This is the time for graduations and class reunions. Does your town have an annual gathering of high school alumni? In many of our Maine towns, this was common, in years gone by.

In my hometown, a truly sterling event took place this past weekend, as around 300 folks, many of them senior citizens, gathered in Windham for the annual alumni banquet. All these folks had one thing in common – they had attended Windham High School. About 90 percent of them were in their senior years, if one figures 60-plus as the “senior citizen” category.

The hours of planning culminated in a few hours of absolute fun, as it has for many, many years.

Arrivals peered at name tags and were astounded when they realized that gray-haired woman was the cheerleader or basketball star they admired. A former student, proud in his military uniform, enjoyed dinner at a table with many of his former neighbors and classmates. One long table was filled with three generations of Windham graduates from one family – including several current and past teachers.

Men and women filled the cafeteria of the middle school, where tables covered in the traditional school color, maroon, had been set. They spent a good couple of hours going from group to group, visiting, reminiscing and showing baby pictures. Among the crowd were current town leaders, retired lawyers, heads of companies, grandparents and great-grandparents – all united with a common thread.

The Windham High School Alumni Banquet is a wonderful (and very popular) event that has been repeated every year since 1911, except for some years during World War II, when many graduates and some students were away doing their military duty.

People came from all over Maine and New England and states beyond including Florida, to attend this year’s dinner. There were several who had graduated in the mid 1930s, as well as dozens who were celebrating their 50th reunion.

There’s a serious side to the group, as well. Funds raised at this event provide for scholarships for current graduates and school support in other ways. The officers meet several times during the year and around March, the phone calls and emails begin, asking about the banquet and if it will still be held.

In talking with friends in neighboring towns, it appears this is a unique event in this day and age, especially with the classes becoming so large. It’s difficult for some to believe there was a time when a student would know everyone in their high school – all four grades! Of course that was when the total population of a school could be less than the number enrolled in just one of today’s high school grades.

For this senior citizen, and for many who attended Windham High School, the annual alumni banquet is special and something we all anticipate. I hope your town has a similar event.