By Woodrow Polston
The Vandalia High School graduating class of 1958 met at the Great Plains Kitchen last Friday morning for a buffet lunch. A total of 14 members gathered for the occasion to enjoy conversation with their classmates.
“It was a beautiful day for a reunion,” said Ann Kohl. “Rev. Earl Ferguson gave the prayer before enjoying the lunch buffet. A memorial with the reading of each classmate’s name who had passed away was observed. A table with pictures, yearbooks, etc., was enjoyed by all. Each classmate introduced their spouse or friend for Rev. Ferguson and Pat Ferguson, as it was the first time in many years that they have been able to attend to help recognize each, as we all have aged gracefully,” she added.
Jean Barnes and Norma Galloway read letters from classmates that were unable to attend, including letters from Carolyn Clithero Peterson, St. Charles, Mo.; Delores Woodson Bealmer, Laddonia, Mo.; Janet Hubbard, Canyon Lake, Texas. Other greetings were received by email from Dr. Larry Griffith, Phoenix, Ariz.; Brenda Kay Dougherty Davis, Normal, Ill.; Brooks Brown, Yakima, Wash.; Bonnie Lutz Branstetter, Farber, Mo.; Sandy Smith Gromaki, Salado, Texas
The Class of 1958 was the last class to graduate from the Vandalia High School. There were 64 in the class with 19 members that have since passed.
Correction; in last week’s issue of the Vandalia Leader, a classmate of the 1954 reunion stated that their class was the last to graduate at the original Vandalia high school. We apologize for the misunderstanding.