Submitted by Susannah Kelty

On June 3, 1968, the last 8th grade class graduated from Woodleaf Elementary School. Class members felt they were part of a historic moment, knowing that the next school year, 7th and 8th graders would be attending West Rowan Junior High School in Cleveland.

Fast-forward 50 years to June 23, 2018. Class members again felt part of a historic moment, as they gathered at Woodleaf Elementary School for a reunion to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their graduation.

Knowing that this was their last opportunity to see Woodleaf as a functioning school, the group had requested permission to tour the school as part of their anniversary celebration.

Ms. Kris Wolfe, principal of Woodleaf and Cleveland Elementary Schools, very kindly opened the school and escorted the group through classrooms, the resource center and the auditorium. Frequently, people paused to remember teachers and to relive events from their days there.

Of the 49 graduates, 24 class members gathered from all over NC, as well as from Georgia and Texas, to attend the reunion. Many came with their spouses.

After a group photo on the front steps of the main building (the same location as their graduation photo), the reunion continued with a barbecue buffet supper at Hendrix Barbecue on Statesville Blvd. in Salisbury, compliments of the reunion committee. Door prizes were awarded. Group members exchanged contact information. It was a great time of reconnecting and catching up after many years. By the end of the evening, some had already started making plans to get together again.