41 members of GHS Class of '42 expected at reunion

A lifetime ago, Annette Hatcher Roper joined many of her Gaffney High classmates in serving their country in World War II.

Roper will join members of her 1942 graduating class for their 65th high school reunion Saturday at Ryan's Steakhouse. They will gather for lunch, a social time, a class business meeting, catch up on the latest news in their lives and swap stories about grandchildren.

There were 139 seniors in the 1942 Gaffney High class. Of that number, Roper said 41 of her classmates are expected to attend the reunion.

"I just celebrated my 59th wedding anniversary. I never thought I would live to see 65, let alone attend my 65th high school reunion," Roper said. "I am really looking forward to seeing my classmates. I think some are planning to attend homecoming at Gaffney High before they attend the reunion."

Many men and women from the 1942 Gaffney High graduating class served in World War II.

While the men served in military branches overseas, women helped with the war through organizations such as the Women's Army Corps (WAC.)

This is the second Gaffney High senior class to hold a 65th high school reunion in recent years. Members of the 1940 class gathered for a reunion in 2005 at the Piedmont Club in Spartanburg.

Homecoming is a time-honored tradition for returning alumni at Gaffney High School.

This year's homecoming assembly will be held Friday at 10 a.m. The school will honor alumni from the classes of 1937, '47, '57, '67, '77, '87, '97 and the 25th reunion of the class of 1982.

The school will welcome alumni from those years who attended Granard High School.