VPHS Class of 1978 returns to Bulldog Land for 45th class reunion

(Submitted by Chrisandra Poullard-Smith, Reunion Chairman; Cheryl Davis, Class Secretary; and Reverend Paul Godfrey, Class President.)

Our Ville Platte High School Class of 1978 gathered on Friday, June 9th through Sunday, June 11th to celebrate 45 years since graduating from high school. Our reunion kicked off on Friday, June 9th, with a meet and greet event. The classmates gathered to fellowship, eat a sauce piquant prepared by Marcus Anderson, and play games at the St. John Baptist Church Life Center. On Saturday, a banquet and dance were held at the Ville Platte Northside Civic Center. The theme was “Denim, Diamonds, and Boots.” We celebrated life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness in the grand scheme of things.
The Civic Center was elegantly decorated by our classmates and vendors to reflect the western and bling theme. Cheryl Taylor decorated the stage with a western background. The tables featured white tablecloths and chair covers. They were accented with blue table runners and blue sashes, all of which were provided by classmate, Dianne Wilson-Roberson’s expertise. The tabletops added extra touches with a variety of accents, including wood slice bases, sunflowers, cowboy hats, mini-horseshoes, mini-ropes, faux diamond crystals, ceramic and real boots, and even a purple pair of boots representing the school colors. These were donated and beautifully choreographed by Chrisandra Poullard-Smith. A special table was created elegantly by Bertha Johnson-Castille with pictures and candles surrounded by crystals for the Class of 1978’s “Fallen Angels,” our deceased classmates.
All the classmates and their invited guests wore traditional western wear with a hint of sparkle to align with the theme. At the conclusion of the banquet, the classmates and their guests danced the night away to a mix of 70’s, country, zydeco, and current music played by DJ Chill Will. To close out the night, the class held hands and sang along to the song, “Family Reunion,” by the O’Jays.
The class remembered our “Fallen Angels.” They were memorialized by lighting candles for each one, and later in the evening, having a relative or friend in the class blow out the candle as each name was called. This was a beautiful way to end the evening. An adage noted, “Though absent, they are ever near. Still missed, remembered, always dear.”
On Sunday, June 11th, the VPHS classmates of 1978 gathered at St. John Baptist Church where Class President and Reverend Paul Godfrey delivered the sermon. This concluded a festive, poignant, and spiritual weekend. The class thanked Pastor Freddie Jack of St. John for allowing our classmate to deliver the sermon.
Present at our festivities was a retired teacher and former Gazette editor, David Ortego; former teacher and principal, Mark Latigue; and The Honorable Mayor Ryan Leday Williams.
Special thanks go to the following:
•Decorations by Cheryl Taylor, a local designer, who decorated our stage in a western theme background,
•Nikki Smith who developed the layout and graphic design for our banquet programs,
•Linelle Roy who prepared an appetizing display of sweets and cake,
•Videographer and photographers Greg and Patricia Meyer of Houston, Texas, who provided their professional services for the evening,
•Chef Chad Ben who graced the event with his culinary delights by catering our banquet meal,
•DJ Chill Will who kept the classmates and guests dancing to the music of the evening, and
•To our reunion committee members for their hard work and dedication whose concerted efforts made the reunion weekend a success. They included Marcus Anderson, Bertha Johnson-Castille, Loisia Gallow, Paul Godfrey, Joanna Jack, Phoebe Lanette-Jacobs, Dianne Wilson-Roberson, Chris Poullard-Smith, Cheryl Davis, and Marcella Frank-Thompson
We look forward to joining each other again in the circle of love we have come to embrace after 45 years. To all who contributed to our growth and success in the past and present, we applaud the professionalism, tenacity, and community support that helped forge our future.
For future information regarding other reunions and events, contact Cheryl at wearevphs.classof1978@hotmail.com.