Cairo All Class Reunion

CAIRO - Hundreds of Cairo High School and Sumner High School alumni are back in Alexander County this weekend. They're celebrating the 40th anniversary of the first class that graduated from the integrated high school. And they're using the occasion to raise money to help secure the future of their alma mater.

The Cairo High School Alumni Association organized the all-school reunion. Members like Shanell McGoy say the event not only gives alumni a chance to catch up, it also helps current students.

"We've come together to really support the youth here in Cairo. Provide opportunities for them with scholarships, we're looking to do some things with employment opportunities," says McGoy.

The Cairo school district was forced to make about half a million dollars in cuts this year, axing programs like music and art and laying off ten teachers.

"One of the things the Cairo Alumni Association wants to do is provide these opportunities and get band instruments, simple things like band instruments for the youth," describes McGoy.

Gary Pang was a part of the first integrated class to spend all four years at the high school. He admits he's concerned with the current state of the district.

Pang says, "It's been 40 years since we graduated and it's somewhat disheartening to see our home town like this but we still take pride in each other."

While they're in town, the alumni are invited to talk with current students. Cairo Mayor Tyrone Coleman explains hearing from the alumni serves as a source of inspiration.

"Even though you live in Cairo, there's still great possibilities to take place in one's life," says Coleman.

The city also stands to benefit from the reunion. Coleman says he's been looking for people to invest in the community, and he's found some in the returning alumni.

"We had an exciting meeting and, once the weekend is over with, we have a plan of action to take and proceed on, and it's been a real fruitful morning," describes Coleman.

The Cairo superintendent has said if state funding and enrollment keep dropping, the district may have to combine the junior high and elementary schools, and consider sending their high school students to a different school altogether.