65TH YEAR REUNION FOR THE 1958 WILDCATS
The Class of 1958 came together with a few other alumni for a weekend of reconnection and reminiscing. Approximately 20 classmates gathered at Jerry Maddux’s house to start the weekend, sharing stories of their high school days. On Friday, most of the group spent the day visiting the Bartlesville History Museum and Woolaroc. On Friday evening, the alumni reconvened at Charlie Daniel’s house for dinner and drinks.
Saturday morning, the alumni started their weekend with brunch at Frank and Lola’s followed by a tour of Bartlesville High School (Col-High to this crew). They spent over an hour walking the halls, visiting the gym, and testing out the new track. Saturday afternoon, many class members went out on their own shopping at local stores in Bartlesville and Dewey. They ended the weekend back at Jerry Maddux’s house for a final meal together.
1982 WILDCATS RETURN FOR 40TH YEAR CLASS REUNION
Over the course of the weekend of September 23rd, the Last of the Wildcats 40th Reunion was repeatedly referred to as “the best one ever!” Two days and nights of revelry meant many folks reconnected, recognized faces they had forgotten, and shared stories from their lives over the past 4 decades. A podcast re-introducing the alums to one another was produced by Scott Townsend and reported to be the reason why this reunion was the most anticipated. The generous sponsorships by many of the alums generated the ability to have two full days and nights of celebrations at the Johnstone/Sare building on Friday, a golf outing, school tours and Cow Thieves & Outlaws Reunion at Woolaroc on Saturday. We were lucky to be joined by our principal Mr. Pannell and teacher Mr. West on Friday night. A Memorial Service was held at Hopestone on Sunday to honor and remember classmates gone too soon. But it wasn’t just the venues; it was the friendships reignited, the trips down memory lane, and the camaraderie felt by all the Wildcats who truly felt their education and upbringing in Bartlesville had been the best of its kind. Everyone is already looking forward to the 50th. – Article courtesy of Sandy Velde, Class of 1982.
50TH REUNION FOR SOONER AND COL-HIGH CLASSES OF 1972 IS IN THE BOOKS!
Pictured above: Col-High alumni (top), Sooner High Alumni (bottom)
(Hopefully the way we arranged these pictures will not reignite the rivalry!)
The Col-High and Sooner Classes of 1972 celebrated their 50th reunion together in their hometown earlier this month, focusing on the golden anniversary theme of Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold,” popular in 1972. They had an astounding 200 classmates register for the weekend; and they made the most of their time together.
The alumni group kicked off the weekend with an event at Cooper and Mill Brewing Company on Friday night. On Saturday, they participated in tours of both high schools and an antique tour in Dewey. Without slowing down, the alumni continued the festivities at the Hilton Garden Inn on Saturday, hosting a silent auction and raffling off a painting of the Kiddie Park carousel by Dedra Wilbur to raise money to support the Kiddie Park.
Reunion planning committee chair, Gary Spears says “[w]e had a great committee that helped put together a fun-filled weekend. It took a lot of work, but everyone pitched in for a memorable celebration.” He heard many comments from his classmates throughout the weekend and is confident that everyone had a fantastic time! For more pictures of the reunion, visit their website: https://www.spearstravel.com/collhisooner72.htm
CLASS OF 1992 CELEBRATES 30TH REUNION
The Class of 1992 returned home over the weekend of September 17th to celebrate their 30th reunion. Sixty-five alumni gathered for the event, coming from as far away as California, Alabama, and Virginia. Alumni and their guests enjoyed three days of fun, starting with a “Throwback Thursday” bonfire in the field behind Brian and Crystal Fielder’s house (the Fielders were BHS Class of 1995). Friday started with a happy hour at Bartlesville’s famous Price Tower,
followed by cheering on the Bruins at the home football game. Some classmates continued the party at Crossing 2nd after the game, enjoying the live music there. Saturday afternoon the group walked the hallowed halls of the High School with VIP tour guide, Granger Meador. The festivities culminated with a catered dinner and party at Cooper and Mill on Saturday evening, complete with a DJ spinning the Class’ favorite tunes from the 80’s and 90’s. Several locals from the Class of ’91 joined in on the fun, including Maria Swindell Gus who was the emcee for the evening. The party spilled down the street, once again to Crossing 2nd, and into the wee hours at the Solo Club. Classmates really seemed to enjoy catching up. There were lots of hugs, laughs, and memories shared by all. Go Bruins!
(Pictured above, the full group at Cooper and Mill Saturday evening and the planning committee.)
