CHS 1976 Reunion -- June 17, 2006 -- Collinsville, OK -- www.cvilleok.com

The Collinsville High School Class of 1976 held their 30-year class reunion, Saturday, June 17, 2006. Thirty-three classmates and their families, a total of 66 people, renewed friendships and enjoyed a cookout at the Collinsville City Park Saturday afternoon. The threat of rain, and a short shower toward the end of the event, didn't dampen the spirits of the attendees or "Master Chefs" Robert Hendrix and Bart Schultheiss as they charcoaled hamburgers and hotdogs for the crowd.

Saturday evening, classmates and their spouses/dates gathered in the Commons Area of the High School for dinner, more memories and "light-hearted entertainment" provided by the Reunion76 Committee. The evening opened on somber note as committee members, Tonya Turnbull Rozell and Robert Hendrix reminisced of those classmates that had passed away. A letter, which had been sent to family members earlier in the week, was read aloud:

As we gather for our 30-year class reunion, the Collinsville Senior Class of 1976 would like you to know that our classmates which are no longer with us are not forgotten.

Memories of laughter, fun, and friendship will always be in our hearts and in our minds. As we gather for this reunion, we want you to know that your child will be remembered.

As the stories of past adventures and good times flow through the room during the reunion, please know that our classmates that have gone on before us are going to be remembered with smiles and laughter of the many times we spent together as the "Class of 1976."

Robert Hendrix then read aloud the name of each deceased classmate and offered a short memory of each one.

Later in the evening, Keith Whitfield and Robert Hendrix took the opportunity to take a few jabs ("nothing personal, folks") at those in attendance, while recounting some of the memories of the classmate's school days. Following a short recollection of historic events that have occurred since 1976, Whitfield showed a slide presentation of photos taken from 1973 – 1976 yearbooks. Many of the class members stayed late into the evening (some early morning) just "catching up" and enjoying the renewed friendships. A highlight of the evening was the attendance of former basketball coaches Howard Ray, Joe Shoulders, and Doug Ryal. Everyone agreed it was a great time…and "we gotta do this in five years! Ten years is just too long to wait."

Some of the classmates had not seen each other since their graduation.

-- Keith Whitfield (June 19, 2006)