The Pauls Valley High School Class of 2016 gathered June 6 at The Vault in downtown Pauls Valley for its 10-year class reunion, celebrating a decade of accomplishments while honoring the educators, staff and leaders who helped shape their high school experience.
A centerpiece of the evening was the presentation of a custom paw-print paver created through East Central University’s Glass Recycling Program. The commemorative paver was designed as a tribute to Principal Kirk Moore, Assistant Principal Chad Chronister, Coach Mark Green and the broader Pauls Valley school community.
The tribute reflected the courage, leadership, faith, hope and resilience demonstrated by school leaders and staff, particularly during challenging moments that brought the community together. Alumni said they wanted their first reunion to be about more than reconnecting with classmates—it was also an opportunity to express gratitude to those who invested in their lives.
“The idea behind the paver was simple: say thank you,” said reunion organizer and Class of 2016 Vice President Diego Cifuentes. “As alumni, we felt a responsibility to recognize the educators, coaches and staff members who helped guide us and left a lasting impact on our class.”
Coach Mark Green attended the reunion and accepted the tribute on behalf of the school community.
The evening included a meal, fellowship, door prizes, a slideshow highlighting the last decade of classmates’ lives and special messages from former Principal Chris Caldwell and former teacher Fawn Riddle. Pastor Brandon Henry, who served as the class’ Baccalaureate speaker before their graduation in 2016, returned to offer the invocation and blessing, creating a meaningful full-circle moment for attendees.
Classmates also took time to remember and honor those no longer with us. A memorial display served as a touching tribute to the lives, friendships and memories that continue to connect the Class of 2016. The tribute now includes Nelson Barahona Jr., Noah Meave, Madelyn Caldwell, Lane Smith, Michael Smeltzer and Kenneth Manning. Although news of Michael’s and Kenneth’s passing was learned after the reunion, their memories remain an important part of the story of the Class of 2016 and the Pauls Valley community they helped shape.
Attendees received commemorative key pens carrying the message, “Many doors opened in 2016. Many more are still ahead,” a reminder of the shared experiences and future opportunities that continue to connect members of the graduating class.
Organizers expressed appreciation to The Vault, the Pauls Valley High School Alumni Association, East Central University’s Glass Recycling Program and local businesses and community members who helped make the reunion possible.
Ten years after graduation, alumni said the evening served as a reminder that while life has taken classmates in many different directions, the friendships, memories, and Panther pride built at Pauls Valley High School remain strong.
