Photo by Madeline Murphy Parkersburg South High School’s first graduating class in 1968 celebrated its 50th reunion Friday.

PARKERSBURG — The first graduating class of Parkersburg South High School in 1968 held its 50th reunion Friday night.

The present student council lead tours of the school for all those attending the reunion to check out how the school has evolved in 50 years.

“The school has changed a lot, but that makes coming back for the reunion even more interesting,” said Dale Tawney, a former South basketball player from the 1968 graduating class.

Everyone gathered in the cafeteria for pizza, chips, cookies and drinks to catch up with each other, share fond memories, honor those who served in the military and remember those who have passed.

“My favorite memory was Color Day,” said Regina McMullin.

Photo by Madeline Murphy “Gone but not Forgotten” is the poster made by the reunion committee in honor of those from the 1968 class who have passed away.

“Oh definitely,” said Sherry Towner.

McMullin and Towner have been best friends since they were kids in school.

“Keep in mind, we went to Parkersburg High School for 10th and 11th grade and were not allowed to use the senior doors or stairs,” said Towner.

“On Color Day, we were told not to go to PHS, so naturally we were among the first there trying to walk through the senior doors and up the senior stairs just once, but they didn’t let us out of our car,” Towner said.

Being the first class of Parkersburg South, there were many firsts that were experienced by the student body.

Photo by Madeline Murphy Parkersburg South High School’s first graduating class in 1968 eats and talks to each other, remembering the good times they shared.

“I remember the excitement during every game; I had so much fun,” David Murray, the first South Patriot, said.

“When it was raining I had to be covered in so much plastic, to keep the costume and gun dry,” Murray said.

Many of the 1968 class were responsible for helping create the senior garden that is still around today.

“I drove a 1950 Model Ford, two door, and I was allowed to leave school one day with a few of my classmates to collect flat rocks,” Bernie Balls said.

“We drove all the way out to the Ritchie County line and brought back as many rocks as we could, then brought them back to school, and laid them down, creating the original walking path for the senior garden,” Balls said.

“It was a very exciting time, and we all really enjoyed ourselves. That year really made an identity for South and kicked off many great traditions that I am glad to see still going on today,” Murray said.

The sharing of laughs and fond memories will be continuing this evening from 5 p.m. to midnight at the Grand Pointe Conference Center in Vienna, where the class of 1968 will dance and eat dinner.