Class of 1963 provides bench for WHS

The Class of 1963 feels a special connection with the high school.

“We were the first class to graduate from this building,” said Gary Emery.

This sentiment moved them to give a gift to the aging school and issue a challenge to all other classes.

At a reunion 25 years ago, the class decided to take the money left over from fundraising for the event and place it in a certificate of deposit.

Last year at their 50th reunion, they finally knew what they wanted to do with the CD. Along with some additional funds, they cashed out the CD and purchased a bench.

Last Friday, class representatives Emery, Julie (Engelson) McKagan and Alice (Seaberg) Neely presented the gift to Principal Stephanie Leitz for Wahkiakum High School’s Associated Student Body.

Students from one of Kyle Hurley’s classes, Chase Grasseth, Gunnar Blix and Simon Goldenov put in the time and energy to put the bench together.

The contribution, including the bench, was more than $1,300.

Now the Class of 1963 wants to know if your class can do better.