The Isle of Wight Academy Class of 1972 celebrated its 40th reunion Oct. 13 at Smithfield Station. Fifteen class members of the 30 alumni were present, along with several spouses.

The reunion began with a social hour gathering during which classmates caught up and shared bits and pieces of their everyday lives. Welcoming remarks and a prayer of blessing were given by the president of the class, Ray Holland of Windsor, who along with his wife, Dotti, planned and organized the evening.

Immediately following dinner, prizes were awarded. Married the longest were Dawn and Wayne Nurney of Smithfield, who married right after graduation in 1972. Traveling the greatest distance were Brad Altman of York, Penn., and Grace Rhodes Royster of Amelia. Traveling the shortest distance was Wendell Williams of Smithfield. Margaret Jenkins Worrell of Windsor received the prize for “least changed in appearance.”

Ann Edwards Andrews of Gloucester presented a slideshow of the class years spent at IWA. Reflections were shared by several classmates that made each feel as if it were “only yesterday.”

A highlight of the evening was the tribute given by Luann Scott of Windsor in memory of Sandy Saunders, who died within a few months of graduating; David Bell Donley, who died seven years ago following an illness; and Dennis Neal Spady, who died recently.

Spady’s death being fresh on the minds of many, he was remembered as “always young, a free spirit who never grew old.”

Donations are being collected for the IWA Annual Giving Fund in memory of Spady.