Raymond News

R by Kara Culp Picture this. A charming historic little town just south of Jackson, Mississippi chock full of really driven creative people who come up with ideas to bring everyone together just for the sake of enjoying themselves? No board members or group presidents. No fees. No affiliations with any government entities. Just people having FUN. It turns out Raymond is beyond blessed to have such a group of ladies and gentlemen that are so fun, indeed. They organized and excellently executed the “Raymond Prom” this past Valentine’s Day. It was simply delightful. Kathy Rankin reported that over 85 adults attended the Raymond Prom (also referred to as the “Grown Raymond Royalty (from Folk’s Prom”), held in the Raymond Methodist Church gym. Of the 85 Raymond, McCluer, Wiattendees, graduation ngfield, Anguilla, Utica, years ranged from the St. Joe, Bayou Academy, 1940s up to 2014 – with Pillow Academy, Central at least one attendee Hinds, Clinton, Copiah representing every single Academy, Carroll Acadecade for the last 80+ demy, Clarksdale, Newyears. WOW! The high ton, Brookhaven, Indschools represented ianola Academy, Tchula, were REBUL, Murrah, Broadmoore-BR, PGTPachuta, Jeff Davis, AYMOND RAYMOND GARDEN CLUB ARBOR DAY--- On Saturda square to give away 50 red maple and 50 oak trees to mo d b b w s g e f T w p c a h t a w a A t h a d t 1 o t e s m left to right: Ann Rosamond, Martha Ferguson, and P Buddy Allen) p - Beauregard, Warren Jim, Tim, and i , Central, Central High Them performed hit r , School, Byram, Hillcrest, numbers throughout the m l Pearl, Provine, Forest decades to include my c h Hill, plus high schools in favorite “Brown Eyed P - Connecticut, California, Girl.” Janice Nail taught A - Florida, Louisiana, and the whole group how to a - Illinois (that was me!), as line dance and William t , well as a few home- Eaton followed with a - schooled folks. some excellent DJ skills. R r ay, February 14, the Raymond Garden Club observed Arbor Day b otorists passing through the square. It was a great morning! (Ph S The food was their crowns, sashes, delicious – one of the and roses, the Queens best potlucks I have ever shared a special dance been to! The decorations with their “Kings” – were outstanding with Mayor Harris, Wayne several Raymondites dig- Williams, and Matt ging out their letter jack- Rankin. ets, cheerleader uni- Fun fact - in the forms, and year books. 1940s, Buddy Allen was The walls were covered voted Miss Morton Hi, with hilarious old prom Most Beautiful, photos from married Friendliest Girl, and couples who actually Most Popular Girl. attended their REAL Buddy hasn’t changed high school proms one bit since her days at together. Since Robert Morton High School. and I didn’t meet until Congratulations, ladies! we were both adults The Raymond attending the FBI Prom Committee (a totalAcademy (which come to ly unofficial organizathink of it was a lot like tion) decided this will be high school), I had to ask an annual event. As high artificial intelligence to school prom season draw up a picture of the approaches, if you have two of us together at a any decorations you 1980s prom. Many would like to donate other Raymond folks did after the proms are over, the same and hilarity please let Kathy Rankin ensued and provided know. She will be happy some great Raymond to take them off your Prom décor. hands and store them to It’s not a real use next year. prom without the crown- Who knew ing of a Prom Queen, Raymond needed a right? It was a unani- grown folk’s prom? I’m mous town decision to sure glad this wonderful crown three Raymond idea was brought to life Prom Queens - Buddy and made a night to Allen, Martha Ferguson, remember! and Ann Rosamond. All Raymond is FUN, three ladies are most y’all. appropriately Raymond Royalty in their own Be kind and sufright. After receiving fer well. by giving away free trees. Club members gathered on the hoto credit: Kim Williams)