The Keith High School graduation class of 1980 met in Orrville and Selma on Sept. 3-5, to celebrate the class’ 30th class reunion. An estimated 100 people attended, including classmates, family members, and friends.

The event was co-chaired by Sharrie Hardy Venable, Snelleville, Ga., and Earnest Johnson, Birmingham. The festivities began Friday with registration and a reception at the school.

On Saturday morning, a one-mile fund walk took place. More than 50 classmates, along with their family members and friends participated in the walk.

“We had an excellent turnout and the event was a huge success. We want everyone in the Blackbelt and surrounding areas to know that the Keith High class of 1980 cares about the community and health issues, and it is very important to give back,” Johnson said. “I hope this walk will inspire and set precedence with other reunions to make donations to worthy causes.”

A banquet took place on Saturday evening at Alabama’s Farmers Co-Op. The guest speaker was Janneice Caldwell Moore from Jacksonville, Fla. Her topic for the evening was “Embracing the Golden Years: Health Awareness.” Orrville’s Salem Elementary Principle Melvin Flanagan-Brown also provided a stirring speech titled “Then and Now: Look How Far You’ve Come.”

A donation in excess of $1,000 was presented to a representative from the Breast Cancer Awareness Center.

“I am extremely proud of the way we represented Keith High this weekend in the fight against cancer,” Venable said. “In addition, we made a financial donation to our alma mater, Keith.”

On Sunday morning, the class came together at John the Baptist Church, Orrville, where Rev. Curtis Williams is the pastor. Services were conducted by members of the class, along with a beautiful solo, “I Won’t Complain,” by Thomasville’s Doris Simpson Watkins. Rev. Brye McMillon, from Montgomery, delivered the message, “Down on the Side of the Road.” Rev. McMillon said, “Down life’s highway, we must help, open our doors and give to others.”

The class reunion concluded Sunday evening at the Fairground in Selma with a picnic.

The Keith High School graduation class of 1980 has already begun planning its 33rd reunion in 2013. For more information call 214-850-7762.