Final Plans Underway For Decades Reunion

McKENZIE (August 27, 2025) — The final plans are underway for the second annual McKenzie High School Alumni Association (MHSAA) Decades Reunion, scheduled for September 19-20, 2025. This event coincides with the 95th edition of MHS's football homecoming, the first of which occurred in 1930.

Last year’s reunion attracted approximately 500 alumni and friends to McKenzie, and even more are expected this year. All alumni, along with past faculty and staff of McKenzie High School, are invited to participate in the weekend's events. These include a golf scramble, a pop-up memorabilia exhibit at The Happy Book Stack in downtown McKenzie, a Friday night block party hosted by the City of McKenzie, the annual MHS homecoming parade, and various other gatherings.

A tailgate party for alumni, faculty, and staff is at Rebel Stadium before the Friday night homecoming football game against Camden. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. Admission is $7, and kickoff for the game is at 7 p.m. Limited seating will be available at the tailgate, so attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Food will be available for purchase from nearby food trucks and the stadium concession stands.

On Saturday of the reunion weekend, nine class reunions are being organized by respective class members. Additionally, a casual reunion gathering will be hosted by the MHSAA for McKenzie High alumni from the 1950s and 1960s. This gathering is 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, September 20, at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall in downtown McKenzie.

At both the tailgate party and the 1950s and 60s reunion, the MHSAA will sell pieces of original hardwood flooring from the McKenzie Middle School gymnasium, which was installed when it was built for McKenzie High School in 1954. The flooring was removed in July after 71 years of use. Each piece measures approximately 18 inches long and 2 inches wide and is priced at $20.

McKenzie High alumni interested in joining the MHSAA or making a donation will have the opportunity to do so at both the tailgate party and the 1950s and 1960s event. Annual dues are $10, or alumni may become lifetime members for $100.

The MHSAA was established in 2023 and has since made financial contributions to support programs at McKenzie Elementary, Middle, and High Schools, assisting students in need. Annual MHS Alumni Scholarships were first awarded in 2024 to help deserving graduates pursue further education.

Cheryl Oglesby-Townes, a 1988 McKenzie High graduate and board member of the MHSAA, expressed her excitement for the upcoming weekend, stating, “Time is quickly approaching for our second annual MHS Decades Reunion! Last year's reunion was a great success, and I enjoyed not only being involved in the planning but also participating in the Homecoming parade and helping with registrations. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces from the past and to make connections with those who were classmates of my family members.

"If you missed last year's event, be sure to mark your calendar for this year—September 19-20, 2025! We’d also like to remind you that reunion dues are due again unless you have taken the opportunity to join as a lifetime member! We look forward to seeing you on September 19th!”

Everyone is encouraged to save the date, follow the McKenzie High School Alumni Association Facebook page for updates, and help spread the word among classmates and fellow graduates. For any questions, you may email mckenziehsalumni.tn@gmail.com.

The McKenzie High School Alumni Association looks forward to seeing everyone over the weekend of September 19-20!

(Information courtesy of the MHSAA)