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North Kansas City High School Class of 1961
On Friday evening, September 30th, many of the ‘61 Hornets gathered at Paul and Jack’s for greetings and conversations. Some later went to the football game (NKC won 44-0) and then came back to continue the evening.
On Saturday morning, October 1st we had a great tour of the renovated NKC High School guided by Bob Hyatt. There were about 20 of us and it was very exciting to see what has happened at NKC since we left. It was encouraging to see that they have combined “keeping the old and adding the new”. The "new" is very impressive. The “old” definitely needed some upgrading which they have done, but we can still see and remember the old. We then had a Q and A with the head of the school board, the superintendent, the assistant superintendent, and the principal. The NKCSD appears to be the example of what all school districts should try to emulate.
Later in the day, about 45 of us, all met at the Hobbs farm and were able to sit down, visit and reminisce about old and wonderful times. Some we had not seen for several years. We had a taco themed buffet.
One sad thing during the weekend was learning of the passing of GUS LEIMKUHLER several days before the reunion.
Highlights of the 75th birthday party were Cascone's terrific job of accommodating us, providing a wonderful and robust menu including their signature and incredibly delicious lemon cake in addition to spumoni ice cream!
27 classmates plus spouses and guests including GUS LEIMKUHLER joined in the fun.
Jim Hobbs welcomed everyone and announced a new scholarship to honor Coach Crouthers for his leadership in high school wrestling. Our classmates John Erickson, Bob Benedetti and Larry Brock have been instrumental in creating this annual scholarship. It will be awarded to a graduating senior student who has participated in wrestling at NKCHS. The $2,500 award is for the student's continuing education. See the flyer for more information and where contributions to the scholarship fund can be sent.
Sandra (Doolin) and Judy (Chastain) shared greetings from many classmates whose travel and/or health issues kept them away. Classmates attending signed a card for Ron Capps who will undergo surgery November 9; we acknowledged and shared our sympathies with Jane Edwards Roney whose husband Ted died unexpectedly just three weeks ago and shared the hugs all around for several others who have had some big challenges this past year.
Chuck Bess who joined us from CA gave a rave review of the NEW NKC High School renovations/additions. He and Bob Chizek had an impromptu tour given by no less than Dr. Danny Clemens, NKC Supt. of Schools, who happened to be at the school when they stopped by to take a look. As Chuck said, it's outstanding and amazing what has been done there!
We gathered around our huge cake, took a photo and sang to ourselves!
The BIG celebration and much of the conversation was about our gratitude we all feel that we have been given 75 years of life. We also told stories (some untold) from that shared launching pad called NKC High School. Gus told us that when he tells people that he taught for 45 years, they simply cannot believe it. He also tells them that he would not have traded a moment of those 45 years for anything!
If you were not with us SAVE THE DATE for FALL 2021 - our 60th YEAR REUNION!!!
Welcome to the North Kansas City High School Class of1961 website! A place to reminisce, recollect and reconnect.
This private website is for your viewing pleasure and enables you to learn more about your former NKC classmates. It is free and you're able to participate at your convenience. You'll find this website has a lot of information and we invite you to explore its content. Enjoy!
It is our goal to find everyone from our graduating class. It would be helpful if you would please go to Classmate Profiles, click on your name, and sign in with your email address followed by creating a password. Upon doing so you will automatically be removed from the "Missing Classmates" page. If you desire, you also have the ability to view additional content, upload pictures, and more. We would love to hear from you, including where you are and how you got there. Don't forget your password, so that you can come back to see updated information.
In addition, you will receive information pertaining to our next class reunion when and as it becomes available. If you know where other classmates are, please let us know so we can contact them; or please contact them yourself and tell them about the website.
We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at our next reunion!