The 1961 graduates of St. Mary’s Catholic High School will gather next weekend for a 50th reunion, a first for the class.

“We’ve had school reunions before, but we wanted an individual one,” said Louis Sullivan, organizer of the festivities. “We’re just kinda close like that.”

Fifteen people graduated from St. Mary’s in 1961. The school opened in 1906 with 30 students. By 1943, the number had grown to 530, and tuition was $2.25 a month. St. Mary’s closed in 1964.

“We will be walking the streets of Vicksburg — just like we were in ’61,” said Sullivan, who calls himself the class clown. “We’re very excited about this.”

The 50th reunion will begin July 2 at 6:30 p.m. with a social at The Meeting Place at the Vicksburg Mall.