm in 1991. Got married and have been raising a family."

Bobbi Jo (Brown) Crooch

Bobbi Jo has been married to Bob Crooch for 10 years. They have one son, Jerod Kimble, age 16. Bobbi Jo works as a Title Insurance Agent/Abstractor in Stilwell, OK. About her life for the past 20 years, she says, "Typical mom and wife. Working, taxi cab for Jerod, and try to keep up with Bob as his employment requires him to be on the road more than he is home."

Susan (Capone) Hennessee

Susan has been married to William Hennessee for 11 years. They have two sons, Chase, age 10, and Hunter, age 8. Susan works as an LPN and lives in Rogers. She writes, "I have been working at a cardiologist's office for the past 5 years. I was at WRMC for 16 years. I have a wonderful husband and two adorable boys. That is it in a nutshell."

Tammy Comer

Tammy Comer lives in Farmington and works in medical billing. She has four children: Kylie - 17, Caitlen - 14, JT - 13, and Allyson - 11. She describes her life for the past 20 years by writing, "Married, had 4 kids, lived in Little Rock until Feb 08, working, college."

Rebecca (Cox) Griscom

Becki has been married to Curtis Griscom for 17 years. They have three sons: Clay(9) Clark(7), and Coleman(7). Becki is currently working as a first grade teacher for the Arkansas Virtual Academy. She and her family live in Lincoln.

Michelle (Crowder) Walden

Michelle has been married to Bobby Walden for 10 years. She works as a stocker and lives in Jacksonville, AR. Michelle writes, "I have been working for Wal-Mart for nine years."

Thomas Dayberry

Thomas has two daughters, Emily, age 9, and Nicole, age 4. He writes, "I have lived in Stilwell, OK for about 5 years. I work construction. I am currently finishing a construction job in California. I have been working and raising my children."

Gwendolyn (Elmore) Miller

Gwen writes: Time has flown so swiftly since high school. I have been married for 16 years, to a wonderful, kind man (Daryl); and we have two precious children: Grace Hailey, age 9, and James II, age 5. We currently pastor Cornerstone Pentecostal Church of God down here at Dumas, and we have been here for nearly four years. I often refer to my location as Egypt...due to the plagues of mosquitoes, green tree frogs, waterbugs, crickets (no, not the occasional cricket...this is pull into a parking lot and walk over crickets, open the door and have them fall in your hair while you're dusting your screaming children off, kind of crickets)and so much more; this completely justified my term of Egypt on this place. The people here are kind, and take good care of us. Just our time here alone has been eventful. We survived the two tornadoes that wiped out 1/3 of our town, and that's not counting the four since then! Life in the parsonage has been interesting as well, not really what you would call 'dull'. The cropdusters, the endless vistas of crops growing, and swamps which border the parsonage are filled with many creatures I pretend to know nothing of, especially as night blankets the horizons! My first fishing trip was during the breeding season of alligators! Who knew?!

Let's see, after high school I attended First Gospel Bible Institute in Export, Pennsylvania. And the list of colleges goes on from there...they change as frequently as we change our locations. My husband was a Marine when I married him (I know, once a Marine always a Marine ). We met when my parents (who were ministers) moved to Russellville to pastor a church there; my husband's parents pastored the 'other' Pentecostal church...yes, you could call it a "match made in heaven!" (3-27-1993). We moved to Camp Lejueune, North Carolina where he was stationed for two years. After transferring to the Air Guard we moved back home to Arkanasas. Shortly after this the Lord opened the doors for us to pastor in Bentonville, AR where our little girl arrived to the delight of us all. From there we moved to Harrison, AR to pastor a church in that mountain town, it was here my darling son arrived. When I think about the gift of my children, my eyes fill with tears, and I have no words. Motherhood has been such a joy, can't wait to see what adventures we have in store!

I'm working on a book, "Life from the Parsonage," hope to have it completed by the end of this year. I have sold my stories and look forward to more in this line of work. A pastor's wife is not on 'Forbes' list! lol How long will I be here? Only the Lord knows. I have so much to tell, and no space. Feel free to email me, or look me up on Facebook - theparsonswife. I want to use this space to say, "Stacy, I have never forgotten you, and still miss you!"

Sarah (Epps) Standridge

Sarah has been married to her husband Scott for 14 years. They have two children, Will, age 9, and Thea, age 5, and live in Little Rock. Sarah has been working as a preschool teacher since last year. About the past 20 years, she writes, "I went to the U of A and graduated in 1995 with an English degree. We spent two years in Baton Rouge, LA and then another 7 in the Fayetteville and Farmington area, where I worked at JB Hunt and took more college classes. I also volunteered and worked as an ESL teacher at the Ozark Literacy Council in Fayetteville before we moved to Little Rock in 2003 for my husband's job. Since moving here, I've been a stay at home mom, volunteering and working in education. We are enjoying life here in Little Rock, watching our children grow."

