It is going to be difficult to put into words all the emotions and experiences of the Class of 1957 Reunion weekend.

Actually it all started a year ago with the first Committee Meeting at Marty Shaw’s home. The decision was made that the 50th reunion should be special. The weeks and month that followed were spent planning the events and creating the special additions to make the reunion memorable.

It seemed that the year flew by and then it was Friday, June 8, 2007. Some of the committee members were at the Wheel checking to see that all was in order and suddenly classmates began to arrive. Before long it was just like a high school mixer of 50 years ago. The shouts, the squeals, the greetings as more and more people arrived soon filling the courtyard of the Wheel. In all nearly 150 class members and their mates came together for beer, pizza and getting reacquainted. Some of the many highlights were the class lapel pins John Shenk brought members from Thailand and Max Rife and Jerry Rogers, two of our former teachers, came by to say hello. It was a great way to start the reunion weekend and we all thank Gary Holladay for sponsoring the evening.

Saturday morning class members gathered at the Lawrence High School for a tour of the current facility. One comment heard over and over was, “It sure is a lot larger and different than when we were in school!” The group posed for a picture with the sculpture of the Chesty Lion - see the posted pictures.

Saturday noon saw the group getting together at Marty Shaw’s S BAR S Ranch for a picnic. The weather was great, the food plentiful and delicious, thanks to Marty Shaw, Erna Midyett, Judy McEachen, Deane Holmes and Pat Palmer. The shouts, squeals, greetings and conversations continued as though uninterrupted. A special and poignant moment was the release of white balloons in memory of the 26 class mates who have passed away. Bob Shahan said a few words in remembrance and then read each name individually as a balloon was released. This was followed by a release of 175 red and black balloons to honor our class. Class members were given a Memory Book which celebrated the accomplishments of our class, it also included a directory with class members contact information.

That night we met at the Alvamar Country Club for the class Banquet. As members came to the door they were greeted by a fully restored 1957 Chevrolet Bel Aire, two-door hard-top. This was a photo-op that couldn’t be missed! The entrance to the banquet room was flanked by columns of balloons topped with a 5 and 7. The tables were decorated with a centerpiece of red and black balloons, a place mat with class members names in the shape of a 5 and 7 and a special Chesty Lion candle. We began the evening with a class photograph which was quite a feat arranging 97 people in rows and getting them to stand still! Following this circus, the party began. The dinner was wonderful, the conversations went on and to top the evening off, we had music from a Juke Box playing 50’s songs. It seemed that we didn’t want the evening to end as we lingered long into the evening.

The weekend’s final gathering was a Sunday morning breakfast at the American Legion Hall. One last chance to take pictures, one last chance to share a memory, one last chance to talk to friends. Larry Sneegas made us laugh and Bob Shahan once again inspired us with a personal presentation. And then it was over! Much too soon!

We had 97 class mates attend. John Shenk traveled the greatest distance coming from Thailand. We have class mates all across the country and they came from the west, south, east and north to gather for this reunion, it was the largest group we’ve had attend a reunion. It was a special reunion by then we are a special class. We once would say, “Lawrence Ranks High”. I think we can all agree that the CLASS OF 1957 RANKS HIGH!!!

Please add your own memories, we would really enjoy hearing from you. We hope all of you will check this web site frequently. Anna Wiley had designed and maintained it for our class. She has done an outstanding job. We will post current information and you will be able to contact us to share your personal and family news.

Back to 50th

Homepage