The Statesboro High School Blue Devil Class of 2002 recently celebrated its 20th-year reunion with a weekend of food and fellowship here in Statesboro.
The graduating class of nearly 250 had a small but mighty group join together for a happy hour, school tour, dinner social, and farewell brunch.
Demetrius Kittrell, who now lives in Atlanta, was president of the Class of 2002 and was instrumental in planning the reunion with a team of classmates.
“Getting together for the reunion allowed us to take moments to reconnect and remember our shared experiences as we make the most of a wonderful life,” he said of the gathering.
While this class attended the “old” SHS, a favorite part of the reunion weekend was touring the new high school. Every class member in attendance remarked on how far their alma mater has come.
Class member and current SHS teacher Ashley Crosby Thompson led the tour.
“Attending our 20th class reunion was special for me. Not only did I graduate from SHS in 2002, but I started teaching at SHS in January of 2008,” she said. “I am still teaching at SHS, and I plan to continue teaching there until I eventually retire.”
“Bringing my love for the Blue Devils to my students is one of my favorite parts of teaching there," she added. "I love to compare homecoming, pep rally, and athletic stories with my students. I love telling them what it was like when I was there."
“The reunion weekend was certainly a special one for me, as I was able to lead the school tour and show off the building that was built after we graduated — although everyone felt right at home in the old gym," Thompson continued. "We have a lot to be proud of, and I hope our generation ‘bleeds blue’ into their kids and grandkids. Remember, ‘Once a Blue Devil, Always a Blue Devil!’”
Several members of the famous 2001 State Champion Blue Devil football team attended the reunion weekend. Winning that championship is a senior year memory that remains dear to the entire class.
Lynda Webb, who taught many of the members of this class at SHS, recalled their special spirit as a group.
“I have such fond memories of the Class of 2002,” she said. “As with other classes, this one was made up of a widely diverse group. Yet they were united by an extraordinary sense of school spirit — not just for the state championship football team but for scholastic and artistic pursuits as well. There was a true sense of family among this fun and accomplished group.”
Indeed that remains true today. The SHS Class of 2002 produced an impressive variety of professionals — doctors, nurses, public servants, entrepreneurs, athletes, teachers, and more. But perhaps more importantly, it also turned out an upstanding group of citizens who still keep in touch, enjoy spending time together, and are making a positive impact on the world around them every day.
The class plans to reunite again in 2027 to celebrate 25 years.
Happy 20 years, SHS Class of ‘02! Keep the fire burning!
