The importance of class reunions
by Cecil Moon, Guest Column · July 28, 2010

Did you miss me? I went up to Iowa to be with 14 of my closest friends for the 60th anniversary of graduating from high school. Half of my classmates managed to survive to an equal age of 78, which I consider a remarkable achievement. The gender was an even split and a great time was had by all.

We enjoyed four meals together, toured various venues and even worked in an opportunity to visit former homes and haunts around town. We also took the time to visit and reminisce about the adolescent years when we were constant companions. Although a few are local, they assembled from far away places: Las Vegas, Phoenix, Austin, Texas, the Ozarks (both Missouri and Arkansas), Washington, D.C., Alabama and neighboring towns in Iowa. Only one member (from Florida) didn’t show and many brought spouses or other family members. Granny didn’t make the trip because of caring for the critters and growing things.

With WWII having just ended before we started out mutual adventure in seventh grade, just about everyone was filled with thanksgiving for the end of the hostilities and the opportunity to return to a “normal” life. Thus, we were presented with a general national attitude of gratitude and relief to pursue our studies and other activities. Because nearly all our faculty had been touched by the war, as a participant or as a near relative, they had acquired a re-appreciation of the importance of a foundational education. At their insistence, we also managed to see the necessity, as well, and accomplished it within our own range of ability. After graduation, nearly every male member served in the military and several were “lifers.”

On the nine-hour drive home, I spent some time reflecting on why these gatherings are always such a success. Our former hometown is almost unrecognizable due to improvements, alteration of culture, wear and tear and rampaging growth, each more apparent with each succeeding return visit. Obviously in 60 years, there are going to be some serious changes, and our little town has apparently gone through them all. What have not changed, despite failing memories, are those relationships which we formed during our high school years.

In our lives since graduation, some have gone on to college, others straight to careers and all have become dedicated to chasing the American Dream. We have joined and formed associations with many different groups, organizations, small social groups, clubs, churches, lodges, neighborhood “klatches” and formed our own individual family circles. Each of these has proven important to us in their own right, but manifestly different from our mutual attraction as being part of the West Liberty High School Class of 1950. For those of us who are part of that group; there is no other which takes its place.

For many, the family group is all important as it should be. Part of graduation is assuming the responsibilities and joys of adulthood. For obvious reasons, the organizational structure of one’s faith draws regular exposure to others of like bent and for good reasons. We could go on and single out the Legion, the bridge club, academic organizations, the quilting society, the literary club, etc., etc., etc.... But ― and this is a big, “but” ― none of them is quite the same as the reunion. The others are all enjoyable, informative, supportive and help to round out our lives socially. So why then does everyone go to extraordinary lengths to be with those who shared those school days?

Unlike college, with its huge throngs of robed graduates tossing mortar boards, most high schools ― and ours in particular ― are much smaller and consequently, more intimate. We actually “know” each other. We were, at the time, heavily invested in each member and continue to be. We were well known by our teachers and the administration. Even in non-academic efforts, it was necessary for each parson to participate for extracurricular activities to be a success. Collectively, we provided a real source of entertainment for our town’s people with the school’s influence on band, vocal music, drama, athletics; all became a requirement for near universal participation.

Aside from the encouraged involvement, we shared what some believe to be the most important of the formative years ― adolescence. Between 12 and 18, we mutually exerted an influence upon each other and created those activities which most folks are reluctant to ever abandon. Yes, we have a certain memory from our earliest school years, but nothing to compare with those recollections which we accumulate in our teens. During that critical time, we will prepare to become what we aspire to be but not be saddled with the full responsibilities of adulthood. We gather together and soon find ourselves recalling those precious anecdotes so common to the adolescent life.

For that brief interval, we can dispense with concerns of stiff joints, balding heads, life threatening diseases, irregular breathing and heart rate, which keep our local doctors so busy. Instead, we can happily recall the pranks, the thwarted plans and the failed wooing and reveal things to each other which we would have never dared to at the time, from the safety of our dotage. We forgive old hurts, offer sympathy and a helping hand, fully understand problems with our kids and gain answers to questions long unasked. Teens are famous for carelessly kept secrets and we also revert without shame. Thankfully, in many cases, we are evaluated by what we were and not what we have become.

So, we rejoice in this golden opportunity so unlike any other to return to those halcyon days of constant programmed activity mixed with a healthy dose of often mis-spent leisure to just be teens again. Only those who carry the credentials of the WLHS Class of 1950 can possibly relate to who and what we were and have become. The only exception is our beloved principal, Wes Westphal, who continues to attend our reunions. We couldn’t have been all that bad or he would surely have dropped out by now. We are all in agreement that we pray he and his wife never ignore us.

How about you? Do you make an effort to attend your reunion? Your classmates have gone to a great deal of trouble to create a terrific experience for you. Don’t go because of them, however; go because you will have a wonderful experience and learn things you have always wanted to know. Better yet, you may enlighten someone else and satisfy their curiosity. Go and try it, and I promise more sincere belly laughs than you have experienced for a while. It will be well worth the occasional tear you might shed.

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon, WLHS Class of 1950



Cecil Moon is a retired geezer; married to the web, politics, grass cutting, tree farming and dog loving. Cecil, along with his wife, Jan, live in the Ozarks of southwest Missouri. After spending a lifetime in sales at every level, traveling in every state and a few foreign countries (thanks Uncle Sam), he is enjoying finding time to slow down, spending time with friends, going to church and finding pleasure in his ever expanding family. His spouse and him are full-fledged victims of the web by choice and spend an inordinate amount of time keeping three computers functioning in an acceptable manner to keep their websites going. Jan has been a nurse for nearly 50 years. It’s been a busy life and almost every moment has been enjoyable and exciting for the two. More of Cecil’s musings can be found on www.zionbeckons.blogspot.com and www.farrightgranny.blogspot.com.