We’ve Come a Long, Long Way
By Norma Gripp Brown
Fifty years later students from the graduating class of South Central High School gathered again in Oyen to reflect, reminisce and share their life experiences over the past five decades. Fifty-four students graduated that day, May 23, 1975, making this reunion of 28 Grade 10, 11 and 12 attendees very successful. They were joined by four of their high school teachers for a supper and breakfast buffet at the Tumbleweed Restaurant in Oyen.
We’ve Come a Long, Long Way was the theme for the graduation and title of a poem written for the class by fellow graduate, Anita (Parenteau) Volk.
During the ceremony, Jack Horner, Member of Parliament, was the guest speaker. He pointed out that the world was not an easy one and presented a difficult challenge. That young people must pick their goals and follow through with thought, concentration and hard work. These words of wisdom still stand true this many years later.
Former students attending the reunion were Brian Bull, Karen (Bull) Silbernagle, Kim Edwards, Norma (Gripp) Brown, Brenda Heatherington, Dean Herron, Walter Hillje, Marj (Hoffman) Fink, Rita (Jorgenson) Dillabough, Rick Kuzmiski, Rose (Lawson) Kuzio, Alvin Moore, Linda (Mundt) Sutherland, Kim (Norris) Smith, Bill Smith, Lawrence Patterson Michelle (Siegel) Hager, Michael Sullivan, Val Tobias, Glenda (Warwick) Galloway, Gary Weselosky, George Woods, Randy Woods, Bill Soldan, Lloyd Wagstaff, Holly Flaht, Bill McGregor, Cindy (Switzer) Kunz (missing from photo). Teachers Georgia Sullivan, Harold Monagle, Ken and Joan Mick.
Backish row, left to right: Randy Woods, Bill Soldan, Brian Bull, Ken Mick, Dean Herron, Joan Mick, Georgia Sullivan, Alvin Moore, Kim Norris, Bill McGregor, Gary Weselosky, Val Tobias, Norma Gripp, Walter Hillje, Glenda Warwick, George Woods, Linda Mundt, Michelle Siegel, Brenda Heatherington and Bill Smith.
Kneeling on ground and hopefully able to get up! Harold Monagle, Lloyd Wagstaff, Mike Sullivan, Rick Kuzmiski, Lawrence Patterson, Kim Edwards, Karen Bull, Marj Hoffman, Rita Jorgenson, and Rose Lawson. Cindy Switzer and Holly Flaht (both missing from photo).
PHOTO BY DIANA WALKER
Those in the graduating class of 1975 with their Grade 1 teacher at Oyen Public school: from left Norma (Gripp) Brown, Glenda (Warwick) Galloway, Linda Wilson, Karen (Bull) Silbernagle and Michael Sullivan.
PHOTO BY LORRAINE VENTURATO
54 Graduate from S.C.H.S.
Reprinted from Oyen Echo June 2, 1975
Graduation exercises for the Grade 12 graduating class of South Central High School were held last Friday. It was a large graduating class, 54 students. The program booklet was entitled “We’ve Come a Long, Long Way” and contained verses on this theme written by Anita Parenteau.
Ken Mick was in charge of the program and the salutation address was given by Micheal Morrisett. Glenda Warwick and Michael Sullivan presented the class history and an entertaining last will and testament was given by Anita Van Otterloo and Rick Hertz.
Arlene Anderson spoke on behalf of the board and Ken Bascom thanked the parents for their patience, love and care. Ann Goodine replied expressing pride in the young people and trust that their educational experiences had helped them formulate a meaningful philosophy of life so that they could walk confidently into the future.
Valedictorian was Cheryl Hertz.
Jack Horner, Member of Parliament was the guest speaker. He pointed out that the world was not an easy one and presented a difficult challenge. The young people must pick their goals and follow through with thought, concentration and hard work.
After the serious exercises were overcame a dance, a party and an early morning breakfast.
Cindy Switzer and Holly Flaht (both missing from photo).
SCHS Graduating Class 1975
Front row: from left, Karen Bull, Anita Parenteau, Rita Jorgenson, Val Tobias, Michelle Siegel, Rosie Lawson, Heather Kuhn, Shirley Rutherford, Norma McCracken, Charlene Munro and Anita Ferner.
Second row: Audrey Norris, Norma Gripp, Kathi Karr, Cheryl Hertz, Pat Siferd, Brenda Heatherington, Marg Grudecki, Kim Edwards, Val Berscht, Val Dziuba, Linda Mundt and Glenda Warwick.
Third row: Willard Gillis, Claire Goodine, Kim Norris, Marj Hoffman, Elaine Booker, Carol Bosch, Faye Foot, Cheryl Duchsherer, Donna Scheuer, Cindy Switzer, Blaine Dirk and Vern Carr.
Fourth row: Gary Weselosky, Rex Yake, Mike Morrisset, Randy Woods, Rick Kuzmiski, Ken Orum, George Woods, Erroll Edwards, Mark Bishoff, Lawrence Patterson.
Fifth row: Greg Rafa, Mike Sullivan, Alvin Moore, Brian Bull, Walter Hillje, William McGregor, Doug Dzurko, Ken Bascom and Dean Herron.