STURGIS — The Sturgis Composite School class of 1971 had initially planned a 55th school reunion on July 4 in Sturgis.
Gladys (Bodnarek) Tomski spearheaded the proposal, and a committee was struck with Tomski, Wade Karcha, Richard Gulewicz and Judy (German) Karcha being the organizers. Initially 76 students entered grade 12 in 1971, with 71 graduating. There were also 10 partial grade 12s. Unfortunately, 20 of the 1971 students have since passed. All but two of the surviving class were located, with 33 attending.
The event began with a meet and greet at the Sturgis R.E.A.D. Club. Wade Karcha was Master of Ceremonies for much of the event and welcomed everyone to the event. Wade paid tribute to the class members who have since passed by reading out the names, birth dates and age at passing and requested those present to observe a moment of reflection. This was followed by reading a comment about everyone present from one of the yearbooks 1968 – 1971.
Richard Gulewicz read some trivia pertaining to the years 1953 (the year of birth for most of the students) and the 1971 graduating year. Bob Koroluk was present throughout the day, taking numerous candid photos as well as group photographs before noon. At noon, a delicious lunch was served by Connie Sill. Each individual present was given the opportunity to give a short history of their life since graduating. Gladys Tomski made arrangements for a school tour. Most found the school no longer resembles the school they attended. Following the tour, the group motored to Stenen to enjoy a buffet meal at the renowned Rawhides.
"As a wind-up to the day, the group was invited to the Tomskis’ Crystal Lake residence for continued fellowship, which concluded the day. Many have expressed a desire for a 60th. That may be a tall order, but we will see, concluded Karcha.
Those in attendance were: Gerald Babchishin, Sturgis; Gladys (Bodnarek), Tomski Crystal Lake; Gordon Ball, Yorkton; Barbara (Bellows) Patzer, Ebenezer;
Judy-Anne Chabun, Saskatoon; Michael Chupik, Calgary, Alta.; Wayne Cook, Calgary, Alta.; Judy (German) Karcha, Yorkton, Linda (Gromnisky) Dalton, Winnipeg, Man.; Vivian (Gromnisky) Prystay, Edmonton, Alta.; Richard Gulewicz, Hazel Dell; Eugene Holodnuik, Norquay; Larry Holowachuk, Prince Albert; Judy Hydamaka) Boyle, Saskatoon; Jeannette (Ignatiuk) Partyka, Speers; Sharon (Johnson) Ball, Yorkton; Wade Karcha, Yorkton; Louis Kurytnik, Prince Albert; Lila (Malanowich) Hunt, Sherwood Park, Alta.; Holly (Lozinsky) Hastie, Tsawwassen BC; Audrey (Mastrachuk) Rupchan, Hudson Bay; Leighton Nischuk, Lacombe Alta.; Lyle Olson, Endeavour; Johnny Oneschuk, Saskatoon; Bradley Romanchuk, Endeavour; Ted Sakaluk, Regina; Jim Stein, Hazel Dell; Marianne (Tanasiuk) Day, Prince Albert; Maureen (Wagar) Booker, Medicine Hat Alta.; Lavern Yagelniski, Preeceville; Donna (Zawerucka) Sharp, Springside; Dennis Zawerucka, Regina; and Isaac Zayachkowski, Blackfalds, Alta.
