Northumberland High School
Class Of 1971
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THE OFFICIAL WEB SITE OF
THE NORTHUMBERLAND HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1971 ALUMNI, INC.
(A 501c3)
The Northumberland High School Class of 1971 Alumni Association, Inc.
P. O. Box 563, Heathsville, VA 22473
Tel : 757 714 9009, Email : NHSClass71@gmail.com
Website: www.northumberland71.org
August 18, 2026
Dear Classmates, Former Teachers, Family, and Friends,
What a wonderful and memorable afternoon we shared on 15 August 2026 as we celebrated our 55th Class Reunion of the Northumberland High School Class of 1971!
On behalf of the Northumberland High School Alumni Association, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who helped make this reunion such a tremendous success. This celebration was truly special, not only because of the number of classmates who returned, but because of the spirit of friendship, fellowship, respect, and love that filled the room.
We had 73 classmates and guest to attend the reunion. This represents the largest attendance we have experienced since we began celebrating our class reunions. That accomplishment speaks volumes about the special bond we share and the lasting memories we created together at Northumberland High School.
Our reunion theme, “Rekindling Friendships,” was certainly brought to life. Although 55 years have passed since we walked the halls of Northumberland High School together, the laughter, stories, memories, and friendships reminded us that some things never change. Our faces, hair, families, addresses, and life experiences may be different, but the connection we established as classmates remains strong.
One of the most meaningful moments of the afternoon was the opportunity to recognize classmates who demonstrated outstanding commitment and service to the Association. Kathy Simmons-Shirilla, Raymond Jones, Sarah Keeve-Laws, Robert Dobyns, and Flossie Parrotte Dobyns each received the Service to the Association Award. Gwendolyn Blackwell-Rollins and Marshall Parker both received the Community Service Award. Dr. Brenda Yerby Bullock received the President’s Award.
These individuals represent the very best of what it means to remain connected, give back, and support the Northumberland High School Class of 1971. Their contributions deserve our sincere appreciation and applause.
Another special highlight was having two of our former teachers, Mr. David Francis and Mrs. Betty Christopher, join us for the celebration. Their presence was a wonderful reminder of the educators who played an important role in shaping our lives. Having them with us made the reunion even more meaningful, and we are truly grateful that they took the time to share this special occasion with us.
I also want to recognize and thank Sarah Laws for helping us remember our fallen classmates. While reunions are filled with joy, we must never forget those who began this journey with us but are no longer here to share these moments. Their memories remain an important part of who we are as a class.
As we reflect on our 55 years since graduation, we are reminded that our greatest achievement is not simply the number of years that have passed. It is the lives we have lived, the families we have built, the communities we have served, the challenges we have overcome, and the friendships that have endured.
To everyone who attended, traveled near and far, assisted with the planning, contributed financially, participated in the program, shared memories, danced, laughed, and simply made the effort to be present, thank you! Your presence made this reunion a resounding success.
Let us continue to cherish the memories of our high school years while creating new memories together. Fifty-five years is a remarkable milestone, but I believe the best part of our story is that our friendship continues.
As our reunion message so beautifully expressed: “School’s out, memories past, but don’t ever doubt, our friendship will last.”
May we continue to stay connected, support one another, and look forward to gathering again.
With sincere appreciation and pride,
Charles Holden
President
Northumberland High School Alumni Association
Class of 1971
Celebrating 55 Years of Friendship, Memories, and Brother
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Northumberland High School Class of 1971 Alumni Association Awards Scholarship
The Northumberland High School (NHS) Class of 1971 Alumni Association awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Amiya Lee, a 2026 NHS graduating high school senior. Amiya has a 4.3 GPA and ranks #3 in her graduating class. She plans to attend the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA and major in Child Psychology.
The NHS Class of 1971 Alumni Association, Inc. is a non-profit, 501c3, tax exempt organization established to promote the spirit of alumni unity, camaraderie and to provide community service in the Northumberland County area.
Each year the Association conducts a community service project with a primary focus on NHS. The project for 2026 is a $1,000 scholarship. The scholarships are presented to students who have demonstrated exceptional performance in academics, leadership, community service and indicted a desire to pursue higher education at a two or four-year college or university.