Paden City High School Class of 1974 Celebrates 50 years

From left are Patty (Crookshanks) Wright, Deloris (Lipscomb) Thompson, Donna (Gilbert) Parsons, Carol (Wilson) Pefferman, Lark Higginbotham. Middle Row: Stannah (Archer) Ludwig, Chuck Sapp, Debbie (Ebert) DeWees, Mike Fox, Susan (Thomas) Paden, Keith VanCamp, Mr. Keith Headley, Rhonda (Wetzel) Feist. Back Row: Rick Cecil, Robert Gatian, Jeff Gieseke, Dianna (Yoho) Meeks, Mr. Gary Witschey, George Meeks, Joe Billeter, Donnie Billiter, and Richard Gatian.
Fifty Years is a long time, just ask any kid! However on Friday night, September 20, 2024, there was a group of classmates from fifty years ago (no longer kids) who would beg to differ. Overheard on more than one occasion was “It just seems like yesterday”.
And from looking at them it appears they just might be right. Many of them look the same, and with no mean intent whatsoever they also act the same. This was a great bunch, even a couple ex-teachers of the group could attest to that. While one person complained about getting the board, (something today’s kids would not understand) one teacher was quick to point out that it was warranted.
Graduating with 62 students, this 1974 group of Wildcats had many tales to tell as they sat around on the outside of Dos Hermanos Mexican restaurant overlooking the Ohio River reminiscing about days gone by. Twenty classmates made the night special. One of the highlights was the children of classmate Kenny Craft providing appetizers for the group in his memory. That was special!
Getting together and sharing memories and making new ones is always special. Getting to see each other face to face and catching up on what’s been happening in each other’s life makes it a worthwhile time.
Helping to make the night a lasting memory was being joined by two favorite teachers Mr Keith Headley and Mr. Gary Witschey who made their rounds to speak with former class members. One happy couple George and Dianna Meeks received a round of applause on celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary also. And one class favorite, Jeff Gieseke, was celebrating his birthday.
All in all it was a wonderful night. Towards the end there was a raffle fundraiser for the class piggy bank. Robert Gatian won the Paden City Alumni quilt.
As the night came to a close there were many handshakes and a few tears. Mr. Headley gave the class a short talk advising them to live life to the fullest. Stay safe and healthy and meet back in five years.