The last graduating Class of 1959 was represented by Roger Rekeweg, David Hartman, Charlotte Korte, Karen Hostetler, Jim gordon, Larry Doehrman, and Janice Ort.
The Woodburn High School Alumni celebrated at Grant’s Catering Hall in Antwerp on Friday, July 18th in celebration of the high school opened 100 years ago.
In attendance this year, was the current East Allen Schools Superintendent, Dr. Ken Folks, who was also the guest speaker. The introduction was given by retired school teacher and alumnus Bill Mull.
There was more than 150 people in attendance, including spouses from the High School that graced the city of Woodburn. Some came as far as Texas, Atlanta, and Iowa to see their classmates.
Seated here are these young people from earliest grades: Harold Zook 1934, Eleanor Zook 1940, Lucille Richmond 1935, Pauline Rekeweg 1938, and Mary Lake 1937.
The high school was opened in 1914 and had many good years. The gym still stands today, now known as the Woodburn Community Center. With the consolidation of Woodburn and Milan schools, formed the new school, Woodlan, in 1959. Several years later Harlan High School was disbanded and enrollment split between Leo and the new school at the west end of Woodburn Road.
Lois Litzenberg Vongunten, class of 1955, said, “I’m very happy with the response we see tonight. We all worked hard to make this happen.”
There were tables lined with yearbooks and graduation certificates along with pictures of most of the classes. The Woodburn High School Alumni worked hard to make this school reunion happen and make this night special. Joan Wells took care of much of the promotion of the event and introduced me to so many of her peers.
Class of 1934 was the oldest represented at the event with Harold Zook present at 98 years young. The next representative was Lucille Mettert Richmond from Class of 1935.
Just like old times, the boys discussed the county tournament of 1941 and the girls corrected them. Everyone in attendance had a great time. Memories like this cannot be bought. Hopefully, it teaches us all to love and respect our past while we realize how important our communities and schools are.
Happy 100th Anniversary Woodburn High School Alum!
