Shown are some of the former students and teachers of Buckhead Academy who attended the recent school-wide reunion held at Hanging Rocks Plantation. (Photo contributed) Buckhead Academy, a beloved private school in Millen that closed in 1980, brought together nearly 200 former students and families, parents, faculty, trustees and friends, for a school-wide reunion on Saturday, June 12, at Hanging Rocks Plantation just outside Millen. Buckhead Academy, open for a decade, offered students an excellent education and the opportunity to form lifetime friendships.

Everyone was greeted at the door with a name tag, a commemorative magnet featuring a picture of the school and a door prize ticket. For nostalgia, 1970’s music played in the background and tables were filled with memorabilia including trophies, a video of the

Bucks’ state championship football game, annuals representing each of the school’s 10 years, numerous photographs, letter jackets, cheerleader uniforms, graduation gowns and much more. All items brought back fond memories of days gone by. A Memory table featured pictures and names of students and teachers who have passed on. A fresh spring floral arrangement brightened the table where special notes of remembrances were written by those who attended.

After a time of socializing, Moses Toole, 1977 graduate, spoke briefly and offered a blessing for Buckhead Academy, its family and for the lunch, which was catered by Lisa Dailey of Millen. Each table, festively decorated by Kacy Ginn Jones, Class of 1975, featured photo center- pieces using Buckhead’s colors and represented pictures from each year the school was open. Also on the tables were small clear stones with phrases or questions which were used as conversation starters to recollect special memories at Buckhead.

After lunch and fellowship, Becky Reese Johnson, class of 1979, opened the program and commented what a tribute it was to Buckhead Academy that so many were in attendance. Becky noted that former students came from all parts of Georgia, as well as Florida, South Carolina, and Ohio to be at the reunion. Former students David Brazzell and Mike Hozey were recognized for their inspiration to hold the reunion . Without their encouragement, the reunion may not have taken place. Becky also thanked Sarah Jane Gay Ordiorne, Kacy Ginn Jones, Julie Ginn Moretz, and Mary Ann Roberts Webb along with several others for their help in preparing for the special occasion.

To help guests remember how life was during the years 1970- 1980, Don Johnson, Class of 1978, discussed several important world events that happened each consecutive year. Don then recognized three important groups of people. First, he recognized the Board of Trustees that were in attendance. Board members at Buckhead were responsible for the financial aspect of the school as well as for hiring headmasters, teachers and staff. Secondly, he recognized former teachers at Buckhead and for teaching students far more than just what was in text books. They taught the students about life itself and worked tirelessly with many extra responsibilities to see that the students received a quality education. And, lastly, Don introduced the parents, for without the support, commitment and dedication of parents, the school would not have existed. All three groups were very dedicated to Buckhead Academy and their passion ran deep, which was evident in all they did for the school.

Several individuals were asked to speak about their remembrances of Buckhead Academy. Mr. Lamar Black, a Board of Trustee member, talked about how Buckhead Academy was founded and the sacrifices made to get it started. He recognized the faculty of the school during its first year in existence. Mrs. Jean Cowart, a teacher at Buckhead in the middle grades for all 10 years, shared her fond memories of Buckhead, including special remembrances as cheerleader sponsor. Nancy Brannen Marsh, Class of 1973, remembered the early years at Buckhead and some her fond memories. Bryan Ginn, a student who was unable to graduate from Buckhead due to its closing in 1980, took the guests on a visual journey of the school, remembering certain classrooms and the memories they held for him. Mrs. Brenda Durrence, long-time high school math teacher and then headmistress of the school, talked about her memories of Buckhead and stressed what a truly special place it was. She commended the parents and students for their dedication.

To end the program, Julie Ginn Moretz, Class of 1977, shared how the entire experience at Buckhead Academy helped shape her life and how Buckhead prepared its students for challenges in life. She ended with a quote from Dr. Seuss to sum up the reunion and Buckhead Academy—”Don’t cry because it’s over…..smile because it happened.”

And finally, a 16-minute powerful and emotional video, created by Kacy Ginn Jones and husband, Ricky, captured the attention of the Buckhead Academy family. The video, with sounds of laughter and children playing, creatively showed Buckhead and featured scenes from all 10 years of Buckhead with appropriate background music for each year. The video brought back many fond memories and happy times at Buckhead Academy.

Door prizes were presented throughout the program. Special thanks to the following for donations: The Millen-Jenkins County Chamber of Commerce (Paula J. Herrington), Rocker Supply Company – (Beth D. and King Rocker), The Charm Barn (Terri and Mike Reeves), and The Carriage House in Statesboro (Lynn and Hoke Reeves). Other door prizes were donated by the reunion committee.