Shawn Foley

Shawn works as a Merchant Marine Officer (Engineer). He calls Lincoln his home but says he lives in "the world - wherever my ship takes me." Shawn's past 20 years include 3 years in the US Navy, 3 years in the US Navy Shipyard, 3 years with River Towboats, and 7 years in the Merchant Marine. He writes, "I've become a licensed engineering officer since our last reunion sailing commercial and military cargo in support of the war effort in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Deanna (Finical) Secrist

Deanna and Doug Secrist have been married for 20 years. They have two children, Brendan, age 17, and Felicia, age 12. Deanna writes, "I work as a paraprofessional in Special Education at Lincoln Elementary. Doug and I have lived in Morrow, AR for the last 12 years. We stay busy raising our children."

Cindy (Guess) Hamilton

Cindy lives in Lincoln where she works as the Cash Office Manager at Harp's. She has two children, Shyanna, age 10, and Colton, age 3. For the past 20 years, she says she has been "taking care of my kids and doing what they like to do, which is cheerleading, riding horses, running barrels and poles. I work a lot to keep them going strong."

Coby Hall

Coby has been married to his wife, Bobbie, for 14 years. They have two children, Jerred, age 19, and Zachary, age 13, and live in Lincoln. Coby writes of the past 20 years, "After the army, I moved back to Lincoln. Married my wife Bobbie and had kids. Went to electrical school for 4 years while working. I got my masters and now I own and operate Hall Electrical Contractors, Inc. in Lincoln. I've been in business for 6 years now with my wife. Also, now serving on Lincoln City Council."

Kerrie (Holland) Lee

Kerrie has been married to Michael Lee for the past 12 years. They have three girls, Hannah, age 10, Olivia, age 7, and Michaela, age 4. Kerrie operates an in-home daycare and is a student. They live in Peoria, Arizona. Kerrie writes of the past 20 years, "Working, taking care of my kids. Returned to college to get my degree in medical radiography and/or respiratory care, whichever comes first, and enjoying the great weather in Phoenix."

Jerri (Hudson) Weathers

Jerri has been married to Mark Weathers for the past 15 years. They have two daughters, Olivia, age 11, and Audra, age 10. Jerri works as a chicken farmer and photographer and lives in Gentry. She won't be able to attend the reunion, but she writes, "My husband and I have moved around a lot with Tyson Foods. We are happy to be back in Arkansas. We have 2 wonderful children who are very involved in 4-H and basketball. We love our church. We have a chicken farm in Gentry with a couple of horses and our show cows."

Jodi (Huffaker) Combs

Jodi has been married to Terry Combs for the past 7 years and they've been living in Sierra Vista, AZ, since last year. Of the past 20 years, Jodi says, "I had a wonderful job as a 411 operator for Southwestern Bell / AT&T in Fayetteville, until they decided to close our office. Terry & I moved to Arizona. He and his 2 brothers own a rock, sand, and gravel company, where I currently work."

Doug Hutchens

Doug has been married to Melissa Goolsby for 16 1/2 years. They have two children, Brenna, age 9, and Nathan, age 7. Doug works in manufacturing and lives in Lincoln. He writes about the past 20 years, "I lived in Mountain Home, AR for 6 years, Bettendorf, IA for 4 years, and now back in Lincoln for the past 5 1/2 years. I like to go camping and mountain biking with the family."

Donna (James) Schork

Donna has been married to her husband, Mike, for 17 years. They have two boys, Caleb, 11, and Connor, 6. Donna writes, "Since the last reunion I went back to school and am now an RN working in labor and delivery at Willow Creek. We live in Springdale. I will not be able to attend the reunion because my boys race motocross and they have a race that weekend, but I'll miss seeing everyone!"

Shannon (James) Prater

Shannon has been married to Corey Prater for 17 years. They have one son, Garrett, age 11. She currently works as a second grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary and lives in Lincoln. She says, "Since our last reunion I went back to college. I completed the Masters program at the U of A and now have a Masters degree in teaching. I teach second grade at Lincoln. I will be starting my fifth year this fall."

Stacy (Jones) Wheeler

Stacy has been married to Dave Wheeler for 10 years. She works as a physical therapist in Murray, Kentucky. Of the past 20 years, Stacy writes, "I went to college at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO. I've been working as a physical therapist for the last 14 years. Husband is a football coach so that dictates where we live; sometimes we move a lot: Hutchinson, KS 7 years, Russellville, AR 4 years, Carrolton, GA 1 year, now Murray, KY 1 year."

