Members of the Poplar Bluff High School Class of 1972 have reunions every five years. They share an appreciation of their roots and for the community where it all began. The result has been lifelong friendships and memories shared by all, which are things member Thomas Cash said make the Class of '72 stand out from the others.
"Things were different back then. Lots of stuff was going on and we didn't have cell phones so we actually had to talk to each other," he said.
Cash said over time and after at least eight reunions, he and his classmates began discussing ways to leave behind a legacy at PBHS. After hearing the plans to create a new high school and revamp the district, Cash said the idea for an official, non-profit academic booster club came to light.
"We went down and toured the facilities when it was all finished," he said. "The driving question was 'how can we impact teachers and students?'"
Cash, who now lives in the Kansas City area, said boosting academics was a major focus because the athletic booster club "seemed to have a lot of support."
"With the help of several classmates who are lawyers, we created a non-profit organization to fund legacy projects," he said. "It's called PBHS Senior '72 Booster Club, Inc."
The mission of the organization is to "boost and support the ongoing needs of PBHS via the membership boosters from Class of '72."
The non-profit aims to generate a booster club financial budget fund and will develop and execute PBHS Class of '72 legacy projects.
Cash said after creating an advisory board, letters were sent to his classmates encouraging membership with a $100 donation intended to get the organization off the ground.
Cash said at last weekends 45th reunion, they opened membership to allow anyone to join by donating any amount, no matter how small or large. He said he realizes not all folks have $100 to spare and incorporating everyone is something the Class of '72 prides itself on.
"We wanted to include everyone who wanted to do it. That's how we've always been and we're going to stay that way," said Cash, who added approximately 50 of his classmates have joined the non-profit.
With a little help from fellow classmate and teacher at PBHS Gail Karlish, the Academic Assistance Group was selected to receive the first monetary donation.
"AAG seemed to fit the objectives of who we wanted to benefit," he said.
But when it came time to decide how much money to donate, Cash said only one number made sense.
"Since we graduated in 1972, we donated $1,972 to the Academic Assistance Group," he said.
Cash said potential future legacy projects include scholarships, special school projects and Poplar Bluff community support.
"We've always been a very community-minded group," he said. "Three from our class have been mayor. We wanted to come up with a way to incorporate the school and this seemed like the best way."
Bob McDonald, Susan McVey and current Mayor of Poplar Bluff Ed DeGaris are all from the Class of '72, Cash said. Of the original 380 members, 35 have passed away. However, last weekend's reunion saw an attendance of 130, which means 38 percent of the remaining members made it a priority to come together 45 years later.
"We're proud of what we've become and we like to challenge other classes," he said. "It's like 'hey, what are you guys doing.'"
Cash said attending class reunions is important because "the things you did in high school shaped who you are today."
He met his wife at PBHS, even though they didn't date until later, and said lifelong friendships are priceless.
Cash pointed out the reality of graduating 45 years ago is that some of his classmates may not be there next year. He said he's 62 years old now and with each reunion realizes it may be the last opportunity he will have to see his closest pals.
"I always stress why it's so important to attend these reunions. I say 'hey folks, you better come back and see your friends one last time," he said.
Cash said the non-profit's next project has not yet been determined but a few ideas are circulating. As for now, see you in 2022 Class of '72.