The Class of 1969 graduated from Washington High School as the first graduating class from the then, new high school, on Willard Street, with 154 graduates. Now, 50 years later it was time to celebrate.

Class members participated in 50th reunion events beginning on Friday, Sept. 27, by attending the Blue Lion Homecoming game. The 1969 Sousaphone player Jeff Garringer had the honor of “dotting the I” in the script Lions formation. He wore a throwback military style uniform similar to the one worn by the band then.

On Saturday evening, Sept. 28, 58 classmates and approximately 33 spouses and guests gathered at the LaFayette Room (the former Chakeres Theater) for their 50th class reunion. Classmates and guests enjoyed a catered meal by Lorie Bowen and her Street Ministry team. Two of the class officers – vice president, Steve Simpson and Tamara (Schaeper) Levy, class secretary were present. Cinda (James) Schamp, class treasurer was unable to attend. Class president, Eric Kellough passed away some years ago. Also attending and receiving special recognition were three former faculty members, Mr. Robert Bane and Mr. Donald and Mrs. Frances Moore.

A memory book slideshow had senior class pictures, as well as scenes from the city as it looked back in 1969. In addition, a tribute to the 35 classmates who have passed away was on display. Class of 69 memorabilia including pictures and yearbooks was on display. A photo spot for candid shots was used throughout the evening. The evening was spent with many stories between classmates and memories being revisited.

The Washington High School Class of 1969: Row 1: Carole Johnson Dalton, Brenda Slaven Driscoll, Sue Harper Houchen, Jeff Garringer; Row 2: Janis Meyer Alspaugh, Paula Stepter Harris, Jane Ann Myer Massie, Gary Mount, David DaRif, J. B. Campbell, Luana Elkins Schneider, John Richardson, Debbie DiDomenico, Steve Miller, Glenda Carter Pfiefer, Karen Bramblett Enochs; Row 3: Mary Jean Saxton, Gracie Fout Matthews, Tammy Schaeper Levy, Judy Loudner Black, Gilbert Yoho, Dick Pollard, David Wackman, Steve Anderson; Row 4: Cyndi Tyree Harris, Gary Campbell, Linda Sowers LeBeau, Elaine Horney Cockrill, Jim Palmer, Linda James Kipker, Todda Joslin Grosse, Susie Fox Bostick, Ruth Ann Carson Ruth, Peggy Nestor, Mark Coleman, Terre Marchant Voegeli, Kathy Roosa Oesterle; Row 5: Bob Martin, Randy Martindale, Bern Orthmeyer, Mike Oswald, Mike Stemple, Alan Joseph, Chuck Fannin, Christy Brown Duncan, Bob Bailey, David Finley, Herb Sollars, Steve Sword, Diana Melvin Correa, Sam Hatmacher, Linda Brunner Wells, Jim Eubanks, Steve Simpson, Stanley Brown Also present but, not pictured David Hartley, Penne Pensyl Halliday, Dan Storer, Ray Buzzard.

https://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2019/10/web1_50th.jpgThe Washington High School Class of 1969: Row 1: Carole Johnson Dalton, Brenda Slaven Driscoll, Sue Harper Houchen, Jeff Garringer; Row 2: Janis Meyer Alspaugh, Paula Stepter Harris, Jane Ann Myer Massie, Gary Mount, David DaRif, J. B. Campbell, Luana Elkins Schneider, John Richardson, Debbie DiDomenico, Steve Miller, Glenda Carter Pfiefer, Karen Bramblett Enochs; Row 3: Mary Jean Saxton, Gracie Fout Matthews, Tammy Schaeper Levy, Judy Loudner Black, Gilbert Yoho, Dick Pollard, David Wackman, Steve Anderson; Row 4: Cyndi Tyree Harris, Gary Campbell, Linda Sowers LeBeau, Elaine Horney Cockrill, Jim Palmer, Linda James Kipker, Todda Joslin Grosse, Susie Fox Bostick, Ruth Ann Carson Ruth, Peggy Nestor, Mark Coleman, Terre Marchant Voegeli, Kathy Roosa Oesterle; Row 5: Bob Martin, Randy Martindale, Bern Orthmeyer, Mike Oswald, Mike Stemple, Alan Joseph, Chuck Fannin, Christy Brown Duncan, Bob Bailey, David Finley, Herb Sollars, Steve Sword, Diana Melvin Correa, Sam Hatmacher, Linda Brunner Wells, Jim Eubanks, Steve Simpson, Stanley Brown Also present but, not pictured David Hartley, Penne Pensyl Halliday, Dan Storer, Ray Buzzard.