From our October 5, 2000, edition.
CHS alumni have great time during reunion
By
Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise
The Clarendon High School all-school reunion was held
September 22 – 24 this year.
The CHS exes kicked off the Homecoming weekend with the
Bronco pep rally at the stadium. There was a great turn out, and the theme
was “Back in Time.” The parade of wagons depicted scenes from the 50s
to 2000. Kids from Kindergarten to the senior class went to a lot of work
to make these floats.
Tommy Shields, member of the 1972 Broncho State Final team,
from Sherman introduced the guest speaker – Clyde Noonkester who coached
the ’72 Bronchos. They both had some great reflections, and lots of
reminiscing and laughter was enjoyed by everyone in the large crowd.
The Mexican Pile-On supper, sponsored by the Bronco Band
Boosters, was very good and well attended by the exes.
Registering, purchasing football tickets, getting name tags,
and lots of visiting occurred in front of the old College-CHS gym prior to
the Bronco kick off.
The crowd of exes at the game was unbelievable. Getting
reacquainted and a lot of trying to see who all was there happened behind
the stands. The night was topped off by a victory for the Broncos against
the Booker Kiowas. Courtney Newhouse, daughter of CHS alum Mike Newhouse,
was crowned Homecoming Queen. The Bronco Band’s performance was great
also. Immediately following the game, approximately 300 exes met at the
Community Center and enjoyed snacks and the music of KEFH radio.
Saturday morning there was registration and coffee and donuts
at JAMZ (where some of us used to have a Pud burger). It was good to see
some of our ex-teachers again. We visited with Nova Mears Little, Pauline
Heath Hardin, Coach Jack James, Coach Tom Jinks, Coach Clyde Noonkester,
Joan Noonkester, Coach Bob Lemons, Ethelyn Grady, Helen Estlack, and
Johnny Leathers. It was great to see them, and we hope there will be more
teachers next time.
Saturday night, about 260 exes enjoyed steak dinners at the
Bar H Dude Ranch. Background music was provided by Jay Riley of Pampa and
Patrick Robertson of KEFH radio. Gift certificates were given to some
special people for the following: Oldest Class Represented – Kathleen
Yankie, a free ticket to the Sandell Drive-In (Anyone caught hiding in the
trunk would be asked to leave!); Youngest Class Represented – Gina Smith
Gaines, two tickets to the Mulkey Theater (Good only on Tuesday –
bargain night!); the Teacher Certificate – Coach Jack James, $5 worth of
gas at Price’s Truck Stop (at 29˘ per gallon); the Longest Distance
Traveled – Steve Richardson, a free oil change from Palmer Ford Motor
Co.; the Ex-Student Living in Donley County the Longest – Kathleen
Yankie, one flu shot from the Adair Hospital.
The organizers of the reunion hope everyone had as much fun
as they did seeing the event come together for Homecoming 2000. Your
attendance is what made this such a success.
If you know of anyone who didn’t attend, tell them how much
fun you had and encourage them to be here with us next time.