ALUM & I

Kewaskum Community High School 55+1 Reunion

Like many other class reunions, the 55th Class of 1965 reunion from Kewaskum (Wisconsin) Community High School in 2020 became the 55+1 reunion in 2021.

The Kewaskum Class of 1965 reunion meets every five years, and they get together once a year for lunch.

They printed a booklet with names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, graduation pictures and a write-up for each member of whatever they wanted to share with their classmates. Some wrote a couple paragraphs; some wrote a page. For their 39 dearly departed classmates, they included the obituary or a write-up from the family as a tribute. About 117 graduated in the 1965 class but they invited all members who had ever been in the class, a total of 160 classmates. They still remember the good days. Above all else, they were taught both by their parents and their teachers to respect each other and they appreciate learning that skill more and more each day, it’s a great gift. Shared by Phyllis Naumann, West Bend, Wisconsin

Just a friendly reminder to mark this on your calendar: As a member of the Class of 1965 be prepared to have some fun and meet up with those old friends who were a blast from the past. Cocktails and conversation, dinner and dancing, and a group photo with a paper plate in front of your face. What more could you ask for? See you there.

Two pictures of the Kewaskum Community High School, Class of 1965 were taken. The first with numbered paper plates on which each person wrote h/her name and handed them in.

Reunion Planning A to Z 26 tips to planning your high school reunion

AAttendance varies by reunion, but a good rule to follow is 25% of the class size will attend. This includes guests.

BBar setups become less important the further you get from high school. Go with the open bar at your 10 and 20-year reunions, then switch to a cash bar for your 30, 40, and 50th.

CClassmates rarely remember where the reunion was held, but always remember how they felt seeing an old friend.

DDon’t underestimate the amount of time necessary to plan a reunion on your own. Block out of your schedule 45-hands-on hours, minimum.

EEncourage your classmates to attend by making personal calls and sending personal e-mails. A little effort from the committee can mean great reunion attendance!

FFacebook is a wonderful reunion planning tool, but it isn’t the only tool you’ll need. On average, only 35% of classmates join a reunion page.

GGreet your classmates at the door personally the night of your reunion celebration. It eases nerves, sets the tone for the party, and gives you a chance to say hello to everyone.

HHiring a professional reunion planner is an easy, stress-free way to plan your reunion, and you avoid the financial liability. Find a professional planner by contacting the National Association of Reunion Managers (NARM).

IInvitations to the reunion should always include suggested reunion attire.

JJust because you are excited about attending your reunion, doesn’t mean all of your classmates feel the same. High school wasn’t an easy time for everyone, and some classmates prefer not to go back.

KKeep the class list and current addresses so you’ll have them for your next reunion. Giving a copy to everyone on the committee ensures you can find it 10 years later. L Looking through your yearbook at your first reunion committee meeting is a great way to kick off the reunion planning process. It brings back memories, and begins the conversation of “who still talks to who”, which will be important when trying to find classmates.

MMoney matters, but not as much as you think. Don’t be afraid of a $79-$90 ticket price. Classmates will pay if they perceive the value.

NNever sign a venue contract with a minimum you are not willing to pay yourself if you have lower than expected attendance.

OOnly one person should be the committee contact with the venue. This eliminates misinformation and multiple calls to your venue sales person.

PPlanning for your reunion should begin 8-10 months before the reunion celebration date.

QQuestion your classmates on Facebook about songs they would like to hear at the reunion celebration.

RRead the fine print on all contracts and agreements.

SSelect an appropriate way to remember deceased members.

TTake time to answer each e-mail or Facebook posting, even the negative comments. It will show your classmates that you value their opinion, and can help put a stop to any destructive misconceptions surrounding the event.

UUnderstand the upfront costs before you take on the task of planning the reunion by yourself or with a committee.

VVideos or slide shows from your high school years are big hits. Make a copy for each classmate attending as a giveaway.

WWedding months mean less availability and higher prices. Book early for popular venues.

XMultiply the number on your reunion guest list by 20% to come up with an estimate of the number of classmates and guests who will pay at the door that night: 100 pre-registered classmates and guests x 20% = 20 additional registrations at the door.

YYearbooks are hot commodities at a reunion. To keep your copy safe, display it at the staffed registration table, not as part of your memorabilia collection.

ZZip code sorting sends your reunion invitations at the cheaper bulk rate. But, build in extra time for the post office to deliver.

Thanks to Cyndy Clamp, Varsity Reunion Services, info@varsityreunions.com, www.varsityreunions.com.

Parkway-Central High School, Chesterfield, Missouri, Class of 1981, 20-year reunion