50th class reunion held for Dunkirk High School

The 1976 graduating class of Dunkirk High School celebrated its 50th reunion from Aug. 6 to 9. A half century of friendships and memories were relived with more than 115 classmates, spouses, and friends attending the weekend activities. Classmates came from across the country, 15 different states, demonstrating the lasting connection so many still share with the class and their hometown of Dunkirk.

The celebration began with a meet and greet Thursday night in the pavilion at the Dunkirk Pier. The classmates gathered to reconnect, share stories, participate in basket raffles, while enjoying the wonderful weather along the waterfront with the Music on the Pier in the background.

Friday morning the classmates were invited to attend the Dunkirk Historical Museum which is featuring a 1970's exhibit with a spotlight on the Class of 1976. Featured was a wonderful display of photographs, and keepsakes from our years at DHS. Included was Homecoming memorabilia, class play programs, school newspapers, and graduation items. Also displayed were D-club jackets, 70's vintage clothing, and various sorority and fraternity jackets, along with yearbooks from all our class years. The walk down memory lane was made extra special by all of the other great displays the museum had to offer on the 70's and life in Dunkirk during our formative years. If you missed it and are in town drop by and see all the museum has to offer.

Friday evening was spent at one of our favorite high school hangouts "The Point." The Fireman's grounds with the new pavilion provided a perfect setting for the night's event. Over 100 classmates, spouses, and friends attended and were treated to plenty of pizza, wings, snacks, and desserts. Of course, what would a party at The Point be without a keg to kill! Laurie Etzel, senior class president, was the emcee for the night and supplied some "special" awards. With the background of 70's music being played throughout the night, posters and books of past reunions were on display for all to reminisce about. Scholarship raffle baskets and a 50/50 raffle were available for classmates to take a chance on and helped to support the reunion. The weather was perfect and the sunsets were stunning as usual. All in attendance had a great time reconnecting with friends as the night flew by.

Saturday morning, a tour of high school provided an opportunity to re-walk the hallowed halls of DHS. As the group toured the facility, there were a lot of "What wing was this?" "What classroom was that?" or "Where was my locker?"

Many people were amazed at how much had changed, yet there was still some familiarity to the building. There were side stories about do you remember that teacher, that club, that subject or that class room. The auditorium was voted least changed. Most changed were the Library (very few books, no card catalog), and pool (no high dive, and they changed the orientation of the lanes). The cafeteria seemed so much smaller, but everyone recalled numerous dances, winter ball, and proms being held there. This was where many of us experienced our first date, slow dance, and kiss. In the gym, a group of young kids were in a basketball camp. The coach recognized our very own Ricky "D" Donaldson and had him give them a short inspirational speech on his experience and life lessons. The highlight of the tour was when each classmate got to go up and ring the Dunkirk victory "Bell", usually reserved for winning football games or at graduation.

Saturday concluded with a wonderful evening at Shorewood Country Club where classmates gathered for dinner, raffles, dancing, and one last chance to re-connect with friends. The committee and their helpers did an excellent job of decorating and transforming the club into our very own special place with center pieces and splashes of maroon and white. Two beautiful cakes were donated by classmates. Donated raffle baskets were displayed for all to bid on with proceeds going to fund our scholarship program. A special memorial table honored the 62 classmates who have passed away, with each remembered with their HS photograph and a votive candle. A gorgeous flower arrangement for the table was donated by Kathy Szopinski, one of our HS teachers.

The evening started with a brief social hour. The classmates then gathered in the dining area where Etzel once again emceed the evening events. She introduced special guests that included high school teachers: Diane Andrasik, Chuck Cutrona, Ed Kolodziej, John Ruska and his wife, and Kathy Szopinski. Their presence added another meaningful connection to our high school years.

Etzel introduced the committee consisting of: Jane Dill Clinton, Carol Frazita Grant, Natalie Luczkowiak, Debbie Miller Lanski, Larry Miller, Lisa Orcutt Muldowney, Jim Raczek, Susan Rusch O’Connell, Jill Schoener Paitsel, Loretta Slaton Torain, and Lori Wojcinski Woodard. Laurie roasted the committee with various trivia related to each member.

Jim Raczek and Loretta Slaton Torain presented a check to our class's first "Bicentennial Class of 1976 Scholarship" winner Matthew Woods. Matt was a graduating student of DHS 2026, the Semiquincentennial class, and plans to attend Gannon University majoring in Electrical engineering or business.

A remembrance and blessing was provided by Frank Torain, followed by dinner. After dinner, music was provided by fellow classmates Keith Medley and Craig Johnson, along with their bandmate Willie Fuentes.

During the band's intermission, the raffle basket winners were drawn and announced. The 50/50 raffle was also pulled with the winner generously donating their proceeds to the scholarship fund. The 50th reunion celebration was a tribute to a special generation of classmates, a remembrance of those who have passed, and a reminder of the enduring bonds that continue to unite and bring together the Bicentennial Class of 1976.

On Sunday, a small group of committee members and friends met for a farewell brunch at the home of Tom and Lisa Orcutt Muldowney. The weekend activities were discussed along with plans to stay in touch and possibly have a celebration in a couple of years for our 70th birthdays.