The first graduates of South Hall High School will celebrate their 50th year with a reunion today, though they technically never attended the school.

Billy Emett, president of South Hall High's first graduating class, explained that the new school wasn't finished in time for the class of 1958.

In fall 1957, East Hall, North Hall and South Hall high schools were being built, but South Hall was not completed in time, he said. Students who were supposed to attend South Hall had to be divided up into different classes between Lyman Hall, Flowery Branch and Oakwood schools.

South Hall High didn't end up being completed until the following year, so the school's first graduating class never actually attended classes at South Hall High School.

"But it said so on our diplomas!" Emett said.

Emett was a member of the committee who put together the idea for the reunion.

"The people on our committee want everyone to have a pleasant experience and a fun time," he said.
In today's event, students from the class of 1958 will participate in a memorial service, story time for funny and fond memories and can dance to 1950s tunes. Before the end of the night, students will get together for a picture and a singing of "God Bless America." Out of a class of 94 students, 109 people are attending the event, including 50 former students, a number of staff members and the principal, Emett said.

Seven former, actively involved South Hall High students made up the committee planning the event. They have been planning the reunion since last August, and most of them hadn't seen each other in 50 years, Emett said.

The committee sent out notices to 1958 South Hall graduates last fall, letting them know that they were planning the event. Invitations were then sent out in the spring.

In preparation for the reunion, a booklet was created with pictures and a short biography on each student, Emett said. Name tags with high school pictures will also be handed out and a slideshow will run continuously during the afternoon. There will also be pictures, a diploma and a Future Farmers of America jacket on display.

"It's really sad to look at the pictures of people who are now deceased," Emett said. "As we look at them we remember them as our fellow classmates. It makes us very thankful for our health."

The event at Royal Lakes Country Club starts at 3 p.m. with fellowship time and then will be followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Those wishing to attend had to RSVP in advance of the event and tickets are not available for today's event.