HHS class of 1965 holds its 50th reunion

The Hillsboro High School class of 1965 held its 50th reunion on Saturday, July 4 at the Elks Lodge in Hillsboro.

One hundred guests were in attendance, including 61 of the 144 classmates who graduated in 1965.

This class holds the distinction of being the first to hold an outdoor graduation on Richards Memorial Field. It was the largest class up to that point, with an estimated 1,200 to 1,500 in attendance to watch the ceremony. Harry Bennett was superintendent and Walter Shannon was principal.

The evening opened with introductions, followed by a tribute to the class’ deceased members, Boris Alexander, Jon Beery, Gary Burkhard, Lonnie Butler, Donnie Cluff, Karen Gleadle, Ramona Ross Green, Donna Harrison Meddock, Marilyn Lowe Seymour, Phil Lucas, Jim McConnaughey, Sandra Moon, Bill Nace, Victor Silcott, Tom Stanforth and Joe Thompson. Veterans of the class were also recognized for their commitment and service to the country.

Beautiful wooden replicas of the old Hillsboro High School were awarded to the classmate attending from the longest distance, Betty Jones Davis of Arizona; living in the same home in Hillsboro the longest, Carol Cashman Mullenix, 50 years; having the most surgeries, David Lowell; and having the most children and grandchildren, Frank Johnson, with 13.

Classmates warmly welcomed teachers Bill and Marilyn Atsalis and John Porter and wife, Cheryl. All three teachers spoke of their fond memories of the class, and John Porter laughingly apologized for being a first-year teacher in 1964-65.

The room was decorated in a festive “65” theme, with displays of old photographs of members, former teachers and places in the community, articles of school happenings and copies of 1965 magazines. Music was provided by DJ Jimmy Mack. Each classmate was presented with a memory book including classmates’ biographies and photos of Hillsboro places and buildings 50 years ago and how they appear today.

Members were given an opportunity to tour the new high school on Sunday.

Committee members were Joe Bryan, Sue Walker, Carleen Alexander, Gary and Joyce Breeze, Sharon Wisecup, Judy Huebner, Sally Rogers, Barb Storer, Jim Gorman, Mike Dunnagan, Earl Smith, Melissa Smith and David Lowell.