BHS CLASS OF 2002 RETURNS FOR ITS 20TH REUNION
Sixty-five alumni and about forty spouses got together July 22-23 to celebrate their 20th Reunion! The Class of 2022 had two classmates come in from Seattle; two from each of the following locations: NYC, Houston, Dallas, Kansas City, and Arkansas; and many from other areas in Oklahoma! About forty-one classmates in attendance live in Bartlesville.
The group met on Friday night at Crossing 2nd. After several hours visiting, many migrated next door to alumni-owned Cooper and Mill Brewing Company and stayed until closing time.
Saturday morning new BHS Principal Michael Harp led a tour of the newly renovated high school. Alumni were amazed with the changes over the last 20 years; but they were grateful the “old gym” has been left fairly untouched. Many commented on how that gym smell took them right back to high school! They had over 80 people on the BHS tour.
Saturday evening the group held its main event on the 3rd floor of the Johnstone-Sare building. The 65 Bruins and their spouses couldn’t believe Bartlesville had such a fabulous venue! Lutger’s out of Tulsa catered dinner and Fun Pianos did a 2 hour dueling pianos performance!
Courtney Roberts and the rest of the Planning Committee received great feedback from their classmates – so much fun catching up with each other and the entertainment was wonderful! The Committee has already been asked to host mini-reunions on an annual basis and a big one 5 years! We think the planning committee is ready for some new classmates to take over the planning process, but the appreciation was definitely worth all the hard work!
WAYS TO GIVE THANKS TO YOUR ALMA MATER
Thanksgiving is here, which means the season of gratitude is upon us; and with it comes a reminder to reflect on all the things in our lives for which we are grateful.
For members of the Bartlesville Alumni Association, that may include the time you spent in Bartlesville schools!
Many people are shaped by their time in high school, so even those who graduated decades ago likely can still think of formative experiences from their teenage years in school or in extracurricular activities.
If you want to take some concrete steps to give thanks to your alma mater this year, here are a few ways you can do so.
Reach out to a teacher: If you are still able to get in touch with any teachers you had in high school who influenced you, consider reaching out to them to let them know the impact they had on your life. Teachers are truly the people who make schools special, and they do not get nearly enough appreciation for everything they do. Practice giving thanks by showing them your gratitude. If you can’t find your teacher, contact us – we may be able to help!
Donate: There are plenty of opportunities for you to give back to your alma mater through donations. These could include donations to our alumni association or donations to specific school initiatives or organizations, which the BPS Foundation is happy to help you do. Whatever method you choose, this is a way to make a tangible impact and communicate how thankful you are for your alma mater.
Volunteer: Giving your time and energy through volunteering may be the ultimate way of showing your thankfulness to your alma mater. There are all kinds of ways to get involved as a volunteer, so find something you’re passionate about or experienced with and use the skills and gifts you have to help the school and its students.
Be present: If you’re still in the area, come to school events like sporting events, concerts, plays and more. Having a physical presence and supporting everything happening at the school is a great way to showcase your gratitude.
COL-HI’S CLASS OF 1970 CELEBRATES 50TH REUNION
Col-Hi’s Class of 1970 knows how to celebrate in style! Approximately seventy 1970 Wildcats gathered in Bartlesville in June 2021 for a reunion weekend organized by Dedra Morgan, Pat Poindexter, and Charles Moll, with the help of many other classmates.
The Class kicked off their 50th Reunion weekend with a casual dinner on the Bartlesville Community Center’s balcony, overlooking activities and a concert in Unity Square. On Saturday, the group toured Bartlesville High School with Bartlesville High School Assistant Principal, Michael Harp and Bartlesville Public Schools (BPS) Director of Virtual Learning, Matt Hancock. They spent the afternoon playing a friendly, but competitive, game of baseball on the high school practice fields against the 1969 Wildcats. The reunion closed with another dinner on the Bartlesville Community Center balcony, followed by a dance and DJ at Unity Square.
Attendees raved about the event. Graduates enjoyed reuniting with old friends, deepening their connections with each other, and learning about the developments within Bartlesville Public Schools. The Class made a generous contribution to the Bartlesville Public Schools Foundation for the BPS Child Nutrition Program to thank the schools for their hospitality throughout the weekend.
There were over 300 graduates of Col-Hi in 1970. The reunion committee determined approximately 70 classmates passed away through the years and the committee was not able to find information for many. That said, the committee was thrilled with the turnout and participation of the 70 classmates that came.
The Bartlesville Alumni Association’s mission is to engage alumni with each other and with Bartlesville Public Schools; and encourage alumni to join us as we advance quality education within Bartlesville Public Schools.
If you have an upcoming reunion, share your reunion information here so we can help you spread the word to your classmates and support you in your planning efforts.
Visit our website for more information on how you can get involved (search our directory, reunion info, volunteer, become an association member, share updates, and much more!