Meredith (Kahl) Roberson

Meredith and her husband Jesse live in Gravette and have been married for 9 years. They have four children: Aubry James, 16, Tyler, 16, Abigail, 14, and Emily, 8. Meredith works as a financial counselor and children's pastor. For the past 20 years, Meredith has been "raising my children, involved in children's ministry for 8 years. Just loving life, working in healthcare for 16 years, court appointed special advocate for children through CASA of Northwest Arkansas."

Kirstie (Lester) Eddings

Kirstie has a ten year old son named Justin, and has been with her boyfriend, Larry Wayne, for the past 7 years. She is currently not working (disabled) and lives in Lincoln. She has been working and raising her son for the past 20 years.

Shelly (Luna) Binder

Shelly works as a surgery attendant/CNA at North Hills Surgery Center. She lives in Lincoln and is divorced. She has been dating her boyfriend Clint Mitchell for 1 year and 2 months. Shelly describes what she has been doing for the past 20 years by writing, "Getting married, getting divorce, working very hard, enjoying my new life. Taking care of my two chocolate labs Winston & Harley, and my cocker spaniel, Mr. B."

James Maberry

James has one daughter named Brittney Dawn, age 17. He works as an electrician and lives on Shady Street in Lincoln. Describing what he's been doing for the past 20 years, James says, "Working, getting married, getting divorced, working, being a single father, riding motorcycles, bass fishing, working."

Brett McGee

Brett has an 11 year old daughter named Savana and a girlfriend, Linda Workman. He writes, "I have lived in Summers, AR for about a year. I am self-employed working in construction. I have been busy working and raising a family."

Jason Moorman

Jason and his wife Julie have been married for 13 years. They have two children, Sydney, age 6, and Jacob, age 4. Jason currently works as a service tech for Merial Select Avian Division and lives in Cincinnati, AR. Jason describes his past 20 years by writing, "College, several jobs, worked for Cobb-Vantress for 9 years before going to work for Merial Select in May 2007." He also says, "Mrs. Curtis told me I could turn this in LATE."

Joey (Munyon) Cox

Joey has been married to Kevin Cox for the past 18 years. They have 3 children: Brandy, age 12, Abby, age 11, and Brett, age 11. Joey is an RN and works as a school nurse for the Siloam Springs Schools. Kevin is a CPA and a Major in the Army National Guard. They live in Evansville. Joey writes, "Kevin has had several military deployments. I have worked and been in Evansville with the kids. We travel to see Kev when possible. Our hobbies include basketball, scuba, camping. Kids are involved in gymnastics, volleyball, and basketball."

Julie (Munnerlyn) Petty

Julie has been married to Brian Petty for 7 years. They have two sons, Logan, age 5, and Warren, 3. Julie lives in Fayettevillle and currently works as a policy analyst on disability issues. Julie writes, "I went to John Brown after high school, failed out of John Brown, traveled around for a few years, moved to Hot Springs in 1994 to attend Hot Springs Rehabilitation and Vocational school, learned a trade there, did not like it, so went back to community college and got my GPA back up. I transferred to UA Fayetteville in 1997. I attended UA part time. My other time was spent building a grassroots statewide self advocacy organization called Arkansas People First for and run by people with development disabilities.

I met my husband at U of A and got married in 2001. Became a national leader in disability rights movement. Became a policy analyst for Human Services Research Institute in 2006. I work part time for HSRI and part time for Partners for Inclusive Communities/UAMS. At both jobs I work on various grant funded projects."

Colin and Laura (Mounce) Olson

Colin and Laura write that they have been married for 14 years (but, together solid since 1988!) They have two children, Mileena, age 7, and Aiden, age 3. Laura has worked as a mail carrier with the US Postal Service in Prairie Grove for the past 7 years, and is an "Awesome Mom!" Colin is machine shop manager for Superior Industries where he has worked for 19 years and is a "Really Cool Dad!" They live in Morrow, AR. Laura and Colin write, "Our family is now complete: Husband, Wife, and two beautiful children. Colin not only supports his family, but also his community. He is an EMT, fireman, and secretary of our Morrow Fire Department. And he is an active member and secretary of our County Rescue, West Team. Being trained in Ropes, Cave, and Swift Water Rescue, he has been a valuable asset to the major Search and Rescues of these past few years. We are all enjoying where God has planted us and hoping we continue to do well for Him, our family, and community, continuing to grow with what our future brings!"

