The Class of 1971 sees the education of our youth as a worthy cause. During our 42-year class reunion, we presented five, $500 scholarships to the top five students from the Class of 2013 in honor of our parents.

There was a commitment made during the reunion not to make this a one-time deal. A decision was made by those who were present to come together in the year 2016 for our 45th year class reunion, where more scholarships will be presented.

We didn’t want to stop there. The question than became what about 2014 and 2015? We than decided to present two $500 scholarships in each of those years. Donations were made by our classmates, and through the grace of God, we were able to surpass our expectations and present $500 scholarships to four members of the top 10 students from the Class of 2014 of Natchez High School. We chose two males and two females. What a blessing. Nobody, but God, could make this possible.

The Class of 1971 sees the legacy of our parents as something too important to simply let die. They were our conductors and taught us the gift of giving, how to create opportunities for others and established a foundation in us that we are able to stand on today. They simply taught us to do God’s will. We must continue the legacy of our parents by presenting scholarships in their name and by giving back to a community that gave so much to us.

Classmates, we have an extraordinary opportunity to be a positive example for our young men and women. We must stop complaining about what they don’t do and step out on faith and create avenues for them to succeed. We are their conductors. We have a responsibility. We can’t help everybody, but we can help somebody. These students are a part of our family and what God wants us to do is be a part of the nurturing process. Members of the Class of 1971, we need each and every one of you to give to make it possible to present more scholarships to the classes of 2015 and 2016. Please send your contributions by check or money order to the Class of 1971 P.O. Box 19092 Natchez, MS 39122-9092, and check out the class website at rams71.weebly.com.

Our 45th class reunion is in its planning stages. This reunion should be about all of us coming together, having a joyous time and leaving a legacy of scholarship and service to a community that served us so well. One day we will all cease to exist. Ask yourself — what will be the legacy of the Class of 1971? God bless you.

 

Chester Barnes Jr.

Natchez resident