In 1946, together they shared the joy of eighth grade graduation. On June 1, 1950 most went on to graduate from St. Anthony of Padua High School, and this summer several classmates reunited to celebrate 60 years since that glorious day of graduation which occurred only weeks before the Korean War began.
This year's two-day reunion began with graduates attending a Mass at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham. Retired Father Ben Meyer, a fellow class graduate, led the Mass celebration remembering graduates and spouses no longer with the group. Guests then gathered at the Hilton Garden Inn for brunch and picture taking. Later in the day graduates were treated to a fish fry by Head Chef Clarence Willenborg at the Knights of Columbus outside pavilion. The next day attendees assembled at the summer retreat of Anne and Frank Kabbes on Lake Sara for a catered lunch and an afternoon boat ride.
It was not the first reunion for the class of 1950. Some graduates have faithfully reunited every five to ten years. In recent years, since most graduates are now in their late 70's, it has become almost an annual event to return to Effingham for this get-together of close friends. Each reunion encompasses hours of reminiscing about school years and events having occurred during the sixty years since graduation.
Many graduates have seen the world, married and added to the world's population. Many experienced adventures not available to the youth of today and clearly remember when gasoline was only 18 cents a gallon. This 60th reunion was definitely an all-around auspicious two days of renewing old acquaintances.
