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<p><strong>From staff reports</strong></p>
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<p>A little more than 50 years ago, mass integration took place in Beaufort County as the three local high schools – Beaufort High, Robert Smalls High and St. Helena High – were merged. Taking the name of Beaufort High, the mascot of St. Helena and the school colors of Robert Smalls, a new school was created at the Mossy Oaks Road location.</p>
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<p>In addition to creating the new school, a new school song was written for the Beaufort High Eagles, which is still sung today.</p>
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<p>The Class of 1971 was the first graduating class of the integrated Beaufort High School with 552 seniors marching across the football field on June 1, 1971. To celebrate the Golden Anniversary of the school as well as the class, the weekend of Oct. 15-16, former students from various parts of the country will converge at their alma mater to celebrate that history-making year.</p>
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<p>To celebrate this Golden Anniversary, several events have been planned.</p>
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<p>A Meet and Greet (free to all Class of 1971 Beaufort High graduates) will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 15, in the Beaufort High School cafeteria at 84 Sea Island Pkwy, Beaufort. Parking is available in the rear of the building near the cafeteria entrance from 5 to 5:30 p.m., and food trucks will be in that parking area.</p>
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<p>Following the Meet and Greet, the Beaufort High School Eagles vs May River High School football game will take place at 7:30 p.m. where the history making Class of 1971 will take to the field to be honored during the halftime festivities. Game tickets are $7 and can be purchased in advance online or at the gate.</p>
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<p>The Golden Anniversary celebration will conclude Saturday evening, Oct. 16, with a buffet Reunion Banquet at Traditions on Parris Island.</p>
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<p>For more information, contact D. Jeanelle Drake, Reunion Communications Team, Beaufort High School Class of 1971 at 313-303-2449 or BHS1971Reunion45@gmail.com.</p>
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