May 22, 2024 marked the 60th anniversary of the first class to graduate from the current DeKalb County High School building, and members of the graduating class of 1964 gathered at DCHS to celebrate.

The Smithville students had experienced seeing their old high school building burn during the Christmas break of their sophomore year, and dealt with attending classes in makeshift classrooms for the remainder of their sophomore year and their entire junior year.  

All were thankful to begin their senior year in the fall of 1963 in the new school building, which remains in use today.  With the consolidation of Liberty High School and Smithville High School that year, the class of 1964 became the largest class to graduate from DCHS, at that point, with 124 students. 

Mr. Patrick Cripps, Director of Schools for DeKalb County, welcomed the group and led a brief tour of sections of the building, pointing out the many changes that have occurred over the years. He presented an in-depth overview of how the DCHS educational system has advanced to offer so much more to the students of today.     

Students and guests attending were Kennith Besherse, David and Kaye Billings Fedak, Dr. Don and Rita Cripps, Eugene and Diane Haley, Tucker and Carol Hendrix, Larry Johnson, Jimmy and Joyce Poss, Jannie Threat Christenberry, Judy Threat Warren, Pamaline Vanatta and Carl and Elizabeth Young Smith. Special guests were teachers and guests, James and Geraldine Cantrell and sons Steve and Jeff; Susanne Conger and son Bill; Patrick Cripps, Director of Schools, and Bruce Curtis, DCHS Principal. 

On October 5, 2024, the DCHS Class of 1964 will gather at the First Methodist Church fellowship hall for their 60th class reunion.