D e s e r t E x p o s u r e
September 2010
School Ties
50 years after Western High School vanished into the history books, alumni gather to remember Silver City's school "on the hill."
It's been half a century since Silver City had a Western High School, but that doesn't stop alumni from fondly remembering their alma mater. On the weekend of Sept. 24-26, several hundred will gather in Silver City for a reunion — some for their 60th.
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Students who attended what was called "Western High School" from 1950 through 1960 will congregate at several venues around town to celebrate their journeys to adulthood in the school "on the hill." More than 1,800 roamed the halls of that school, built in 1939, and funded through Western New Mexico College (now WNMU), until 1960, when control of the school was transferred to the New Mexico Board of Education, and the name was changed to Silver High School.
Since 1990, attendees have gathered in Silver City every five years to enjoy each other's company and reminisce.
"I'm really looking forward to this reunion," says Mary (Mickie Nelson) Lynn ('57), who has chaired the past three gatherings. "We've expanded participation to include grads and anyone who attended Western High during its heyday." That includes those who graduated as late as 1963, including current US Senator Jeff Bingaman ('61). His predecessor in the Senate, astronaut Harrison (Jackie) Schmitt, was also a WHS graduate ('53). Another WHS grad, Dona (Ball) Irwin ('50), represents Deming in the New Mexico House of Representatives.
"We've been able to keep the cost of attending the whole weekend to only $85 per person until Sept. 7, when it jumps to $100," Lynn says. "We'd also like to again thank the Silver High students who developed our website so that all the alumni can keep up with current events here, no matter where they reside."
Registration at the Red Barn will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 24, and extend through 2 p.m. The Flame will open its doors to attendees starting at 5 p.m. both Friday and Saturday for dinner, dancing and enjoyment. Attendees and their guests can pay their greens fees at registration Friday for a golf tournament beginning Saturday morning. A Sunday brunch at the Red Barn will extend from 8-11 a.m.
Invitations for all or part of the weekend can be obtained on the Internet by going to www.writerscenter.com/WHS, or by calling (575) 388-3813.