MOOSE JAW — Laughter, hugs, and fond memories filled the air at Wakamow Heights Bed and Breakfast as Central Collegiate Institute’s Class of 1985 gathered for its 40-year high school reunion recently.
More than one-third of the graduating class made the trip, joined by about 20 spouses, as they rekindled old friendships, toured the school, and celebrated a shared history that felt as fresh as ever.
“We had an amazing reunion with over one-third of the class in attendance and about one-third of those bringing their spouses,” said Pam Kemps (Taylor), a Central alumna and lead organizer of the event. “You wonder and worry a bit about what you are going to talk about after 40 years, but there was never a lull in conversation; voices were hoarse at the end of each day and faces hurt from smiling and laughing.”
Attendees travelled from across Canada and the U.S., including from as far away as Ottawa, New Brunswick, California, Idaho, Vancouver, and Vancouver Island. The group spent three days reconnecting through events such as intramural games, a Central Collegiate school tour, and an ‘80s-themed night on the town at Dooly’s Billiards & Lounge — complete with themed outfits and a Don Johnson look-alike.
“Within a minute of reconnecting with a classmate, the 40 years just melted away and we were right back where we left off — with a few more wrinkles and grey hair,” Kemps said.
A special moment during the weekend included a return to the halls of Central Collegiate, where five retired teachers joined the group for coffee and conversation.
“We were so lucky that five of our (former) teachers joined us at the school for coffee,” Kemps said. “While they didn’t run around the halls checking out every corner of the school, remembering things long forgotten, or pushing each other into lockers, they certainly shared in laughs and memories.”
Though not everyone could attend, the reunion lives on in hundreds of photos posted in the group’s private Facebook page — which Kemps said will now remain active permanently.
“Memories are precious and we are glad to have had the opportunity to make these new ones,” she said. “We really missed those (who) were not able to attend and hope they will make the next one. Informally, I’m sure there will be little gatherings along the way as a lot of people have stayed friends throughout the years and others have been able to reconnect again.”
Kemps encouraged other graduating classes to take the leap and organize reunions of their own.
“Facebook, LinkedIn, Moose Jaw Express … made it so easy to find people and reconnect,” she said. “The smiles in the pictures say it all.”
With plans already underway for a casual barbecue in 2030, the Class of ’85 isn’t waiting for the 50-year mark to keep the memories going.
“We took all our red and gold decorations and passed them on to the class younger than ours, and we hope it will encourage them to plan theirs,” she added.
If you’re a graduate from the Class of ’85 and would like more information, reach out to Pam Kemps at [email protected].
