Thirty years of life after high school

By Ashley Clementovich

It’s been 30 years since the classes from Hilltop High and École St. Joseph graduated in 1989. Yet, time and space have made little difference to a group that has known each other since Kindergarten.

Reunion organizer Raelene Day has been responsible for the 10 and 20-year reunions and shows no sign of stopping the tradition. With the reunion always being held at the boat launch, Day wanted to thank the Town of Whitecourt for cutting the grass and providing firewood for the evening.

Despite many attending from the class of ‘89, Day noted that the reunion isn’t just for the 1989 class, but for “whoever wants to go and whoever wants to visit.”

While Day noted that the 10 and 20-year reunions were full weekend events, she admitted that life had become too busy for everyone to allocate that much time. However, an evening together is enough for everyone to catch up and reminisce over past times. “It’s good they do it because it’s easy not to,” said attendee Robin Mol.

Despite reunion members being divided by separate schools, every person present maintained that they consider themselves as one group. “We did everything together,” reminisced Day.

While some moved away, the class bond is evident with people returning for the reunions from other cities, provinces, and even countries. “I’m super glad I came. We’re all kind of fun,” said attendee Krissy Stark surveying the crowd with a smile. Attendee Shannon Soper admitted that a unique level of insight and knowledge about a person comes from knowing them for so long.

With every reunion, those attending fill out a questionnaire which asks about their kids and ages, marital status, and other life details. While looking over old questionnaires, everyone agrees it’s hilarious to hear a person’s negative stance on marriage only to show up at the next reunion with a ring on his or her finger. “With this group, it’s very comforting, said Christine Jackson-Yohemas. “The love, friendship, camaraderie… it’s just always the same,” she said simply. There is a definite sense of familiarity amongst everyone as only a lifetime of knowing someone can bring.

With such commitment to getting together there’s no doubt that this group will be meeting again at the 40-year reunion.

Tagline: Darren Whatmore, Shannon Soper, and Raelene Day enjoy catching up.
Tagline: Christine Jackson, Raelene Day, and Robin Mol laugh and reminisce.
Tagline: Class of ’89 still going strong.