07/08/2021
Last BHS graduating class to celebrate
The last graduating class of Brainard High School will be holding its 60th anniversary of graduation on Aug. 14 at J&P Bar and Grill beginning at 4 p.m. Members of the class will tour East Butler and visit the new commons area and kitchen, led by Principal Mark Cidlik. Other patrons of the district are invited to attend and should meet at the east door of the school about 4:10 p.m.
In the fall of 1957, the class included 29 students who began their education with a faculty of six including Forrest P. Rockwell as superintendent and Ernest L. Behne as principal. Only eight subjects were offered. Sports included boys’ basketball, track and girls volleyball. In 1959, the varsity and reserve basketball teams won the Butler County Tournament. The 880 relay team won the Class C State Track Meet. There was no football until after the consolidation of districts to form East Butler, which opened the fall of 1961.
The Junior-Senior Banquet and Prom were held in the ZCBJ Hall. Com- mencement exercises were held on May 12, 1961, in the gym, also known for many years as the multipurpose room, lunch room and/or study hall. There were 23 graduates and organizers hope the 18 remaining graduates will be able to attend the reunion and share their memories.
“There have been many changes in the building during the last 60 years but one thing remains and that is a dedicated faculty and an excellent education,” said organizers. “The Class of 1961 has moved on and gone their separate ways but still follow the class motto ‘One step at a time but always forward’.”
“This will be a perfect weekend with the reunion,” added organizers, who note the Mark Vyhlidal Trio will play in the City Park from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., also on Aug. 14, and the Holy Trinity Chicken Dinner will take place on Sunday, Aug. 15: “We hope you take advantage of all of the festivit
