PHS’ 50th a trip down memory lane by Donald Teuma-Castelletti
the gym, seeing teams of students, staff and alumni face off in a volleyball tournament, that the most recent grads would go on to win. Pictured, Anthony Valin gets some air as he returns the ball to his opponents.
Alumni and staff had the opportunity to celebrate their old stomping grounds on Saturday, when Pontiac High School (PHS) opened their doors for tours, reunions, and more as it marked a special anniversary.
In recognition of the school’s 50th anniversary, it was decided there had to be a bash, so why not make it a homecoming? Complete with old photos and yearbooks on display as history lined the walls and display cases, PHS pride was out in full force as past students and teachers wandered the halls through the afternoon, before enjoying an evening of dining and dancing at the Agricultural Hall.
“We said, ‘Wouldn’t it be neat if we could put together some sort of a homecoming?’” said PHS Principal Debra Stephens, of brainstorming the idea with staff. “We had no idea if we could pull it off, but here we are.”
Admitting that she thought the idea would be beyond the school’s ability to actually pull together, especially at this time of year, Stephens was proud to share that her staff just ran with it, with everything suddenly becoming feasible.