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Hale Homecomeing 2006
Many Hale Alumni turned out for the Hale homecoming game held Friday, Sept. 22, 2006 at Eastside Stadium in Tulsa.  Hale Band Alumni were invited to perform with the Hale band during halftime and in the stands during the game.

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30th Reunion
The 30th Hale Reunion was a smashing success!  We now have reunion pictures posted on our reunion photos page.  Pages 1-3 are pictures taken by classmates the night of the reunion, while pages 4-6 are pictures taken professionally.  To order professional pictures, go to:

http://www.collages.net
Userid: NH75
Password: 4933

We were there... again!
Our 30th reunion began with a tour of Nathan Hale. As I walked into the school for the first time in 30 years, a flood of memories and emotion came pouring back. For those who weren't there, the spirit and youth of our days at Hale still echo in it's hallways. The traditions still linger. If only for a day, the school once again belonged to the Rangers, Class of '75. We were there... again!

The current principal, Frederick Wright was warned that we were a rowdy bunch and he'd do well to keep an eye on us. He just smiled and politely informed us that the hidden surveillance cameras had taken over that responsibility. Sadly, it seemed that technology had finally caught up with us. There would be no new graffiti or streaking down the halls to mark our return on this day.

As we visited the many classrooms, each of us had a different memory or story to tell. Through these shared memories, we were able to go back in time and bring our high school days back to life. As I looked at my old classmates, I imagined them with longer hair, jean jackets, a few with big calculators. Such was the fashion of the day. A visit to the old band room brought back memories of our rebellious youth and the secret clubs and alliances we formed. We all met in the auditorium for a picture afterwards and mingled about, remembering the assemblies, guys in drag, school plays and so on.

That evening at Cains Ballroom was filled with music from our high school days, lots of laughter and some sadness, as our fallen classmates pictures were projected on stage. I can still see my old friend, Chris Niemeyer, who passed away last year driving his old Plymouth by my house to pick me up for school - window rolled down and a Marlborro cigarette in his hand.  Those who are gone will never be forgotten.

The memorabillia table was outstanding, with many items from our high school days displayed in pristine condition. The food was good and the tables were all decorated with replicas of the blue Ranger balloons we used to buy at football games for a quarter.

Many thanks go to the other Reunion Committee members who made this such a great success. Carol Cecil-Dickey and Bob Jones both did an outstanding job organizing the effort. Bruce Humphrey did a great job helping us with the financing. Other committee members who worked hard to make this a success include Toni Barron-Barnes, Gaye Briley-Marrs, Steve Darr, Michael Goodman, Dana Herring-Higeons, Chuck Maddin, Karen Mullikin-First, Julie Ratliff-Jenkins, and Rick Walner. If you had a great time, be sure and send them an email to say "thanks!".

Finally, of all the impressions I had from our reunion, one thing stood out - that we were fortunate to have had such an incredible number of truly good people in our graduating class. Thanks to all of you who attended and to those who couldn't make it this time, we will strive to make the next one even bigger and better!

David Giacometti
Reunion Committee
Webmaster, Class of '75
 

Reunion Memories
The following poems were donated by alumni who attended the reunion:

by Julie Ratliff Jenkins

On June 18th, 2005
the 30th reunion of the Class of '75
was set off with a tour of our stompin' grounds
from the 3rd floor, to the Band room down.

To Cain's Ballroom we did get
we met to primp and prep the set.
The tables were prepared with care,
with balloons and megaphones everywhere.

The Rangers arrived one by one
ready to greet folks and have some fun.
People were laughing, shaking hands and hugging,
and for the photographers we did some mugging.

Michael Goodman had his memorabilia so we could look,
to see if we were included in "his yearbook".
Darlene Ashmore just dropped and did the splits and
Carol took a picture to commemorate her bit.

We watched slides of images with a sigh
and we remembered friends gone with a fond goodbye.
Many got on the floor and danced with frenzy,
to the songs we remembered, which were many.

It's hard to believe that we're any older,
to the gray hair and pounds we'll give the cold shoulder.
And we'll meet again in five years or ten,
to celebrate our youth once again!

by Carol Cecil-Dickey
We were born to raise H A L E …. So they say -
But on June 18th we were truly amazed.

Most us were dancing on the wooden dance floor –
While some were knocking on Cains front door.

The BBQ dinner was pigswill –
And for stomach-aches we took anti-acid pills.

We missed Steve Darr-lin and his priceless jokes –
While Carol borrowed a cigarette to have a smoke.

Gaye Elaine brought the spirit balloons –
They flew up the ceiling way too soon.

Julie displayed our memories on the large table –
She demanded that each item must be labeled.

The day of Karen’s birthday and she turned 48 –
Whose job was it to buy her a cake?

The web guy was a sight to see -
Oh my gosh, he was surrounded by honeybees.

Rick Walner is a detective in disguise –
I am telling you this, a word to the wise.

Mr. Jones dressed up in his brand new suit –
The MC for the evening he was not one bit mute.

Toni showed off the guy in her life –
Joe M. took in the party without any strife.

Dana Herring planned the school tour –
A challenge getting the message out that’s for sure.

Michael Goodman is the class historian –
A few new clippings we need more of again.

Maddog is a favorite by all –
I’d say at age 48 he is still a doll.