CLASS OF '66 REUNION TAKES ALUMS BACK

I never dreamed that my high school reunion, class of 1966, would transport me -- zip -- directly back in time to my senior year.

Saturday we met at Wib's -- our traditional, favorite hang-out, during and after hours -- for lunch.

All of a sudden the door opened and there stood this vision in a white uniform; a whistle blew and through the megaphone I heard, "All right girls! Listen up! Who's in, who's out?" My heart hammered in my chest. I was certain the next sentence would be, "Nolte, come over here and duckwalk!" Sandy Stearns Hughey leaned over and said, "Oh, I'm next -- it's sit up time."

As Mrs. Johnson made her way through Wib's hugging and calling each one of us by name -- amazing after 35 years -- Wills, Litz, Wilson, Platt, Pope, Weiss, Hutchstep, Miller, Littleton, Schultte, Davault, Puls -- cheers and laughter erupted. Even the guys were recognized by name and greeted -- Boy Scout McClary, football players, Blackman, Conrad, Seabaugh, Pouney, Proffer.

I silently thanked Patsy, as I'm sure every woman in the group did, for instantly turning me into the girl in second hour P.E. again. Greta and Becky led us in a Jackson cheer, which amused and entertained the other diners, some of whom probably thought we had lost our senses.

Mrs. Johnson had come prepared. We gathered around as she showed us class pictures, pep squad lists, dance programs. The years melted away as we shared stories and remembered our senior year.

I personally was amazed that in 1966 you could purchase four long stem red roses for the queen candidates at the bargain price of 85 cents. I also invited a non-pep squad member to a school dance; it cost me 25 cents. (Sorry, Jim.)

Of all the things I learned at JHS, Mrs. Johnson's teachings have stuck with me; independence, if you want to accomplish something you can, fair play, loyalty. I've forgotten a lot through the years, but not Mrs. Johnson. It's not surprising she remembered us either -- we had to be her favorite class.

Oh, by the way, Mrs. J., Judy Emde wanted me to tell you that she's playing golf now.

Submitted by,

Kathryn Nolte Panagos