NHS Class of '65 together again

KateLynn Slaamot
NLJ Correspondent
 
With the All-School Reunion postponed until next year, the Newcastle High School class of 1965 decided to still hold its class get-together on the 4th of July weekend. 
According to Veronica Danielson, one of the organizers, the class met Friday night at the Newcastle Lodge and Convention to socialize. 
“We talked and visited,” said Danielson, who lives in Gillette. 
Nineteen members of the class attended the meeting, and some hadn’t been to Newcastle since their 10th or 20th reunion, she said. 
On Saturday, the class separated into groups and took a driving tour through Newcastle, also visiting Osage and several friends. The class members were also given a tour of Newcastle High School because many of them hadn’t seen the current building, Danielson said, and they greatly enjoyed seeing the improved building and all of the rooms and their uses. The old high school was located in roughly the same spot, and a new building was constructed in the early 2000’s according to Weston County School District No. 1 Superintendent Brad LaCroix. 
“I thought it was wonderful,” Danielson said. 
Saturday night was the big class dinner at the lodge, and on Sunday they had their picnic at Dow Park. 
Danielson said that she was grateful for the gathering and that the smaller-group setting allowed for more meaningful interaction. 
“It just seemed really special,” she said.
One highlight for Danielson was the tour of the Antlers because she used to work in the downstairs area at a diner when she was in high school.
Cathie Tupper Floch, another 1965 graduate, hadn’t been back to Newcastle for at least 20 years. She had already booked her airline ticket before the All-School Reunion was postponed, so she planned to come to the area to see friends anyway. When the class decided to still have its reunion, it was a perfect opportunity. Floch, who grew up in Osage now lives in Ohio. She said that coming back to the area was special. She still considers it home. 
“Once it’s a part of you, it’s just a part of you,” Floch said. “it’s just an amazing place to live and an amazing place to grow up.” 
Floch said she appreciated seeing old friends and that it was practically like a family reunion. The bond and friendships have remained strong, she said. 
Touring Newcastle was a source of enjoyment for Floch, and she said a lot has changed since she’s been away. Floch and several members of the class spent time at local businesses, where they chatted with the owners. She also enjoyed the time spent at Donna’s Diner, eating breakfast and enjoying time together, Floch said. 
“I had a really, really fantastic time,” she said. 
The reunion was very special to NHS graduate and Greybull resident Bob Graham. He said that the ’65 graduates are getting along in age, and many of them have passed on. Graham said that it’s important to spend time with old friends – visiting and reconnecting – and it’s something you take for granted until you’re old enough to realize the value of it. 
“I felt like it was very important we had it (reunion),” Graham said. “We had a great time.”
Danielson said that she wanted to thank the Newcastle Lodge and Convention Center and all the people who helped make the reunion a success. Everyone was friendly and diligent, according to Danielson. 
“The people of Newcastle were absolutely wonderful,” Danielson said. 
Floch echoed Danielson’s sentiment and extended a huge thank you to Danielson for all her work. Although the reunion came to a close and everyone went home, the great time had by all was priceless, and Graham said he’s excited for next year’s All-School Reunion.