The Itasca High School Class of 1956 recently gathered to celebrate an extraordinary milestone- their 70th class reunion. Held on April 28 at the Hillsboro La Quinta Inn, the reunion brought together classmates who have remained connected through decades of life, careers, family, and shared memories rooted in their time as Itasca Wampus Cats.
Of the original 45 graduating seniors, 17 class members remain, continuing a bond that has endured for seven decades. Their reunion served not only as a celebration of friendship, but also as a reflection on the unique history they experienced together while attending Itasca High School.
Members of the class pursued a wide variety of careers over the years, including professions in science, technology, military service, aviation, farming, education, journalism, communications, health care, banking, coaching, marketing, administration, beauty services, and the arts. Though their paths differed, they all share pride in their education and memories made at Itasca High School.
The reunion schedule included time for fellowship at the La Quinta meeting room, a business meeting, meals at local restaurants, and a visit to the Itasca Depot Museum- a stop that allowed classmates to revisit local history and reflect on their school days.
Remaining members of the Class of 1956 include Alice Alverson Wilkinson, Janet Bratton Winburn, Patsy Gee Loewe, Randall Hill, Norma Hudson Hutcheson, Edwin Kocurek, Lt. Col. Glenn Ogle, Russell Olufs, Bob Pollard, Jane Sevier Wilkinson, Sandra Stevens Thorpe, Bill Swain, Kenneth Swofford, Robert Taylor, Donald Wyatt, Roy Yeaman. Bob Howard and Carol Taylor contributed to the Press donation.
During the reunion, the class also demonstrated their continued support for future generations by donating $1,000 along with an additional $320 in cash donations to The Paw Print Press.
The Paw Print Press operates through subscriber support and generous community donations, with contributions directly benefiting student journalists at Itasca High School. Donations help fund essential equipment, website hosting costs, and scholarships for senior staff members.
The generosity shown by the Class of 1956 reflects the same spirit of community and pride that has kept them connected for 70 years.
It was especially meaningful to see the classmates visit the Depot Museum, sharing stories from their school days and reconnecting with the history that shaped them. Their laughter, memories, and enduring friendships served as a reminder of the lasting impact of small-town connections.
Few graduating classes remain as close-knit as the Itasca Class of 1956-Â group that continues to exemplify what it means to remain a family long after graduation day.
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