EASLEY — When the Easley High School Class of 1956 held its 60th reunion in September 2016, the members decided to have a yearly reunion and continue the two-day reunion every five years.

The 61st meeting was held Aug. 19 with 27 classmates present. The Class of 1956 had 93 graduates and 63 are still living.

Ethel Waldrop Rogers was in charge of the reunions for many years, making sure all committee members were doing their job and on time. She passed away on Dec. 6, 2006, after a long illness requiring use of a wheelchair for years.

Due to her dedication to the class and her love for music, a scholarship was started in her memory for an Easley High School senior who planned to be involved in choral music in college. Thus far, eight students have received the scholarship. Their names and years of graduation are on a plaque in the hall at Easley High School.

With the guidance of Amy Byrd, choral director at Easley High School, the class bought a baby grand piano for the school in memory of Rogers.

A dedication ceremony be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 3 in the Easley High School auditorium. Several pianists will play 1950’s music at the event. Admission is free.

The Easley High School Class of 1956 held a ceremony to dedicate a plaque noting the names of EHS seniors who have received scholarships named for Ethel Waldrop Rogers, a member of the Class of 1956. From the left are Phylliss Spearman, Sondra Leatherwood, Jimmy Jones, Theron Cochran, EHS Assistant Principal Thomas Preisig, Betty Ellison, Eddie Ellison and Jimmy Stewart.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_ehsclassof1956Plaque.jpgThe Easley High School Class of 1956 held a ceremony to dedicate a plaque noting the names of EHS seniors who have received scholarships named for Ethel Waldrop Rogers, a member of the Class of 1956. From the left are Phylliss Spearman, Sondra Leatherwood, Jimmy Jones, Theron Cochran, EHS Assistant Principal Thomas Preisig, Betty Ellison, Eddie Ellison and Jimmy Stewart. Courtesy photos

The Easley High School Class of 1956 members at their reunion held this year.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_ehsclassof19562017Reunion.jpgThe Easley High School Class of 1956 members at their reunion held this year. Courtesy photos

Members of the Easley High School Class of 1956 gather around a baby grand piano that will be dedicated at 7 p.m. Oct. 3 in the Easley High School auditorium.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_ehsclassof1956Piano.jpgMembers of the Easley High School Class of 1956 gather around a baby grand piano that will be dedicated at 7 p.m. Oct. 3 in the Easley High School auditorium. Courtesy photos

Staff Report