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On June 1,1979, students from Wetaskiwin Composite High School celebrated their Grade 12 graduation. The class of 158 WCHS graduates crossed the stage to receive their high school diploma with the motto, “The Last and Best of the 70’s”. Exactly 45 years to the day the class of ‘79 got together again to reminisce and catch up with classmates and teachers, many of whom had not seen each other since their graduation.
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The 45th Reunion Organizing Committee consisting of Lori (Brazier) Friedrichs, Vanessa (Craig) Prill, Jackie Muraca, Elizabeth Muir, Boyd Hutchings, and Shelly (Lucht) Ree did a fantastic job of reaching out to most of the graduates. With their amazing detective work, all but 19 students were contacted. We joked that these successful sleuths could now get a job with CSIS. Graduates residing abroad traveled from as far as New York and Mexico to attend the reunion.
The event included a tour of WCHS where reunion attendees could revisit their high school. Though there have been many changes to the building, walking the familiar halls still brought back many fond memories.
An evening banquet was held at the Best Western Wayside Inn where 96 attendees enjoyed a delicious turkey dinner while a playlist of 70’s and 80’s music played in the background. The music was nearly inaudible because of all the laughter and visiting. Boyd Hutchings, a ’79 graduate, was the Master of Ceremonies and he kept the gathering relaxed with many laughs. Boyd introduced each member of the 1979 graduate class who was present that evening, 63 in total, as well as the teachers in attendance. Near the end of the program there was a poignant moment in the evening where we remembered our classmates that have now passed.
All in all, it was a wonderful evening of reconnecting with old friends. One of the graduates remarked, “Best part.. when everyone was trying to go home as it got late, but nobody really wanted to leave. ‘Lot of history in that room. Fantastic!”
Save the Date ’79 WCHS graduates for the 50th – June 2, 2029.
Shelly (Lucht) Ree
WCHS Class of ’79
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Source: Class of ’79 reminisces at reunion
