More than 400 alumni attend 51st annual Rattler Reunion

Whether it was a few blocks or 4,000 miles, more than 400 traveled to attend the 51st annual Rattler Reunion in Tucumcari.

QCS photo: Thomas Garcia

The annual Golden Rattlers Luncheon was held this year at the Tucumcari Train Depot. Norma Jean Crelli, right, walks through the depot making sure everyone is having a good time.

QCS photo: Thomas Garcia

Edward Grey travelled 4,200 miles with his wife from Wasilla, Alaska, to attend his 65th Rattler Reunion. More than 400 Tucumcari High School alumni attended the 51st annual Rattler Reunion held last week.

"I traveled all the way from Wasilla, Alaska, to attend my 65th reunion," said Edward Grey.

Grey said he has attended several reunions in the past, though what made this one stand out was getting to talk to his friends, Harvey and Juanita Abercrombie.

The reunion included all the traditional events, including the pancake breakfast, parade of classes and the Golden Rattlers luncheon.

"We had a wonderful turnout for this year's reunion," said Norma Jean Crellin, president of the Rattler Alumni Association.

Crellin said this year the luncheon was held at the Tucumcari Train Depot, where 123 Golden Rattlers attended.

"This was a special event for me as it was my 60th reunion," said Lynn Moncus of Tucumcari.

While Grey traveled 4,200 miles from Alaska, Mary Hagler Haddock had a shorter distance to cover from Amarillo.

Haddock said over the years those distances have led to many Rattlers not being able to stay in touch. However, she said social media and the Internet has made it a lot easier to stay in touch with former classmates.

Haddock, a 1962 graduate, said she has been to several reunions, and fully intends to attend next year as she will become a Golden Rattler.