The DCHS 70's Legacy Reunion

By Katrina Stewart Alogla ‘76

 
It All Began With an E-mail.  This past summer I began getting e-mails from my fellow 1976 classmate, Dean Sellers. Throughout the years, I have faithfully received these warm and friendly reminders of just how old I really am.  They have been markers for the milestones in my life.  Dean would contact us in advance with a cheery note, and get us geared up for the next DCHS family reunion.  This time he said that several of our classmates had expressed an interest in trying to include the classes of ’75 & ’77…

The Scope Expands.  With advanced technology and social media tools we would have never imagined in 1976, we began reconnecting with other DC alumni of the era.  We immediately began reliving those memories, recalling the many meaningful friendships and shared experiences with other graduates. There was such a favorable response that soon the plans for our 35th High School Reunion grew to include the entire decade of the 1970’s!

Tailgating.  Graduates from 1972 through 1980 came from as far away as Texas and Florida to participate in the events planned over the September 23^rd & 24^th, 2011 Homecoming Weekend. Even though it had been nearly 40 years, much of the initial reserve and timidity were minimized because of our interactions online.  A tailgate party at Dayton Christian's football homecoming game seemed to be the perfect venue to hold our first decade-inclusive DC alumni gathering.  Tom Wiggershaus ’80, organized the event.  Cheri Paxton Hecker ’76 provided much of the food.  Dan Tackett ’78 served as DJ, spinning the tunes of the ‘70’s and leading in prayer before the game.  David Pyle ’76, sang the National Anthem, and Tom Minor ’70 and Ken Eckenroth ’77 served as “Honorary Team Captains”.  Because we were having such a great time visiting, very few of us witnessed the Dayton Christian Warriors dominate the football game, defeating the Jefferson Broncos 73 – 22.  Ron Smith ’78 said that he, “Enjoyed seeing and getting caught up with everyone.  Very touching.” 

DC Open House.  The next morning, some out-of-towners satisfied their “Marions” cravings by having a pizza brunch at the Miamisburg restaurant.  It was followed by an Alumni Family Open House at the new Dayton Christian Miamisburg campus.  Over 80 alumni, plus spouses and former teachers stopped by to tour the school (Bud Schindler was our guide), “Skype” with Mrs. Pacheco Pyle, and hear the “Spirit of Praise” ensemble sing some of the old Andrea Crouch gospel songs.  Additionally, we were treated to two nostalgic videos “Back to the 70’s at DCHS” and a very moving “Teachers Tribute”.  Brian Hall ’75 shared, “I had a wonderful time seeing folks I had not seen in years and it was just an absolutely terrific experience.”  Dick Reynolds  ’77 added  “One of the joys of the DCHS experience for me was the interaction across grades and the ability to be a student body. This was never more evident than in the opportunity we had this past weekend to spend some time with classmates from the 70's decade. It was a celebration of God's goodness and testimony to the long-lasting impact of DCHS in all our lives."

Dinner in the Country.  The grand finale of the reunion weekend was generously hosted at the home of 1980 graduate, John (Dan) Pawelski and his beautiful wife Kim.  Not only did they provide a gorgeous country setting, their gracious hospitality extended to a delicious meal and a warm, inviting camp fire - so we could continue visiting into the night.  We were even serenaded by ‘75 alumni Jesse Sellers on guitar and harmonica joined by Debbie Pearman Johnson ‘75 and her husband Ray ’75 on trumpet.   ReGina Purcell ’74 said, “The reunion weekend to me was an amazing experience.   One filled with memories rekindled, friendships renewed, and bonds reconstructed and at the same time filled with new memories being made, new friendships becoming and new bonds forming.  Spirituality in its essence...”  One of the really great aspects of the whole endeavor was how welcomed spouses were as part of our growing DCHS family.  My husband enjoyed it as much as I did.  We both made many new friends because of the additional classes who joined us this year!  Rick Lane ’75 also had high praise for the event,   “Absolutely perfect venue, food, campfire....just a perfect evening.” 

Celebrating 50 Years.  In a way, the 70’s Reunion was a dress rehearsal for the biggest anniversary of our school's history.  Next year we will be celebrating 50 years of Christian Education at DCHS.  Wow!  What an achievement!  Those of us who remember where we came from, and grew with the school, remember what miracles God did for us along the way.  What a blessing it was to be able to take a tour of the new campus and see just how far the Lord has brought us and how magnificently He has provided.  Let's make the next Homecoming, an All-Alumni Reunion over the October 12 – 14, 2012 weekend, and the year-long 50^th Anniversary Celebration the best one possible…

We would like to start by inviting everyone to visit the new DCHS Alumni website : www.daytonchristian.com/alumni where you can see old photos and videos, update your contact information and share your best ideas.  Other links and services like a “Prayer Wall”, a “Memorial” site remembering deceased teachers and classmates, an Alumni Business Directory, and an Alumni / DC calendar with dates and scheduled events.  Some of these features are still “under construction” and will soon be ready to better serve and reconnect our entire alumni community of 4,008 graduates…  Please plan to join us!

Other Quotes from the DCHS 70’s Reunion :

 

Gavin Ketchen ’80: “It was great to get a chance to see old friends and teachers!” 

Tom W. Minor  ’70:  “The 70s' Reunion was like a little taste of heaven for me.  It was fantastic seeing people that I had ministered to over the years.  Having the all of the 70’s together was a great opportunity to see a large number of my friends.  The tailgate party was fun.  I think everyone was so busy talking that there wasn’t an emphasis on eating...  Being chosen as one of the honorary team captains was a humbling privilege.  Thank you.  On Saturday morning we went to Marion’s and had some "small group" time and got to sit down and catch up with what has been happening over the last 38 years.  At the Alumni Open House we had time to visit with a bigger group of alumni as well as seeing fellow DCS servants.   We would have loved to have been there to hear the singing and to see the video... but we had a wedding.   Probably the most fun of the weekend was the time at John Pawelski's house. It was a very relaxing with excellent food.   What great fellowship!!  The reunion was very well attended and I think everyone really enjoyed themselves.”

Dawn L. Reynolds Neatherton  ‘74:  “Our reunion weekend was an amazing testament to God's faithfulness in the lives of classmates who had not seen each other in almost 40 years. I recently went to my husband's reunion, who attended a secular high school, and the differences were so noticeable. I'm not going to say that those classmates weren't enjoying a reuniting and a time of remembering the good old days, but I didn't see that common bond that runs through the students at DCHS, that bond being Jesus Christ. Many of us have been through some pretty rough times, whether illness, loss of a spouse or a child in death, or any of a long list of trials, but we were all able to come together and rekindle the real love and caring that permeated the halls of DCS years ago.”

Dave Entingh  ’74:  “It was truly a blessing to get all of us together.  It reminded me of the fact that we are different than those who are alumni of public schools.  We are family; the children of God…  Sure, there's the motivation to unite with those who we bonded with in school, to renew friendships, to understand each other and where we "wandered off" to, but due to the fact that we attended DCHS under the umbrella of God's love for and through us, we have that family "resemblance" that can never be taken away! We look alike because we resemble Christ - because His love blends our hearts in that special kinship we have with the Holy Spirit who makes that love shine out. You could see it on every face!  Thanks for jump-starting this!  It encourages us to make full efforts in making the next one have more family members in it!”

Joanne Schindler Grove  ’78 :  “It was especially gratifying to see the lives that the Lord had worked on and turned around.  There were former students there who really struggled during high school but the Lord got a hold of them and turned their lives around.  They came to express their appreciation for the input that DCS had on their lives even though they didn't appreciate it at the time.”