Woodrow Wilson 

   '68  Wildcats

From Dinah's Den - the latest breaking Woodrow news!!

Dear friends and fellow 68 classmates:

   Webster's Dictionary defines success as "the gaining of something desired, planned, or attempted." I would have to say our 40th reunion would fit perfectly into that definition. For two years as the committee attempted to carefully plan our reunion, it was our desire that it would result in a successful event for every person present. This was truly a labor of love for all of us.

   I cannot stop thinking about and replaying the weekend in my mind. I know it would be very difficult to name a favorite moment between the golf scramble, the Friday night party at Ozona's, the bus tour, or the Saturday night party at the beautiful Arboretum. Every event was unique, but each was filled with laughter when recalling episodes from our youth, shrieks of surprise and joy at seeing a long lost friend, and hugs, hand shakes, and pats on backs when reintroducing ourselves.

   Those who made it to the Friday party were treated to a surprise revival or our very own band, the Ole' 68s, aka Steve Bones and the Playboys, as well as a song featuring Steve and Kenny Holley. You ever got a bonus with the "backup singers" known as the Charquettes(from Charcos), the Bonettes, or the Dancing Queens-we couldn't decide on a name. Believe me, that music of the 60s has a way of making one feel like a carefree teen again(that is until the next morning when my arthritic body cried out at every move). Some were dancing wildly while others were satisfied to just sit and visit. We didn't want it to end.

   Saturday night's event could not have been better either! The Arboretum overlooking White Rock Lake with a view of the Dallas skyline has to be the most beautiful place to be in the fall or anytime of the year for that matter. We had it all. Tommy Hopkins' classic Corvette met us as we entered into our celebration of the past and the present. Greeting all when we entered were tables filled with memorabilia which transported us back to Woodrow. Pictures of those classmates we have lost tore at our hearts and yet warmed our hearts at the same time. The Novas band effortlessly carried us back to the 60s with their fabulous music. The food and decor were outstanding. It was a perfect evening. I must say though I believe the best part was being with long time friends and even making some new ones. To all of you who came to our reunion, thank you on behalf of the co-chairs and our entire committee.  Here, a special thanks must go out to two groups. The first goes to the class of 67 who inspired us to go over and above in working on this reunion. Then, the members of the class of 69 who helped us enjoy all our  events by checking our classmates in and working the tables were invaluable. A reunion is only as successful as those who come to share in it.

   Speaking of sharing, you are a very generous class. We had included in our invitation an opportunity to make a monetary donation to go towards a gift and/or scholarships to Woodrow. Thanks to many of you, and one classmate in particular, we have a sizable amount of money that will definitely benefit Woodrow and the students who want to attend college. When the committee decides exactly how this will be used, we will let the class know. Thank you to an awesome group of people.

   I can only say to those who could not make it to the reunion, for whatever reason, we missed you and are sorry you did not have the opportunity to reconnect with long time friends. However, we will have more reunions, so you can still come back. In fact, we have decided there will be a 45th, but there may be some "mini" reunions along the way. You will be notified. We don't want to lose this connection.

   In fact, one way to stay connected is through our website. The plan is to rework it to make it interactive. Please plan on sending us updates and changes so we can stay current. Finding everyone for this reunion was not an easy task. By keeping information up to date, it will much easier the next time. Also, don't think this is the last time I will go into Dinah's Den and send you an update on our class and Woodrow.

   Finally, I have one last bit of important information which I am sure all of you will be eager to hear. Our photographer, Carol Hensley, has posted pictures on her website of the golf, Friday night, and Saturday night events. She took countless pictures of individuals, groups, the bands, dancers, and just friends, providing us with a wonderful "story" of our 40th reunion. The compensation for her time and talent will come from you ordering her pictures. I will follow this email with one from her giving details on pricing and ordering information as well as how to view the pictures. Please visit her website and order your photo memories!

   What else can I say fellow Wildcats? You are an amazing, interesting, fun, caring group of people. I am so fortunate to be a member of the Woodrow Wilson Class of 1968. I know my co-chairs and fellow committee members(an incredibly talented, committed, hard working group) will echo the sentiment. Keep in touch with us because we WILL keep in touch with you.

Fondly,

Dinah DeWitt Gaspard

Woodrow 68

Enough Said

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