Kittrell, TN - It was a warm Saturday (9/20/2025) morning in the Kittrell community and by 10AM, the parking lot at the newer Kittrell Elementary School was already filling up. Alumni from across the decades were arriving—some with yearbooks tucked under their arms, others with stories ready to share. The annual Kittrell School Reunion had begun, and for about 75 attendees, it was a chance to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the school that shaped their lives.

Steve Cates, a former faculty member and local historian, was there as always—greeting guests, sharing memories, and making sure the legacy of Kittrell School stayed alive. He told WGNS News that the oldest graduate in attendance this year was Mary Nell Neely Miller, Class of 1950. Mary Nell met her late husband, Dave Miller, right there at Kittrell. Both came from large families rooted in the community, and three of her younger siblings—Jeerelean, Lounette, and Kenneth—are still living.

The Class of 1966 had the strongest showing this year, with the largest number of classmates gathering to swap stories and laughter. As always, the reunion was held at the newer school building on Old Woodbury Pike, a place that continues to serve the community while honoring the past.

Kittrell School itself dates back to 1889, when it began as a humble one-room frame building. It was named after Major Marion Kittrell, a Civil War veteran whose name eventually became synonymous with the area. Back then, students learned with slates and chalk, and chapel music was played on an organ by Miss White Jetton. Over time, the school grew, adding rooms, teachers, and eventually becoming a high school with graduating classes like 1915 and 1972.

Though the exact start date of the all-class reunions isn’t clearly documented, they’ve become a beloved tradition—one that continues to draw people back each September. Next year’s reunion is already on the calendar: the third Saturday in September, 2026.

For those who want to learn more or get involved, Steve Cates remains the heart of the effort, keeping the stories alive and the connections strong. After all, Kittrell School isn’t just a building—it’s a bond that spans generations.