NHS class of 1951 celebrates 70-year reunion

NORWALK — With the saying "we are Truckin' along celebrating longevity at 70!," the Norwalk High School class of 1951 recently gathered to celebrate its 70-year reunion. Members of the class of 1951 gathered June 5 at Sandy Ridge Vineyards & Mercantile in Norwalk for food and fellowship to commemorate the 70 post-graduation years. Donna Schaecterle Tyson, with programs in hand, greeted the 10 out of 28 remaining classmates and the three guests. The program and placemats denoted the class officers, motto, colors and flower, plus a picture of an early Norwalk Truck Line semi with a red cab and rounded front trailer, which was the style during our school days. Schaecterle offered the opening and closing blessings. Donald Knight read the verse from the obituary book. Three classmates have passed since our last reunion in 2019, those being Betty Tite Palfy, Richard Timman and Caleb MacDonald. Phillip Brutsche, the distance traveler, gave the welcome message, followed by the taking of the class picture. Later, Jean Geer Richards read correspondence and reported the update of those not in attendance. Until this year, Shirley Chandler Berry, Gayleen McCoy Geer and Janet Twaddle Herner held their perfect attendance positions. However, Shirley and Gayleen were unable to attend. A Last-minute decline by Gayleen gave Janet the impromptu award which was later replaced with a plaque presented to her. Class reunions began in 1961 and were celebrated every five years until 2017 when the yearly gatherings were initiated. However, because of the Covid pandemic, the reunion was not held in 2020. Class members are quite proud to have had the opportunity to enjoy the fellowship for 16 years. Members continue to meet the last Saturday of each month. Yearly reunions will continue.