Powell High School All Class Reunion set for next week

If you aren’t a graduate, come out anyway

Posted 6/29/21

It’s almost time again for the Powell High School All Class Reunion. July 9-10 marks the 106th annual event, which is an important benchmark in committee member Gerry Wilkins’ …

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Powell High School All Class Reunion set for next week

If you aren’t a graduate, come out anyway

Posted

It’s almost time again for the Powell High School All Class Reunion. July 9-10 marks the 106th annual event, which is an important benchmark in committee member Gerry Wilkins’ book. 

Last year the reunion went on amid the COVID-19 pandemic, although there was a lower turnout than usual.

“We did everything we could and we were all fine,” Wilkins said. “It went in the books as continuous.”

The continuity is paramount because the committee is shooting for a Guinness Book of World Records mention. Right now that record is claimed by Miamisburg, Ohio, which held its 120th consecutive reunion in 2019. It is unclear whether there was one held in 2020. 

Events will begin with the Panther Open Golf Classic on Friday, July 9. Registration is from 8-9:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 10 a.m.

“We get a lot of people from Cody to the Panther Open golf tourney,” Wilkins said, illustrating how the reunion has become more of a community gathering than just something for a few classmates. For more information on the golf tournament, call Terry Lane at 209-564-8363. 

Friday will continue to see gatherings of individual classes, but everyone is welcome, Wilkins said. The Class of 1960 will meet from noon until 4 p.m. at the pavilion at Washington Park to celebrate its 60th reunion and Wilkins said the Class of ’70, deprived of its 50th reunion last year because of the pandemic, will also be at the park for a gathering. And the Class of ’68 is also gathering at the park. It is a no-host gathering, so it’s BYOE — Bring Your Own Everything. The Class of 1966 will also meet at noon but at the Homesteader Park Shelter. Members should bring their own lunch, beverage and lawn chairs.

Other various classes are planning Friday events as well. There will be a DJ at the Eagles Club Friday night beginning at 8 p.m. and everyone is invited to come out for that.

Saturday will see some new events added to the reunion. First up is the Orange and Black Panther 1.5 Mile Fun Run/ 5K. This is hosted by the girls’ volleyball team and is a fundraiser for team meals while on the road. Registration goes from 6:40-7:10 a.m. at the American Legion on North Clark Street. The registration fee is $20 and the 5K starts at 7:15 a.m. with the fun run gun going off at 7:15 a.m. The first 150 registrants will receive a Powell Panther water bottle. Forms are available for download and can be mailed to Melinda Campbell at 162 N. Clark Street, Powell, WY 82435 or bring them the day of the race. Make checks payable to Lady Panther Volleyball. Runners are encouraged to dress in Panther gear or orange and black. 

An alumni breakfast, presented by the Powell Rotary Club, will be held from 8-10 a.m. at the American Legion.

Last year, there were plans afoot to hold a car show at Northwest College. However, COVID happened and the plans were put on hold. But all systems are go for the Trapper Classic Car Show this year, with registrations opening at 8 a.m. on the NWC campus.

“Things are starting to happen,” Wilkins said. “We are trying to get more people involved and get it back to a grand event. To me it’s a Powell event to support the high school. It’s a community deal.”

In keeping with that, there is a new cornhole tournament. It will be held with registration at 4 p.m. Saturday at the fairgrounds, with competition beginning at 5 p.m. Cost is $20 per team and the top three teams will get prizes. Depending on the level of participation, it may be either a single or double elimination tourney. Afterwards, class or individual challenge matches may be held on the boards. Because this is the first year, the tournament is limited to actual PHS grads and their spouses. Hopes are it could expand and grow in the future. 

The usual Saturday night get together has a new facet, too. This year the music at the fairgrounds will be provided by a DJ, Mr. Good Tunes, from 7-11 p.m. Food and beverages will be available, and there could be a bonfire, if the weather cooperates.

“Everybody can request their favorite song, from the ‘50s right up to graduating day this year,” Wilkins said. 

Plans are already starting for next year, with tentative dates set for July 8-9, 2022. Donations are being accepted, and anyone who wants to help organize is welcome to volunteer by calling Wilkins at 406-671-6673.

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