McKenzie, Tenn.–The final plans are being made for the second annual McKenzie High School Alumni Association (MHSAA) Decades Reunion. It will take place on September 19-20, 2025, in conjunction with the 95th edition of the MHS football homecoming. The first football homecoming at MHS took place in 1930.
Last year’s event drew an estimated 500 alumni and friends to McKenzie, and more are expected this year. All alumni as well as past faculty and staff of McKenzie High School are invited to attend the events of the weekend, which 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, as well as other gatherings and events.
A tailgate party inside Rebel Stadium for alumni, faculty and staff will take place prior to the Friday night homecoming football game against Camden, beginning at 4:30 pm. Price of admission is $7, and kickoff for the game is at 7 pm. Limited seating will be available at the event, but everyone is asked to consider bringing a lawn chair. Food will be available for purchase with nearby food trucks and the stadium concession stands.
Nine class reunions are being planned by respective class members for Saturday of the reunion weekend. There will also be a casual reunion gathering hosted by the MHSAA for McKenzie High alumni of the 1950’s and ‘60’s. It will take place from 9 am until noon on Saturday, September 20, at the First United Methodist Church fellowship hall in downtown McKenzie.
At the tailgate party and the 1950’s and 60’s reunion, the MHSAA will be selling pieces of original hardwood flooring from the McKenzie Middle School gymnasium that was installed when it was built for McKenzie High School in 1954. The flooring was removed in July after 71 years of use. Each flooring section is approximately 18 inches long and 2 inches wide, and the cost is $20 each.
Any McKenzie High alumni who are interested in joining the MHSAA or in making donations will have the opportunity to do so at the tailgate party on Friday night, as well as the 1950’s and ‘60’s event on Saturday. Annual dues are $10, or alumni may also become lifetime members for $100.
The MHSAA was established in 2023, and has since made financial contributions in support of programs at McKenzie Elementary, Middle, and High Schools, to help students in need. Annual MHS Alumni Scholarships were first awarded in 2024 to help deserving graduates as they further their education.
Cheryl Oglesby-Townes graduated from McKenzie High in 1988 and is a board member of the MHSAA. She is excited for this year’s weekend and said, “Time is quickly approaching for our 2nd Annual MHS Decades Reunion! Last year’s reunion was a great success and I enjoyed having the opportunity to not only be involved in the planning, but also participate in the Homecoming parade and assist with registrations. It was great to see so many faces from over the years as well as make connections with those who were classmates of some of my family members. If you missed this event last year, make sure you get it added to your calendar for this year…September 19-20, 2025! Also we remind you that reunion dues are due once again, unless you have already taken the opportunity to join as a lifetime member! We look forward to seeing you on September 19th!”
Everyone is encouraged to mark their calendars, follow the McKenzie High School Alumni Association Facebook page for updates, and help spread the word with their classmates and fellow graduates. You may also email any questions to mckenziehsalumni.tn@gmail.com.
The McKenzie High School Alumni Association hopes to see everyone on the weekend of September 19-20!