Encampment Class of 1953 celebrates 69th reunion with all classmates still living

On Saturday, June 25, the Encampment High School graduating class of 1953 met to celebrate their 69th reunion.  The seven-member class of 1953 was one of the largest groups of graduates anyone could remember for many years. Now, nearly seventy years later, the class is still intact and that fact added to the festivities made the celebration very special.  Five of the seven classmates met at the home of Gayle and Brent Wessel where they were treated to a sumptuous five-course meal. The group had plenty of opportunity to visit and reminisce about the old days. With the help of Raymond and Charlene Dirks and a gorgeous cake donated by Janice White, the afternoon was highlighted by laughter and cherished memories.  The cake, modeled after the class photo that hangs first in a parade of class pictures in the Encampment School hallway, brought everyone sweet memories of high school days long past. 

Those attending were Winifred Currey Allen, Dauna Herring Wessel, Mary Jane Parkison Cozzens, Richard Blake, and Orville Herring with his wife, Gigi.  Those not able to attend in person were George Kunzman and Everett Wombaker, but both missing men were present in memories.

Since the reunion, Everett Wombaker has passed away.  George Kunzman did join the group for a time via telephone. Orville, George, and Everett have spouses living: all other spouses have passed on. 

In 1953, the class chose as their Motto: "Although we live in the present, we look onward to the future." All these years later, this class is still finding ways to honor that sentiment.