Cincinnati, Ohio

45th Reunion – Saturday Night Gala and Dinner – Aug. 26, 2006 – Bob McSpadden (Mr. Mac), Buck Wilkins, who recruited teachers who attend the 45th,
and Jean McSpadden

Jean Armstrong (and spouse Wally, who is quite an enjoyable character) commented how great it was to see many of her Homeroom 317 students there. But, at 10:00 p.m., she offered the following: "It's time to go home, because I get up at 5:30 a.m. every day!"

Vic Carman related that he was especially grateful to be included once again with the WHS staff.  “Although I never taught there, the fond memories of the College Hill students who attended the new Schwab Jr. High remain with me.  Many have enjoyed prosperous careers and are actively involved in the betterment of this area.  That means a lot to a Counselor.”

Science teacher Lois Keefe looks just as youthful as she did in the 60's.  “This cane slows me down a bit, but it was great to join your class once again (she was also with us in 2001).  I appreciate the effort, Buck, that you made to get as many fellow WHS teachers to attend, some I haven't seen for years.  It was certainly a larger group of faculty than you had five years ago, and there aren't too many of us left.  It was really special to see Carol Jacobs and Sue Garner.  They were two of my best students at WHS.”

Carol and Sue were, of course, among the Top Ten Seniors in the Class of 61. (Trivia questions: Who were the other eight? Besides Carol and Sue, which other two were also at the 45th?)

Bob McSpadden, his endearing wife, Jean (whom we know was just as much of a "fixture" at WHS), and caregiver daughter, Sandy O'Leary (WHS 63), made the greatest effort to attend the reunion. “Mr. Mac” tearfully shared that "it was wonderful to see the many students I have grown to love and admire.” But he was disappointed that there was no singing of “Alma Mater” at the 45th. “That,” said Bob, “is what bonds us together as students and faculty!”

Special guest, Larry Ballew, third-year principal at Woodward Career Technical High School, spoke of the new format of the school, which just opened its doors this week.  The $42 million complex, with several wings, sits closer to the corner of Reading and Seymour, with the statue of founder William Woodward in front of the new structure.  WCTHS will feature a mix of academic and 21st century technology for the 1,200 students enrolled. That's less than half of what we experienced in the early 60's.

Ballew expressed appreciation at the invitation “to your 45th Reunion because it helps me bridge the gap in the cultural history of this fine Cincinnati Public Schools institution. This is my first visit with a specific former class of WHS, and I can assure all of you that we’re diligently working to incorporate Alumni history, tradition and memories in the new building.”

Finally..."that's me, all right!!"  So said John Anaple as he viewed a picture from the 61 WOODWARD TREASURES. The photo was of the Drama/Speech instructor, sitting desolately in the vast expanse of the auditorium, during some phase of the stressful "Showcase 61" rehearsals.  This popular teacher is still a vibrant, exciting and articulate person whose thoughts about life at WHS in the early 60's are reflected in his
written commentary in the Class Directory distributed to attendees of the 45th Reunion.  He added, "I’m really pleased to see all the memorabilia your class has assembled tonight for the pleasure of all!"

Chuck Klein wrote these words about our 45th Reunion on the Class of 60’s website:

In addition to seeing many old friends from '61, I got a chance to thank a teacher: Mrs. Keefe. I found it very emotional to hold her hand and tell her I knew that she was not only an excellent teacher, but had had a positive impact on my life. I know she remembered me because she commented on the columns I used to write for The Enquirer. Lois Keefe and other teachers said or wrote notes to the Class of 1961, all saying to the effect that teaching at Woodward, during our era, were some of the best years of their lives. Ours too!