Elizabeth Olszewski

Liz has been with Scott Lisenbee for 13 years. They have two children, Michael, 28, and Ashley, 24. Liz works as the store supervisor at the University of Arkansas Bookstore and lives in Prairie Grove. Liz writes, "After graduation, I was in the marines for 4 years, worked with a local trucking company for 4 years, went back to college in '97, worked other part-time jobs, including 7 years at Westwood Gardens. I have been working with U of A Bookstore for the last 3 1/2 years, and am 1 year away from finishing college."

Scott Ramsey

Scott married Michelle Pinkerton on June 28, 1991, and they've been married for 18 years. They have three children, Cassy, age 15, Devan, age 12, and Audie, age 6. They farm turkeys and cattle in Summers. Scott writes of the last 20 years, "We have always been farming. First we had a dairy and chickens with a few beef cattle, then we bought a neighboring turkey farm and sold out the dairy and went with just beef cattle. Michelle has been mostly a stay at home mom and helped on the farm."

Ray Ruland

Ray has been married to Casie Hartwell for the past 15 years. They have one daughter, Sydney, age 9. Ray works as an MRO Buyer and lives in Prairie Grove. He writes, "Over the last 20 years, I have been working on my career and traveling a lot with my wife. We have seen most of the midwestern and eastern states. Highlight: we spent our 15th wedding anniversary at a Metallica concert. Sure beats Jamaica!!! My wife rocks!!!"

Robin (Scott) Dorf

Robin and her husband, Scott, live in Fayetteville with their two children, Myriah and Jordan. She writes, "Since graduation I have married the love of my life and have 2 beautiful children who will be 9 in September. I graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Social Work and have worked for the US Navy as a Social Worker and a Certified Military Instructor among many other careers. My husband recently retired from the Navy, so the first 13 years of our lives together were spent traveling from one duty station to another. I have been blessed to live in Pensacola, Rhode Island, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Mississippi, Illinois, Colorado, and of course Arkansas. I have traveled to Australia for port visits when my husband was deployed and made similar port visits in San Diego. I am currently back in Arkansas while my husband finishes his umpteenth degree and then our 5 year plan includes returning to our love of travel and focusing our journeys in Europe where Scott will return to his love of the military in the form of a Contractor in the Medical Corps. Perhaps the greatest thing I’ve learned in the last 20 years followed the 9/11 attacks while my husband was on active duty…..never leave unsaid the true desires of your heart, for you may never get the chance to do so!"

Doug Secrist

Doug married Deanna Finical 20 years ago. They have two children, Brendan, age 17, and Felicia, age 12. Doug writes of the past 20 years, "I worked at Superior Industries for about 19 years. I have been working as a machinist at Maynard for the last 1 1/2 years. Deanna and I have lived in Morrow, AR for the last 12 years. We stay busy raising our children. We also enjoy participating in shooting sports."

Jami Shrum

Jami currently works as a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) and lives in Lowell, AR. Jami writes of the last 20 years, "I graduated from the U of A in 1992 with my nursing degree. I worked in the Emergency Department at WRMC for 12 years and as a flight nurse for Air Evac for 7 years. I graduated from John Brown University in 2003 with a Bachelor's degree in Management. In 2004, I moved to Fort Worth, TX to attend Texas Christian University. I also lived in El Paso, TX during my residency. I graduated from TCU in 2006 with a Master's degree in Nurse Anesthesia. I currently work as a CRNA for Grey Fox Anesthesia in Fayetteville."

Cody Smith

Cody has been married to his wife Angel for 6 1/2 years, and they live in Canehill. They have been registered and active foster parents for 2 years. Cody is branch manager of a local office of National Seating and Mobility, the largest custom rehab equipment company in the US, and has worked there for the past 10 years. Cody writes of the past 20 years, "I spent the first 10 years after high school working through various factory/plant and landscaping jobs. I bought a farm in Morrow. I played drums in a rock band traveling around having fun and working with at-risk teens and children using the rock band as a way to interact with the kids, recorded three sessions on CD of our own material and played drums in an instructional CD for Plumbline, a local music director/recording artist Ryan Nelson, now located in California. In the second 10 years I began my career and met my wonderful wife. We have been remodeling a historic home in Canehill and working with at-risk children, including becoming foster parents. I still enjoy playing music and have been working on recording new material in my home recording studio."

Leo Williams

Leo has been married to his wife, Myklee, for 1 year. They live in Edmond, OK, where Leo works in residential sales. Describing the past 20 years, Leo writes, "After high school, Deon and I tried our luck at football at Arkansas Tech. That really didn’t take for either of us, so I joined the Air Force. After traveling around the world for a few years I got out and went to work. It didn’t take long to realize that I was not big on working for somebody else. I went back to school and now have earned an MBA and am working towards my new career. I finally got married last year and we celebrated our first anniversary May 8."