Mary Lou (Thomas) Wilson, Gordon “Cork” Wilson, Janet MacIver Schondelmayer, and Virginia “Ginnie” (Engle) Smith said as far as they know, they are the last four members out of the 26 graduates of the TK Class of 1953.
“I wanted to do something special to celebrate our 90th birthdays,” said Mary Lou. “I wanted to drive up to Michigan and have a reunion with our classmates. It was supposed to be with five members - but we lost Ruth Geukes a few weeks ago. So now it’s just us four. I just wanted to come back.”
They planned their 72nd class reunion with lunch at RiverDog in downtown Middleville, and then lemon meringue pie at Janet’s home.
All of the classmates will be, or already are, 90 years old. Mary Lou contacted Ginnie, who lives in Jackson, and Janet, who still lives in Middleville. Finding Cork was no problem since he and Mary Lou were married 22 years ago as a second marriage for each of them. The pair were always good friends in high school and even dated a little back in the day. “But nothing serious,” said Cork.
After graduation, Mary Lou and Cork went their separate ways - him to the U.S. Navy and the west coast and her to the east coast. But those friendships and bonds they made in high school brought them back together eventually.
Even though they hadn’t seen each other since the 50th reunion, the conversation at lunch flowed effortlessly and it was clear the four enjoyed their time together at TK Schools.
Cork and Janet both attended TK Schools from kindergarten through graduation. Ginnie came to TK in 7th grade. Mary Lou moved to TK in 5th grade, then left her junior year and came back to TK in her senior year. “It just felt like home. I was so happy to come back,” said Mary Lou.
Ginnie said her favorite memory from school was her group of friends. “There were 6 or 7 of us that were always together. It was just a good group of friends,” she said.
Janet agreed. “We did everything together. We just had so much fun being together. And I’m still here in Middleville. I love it here.”
“It was only six years that I was at school here, but those six years were important ones and made a lot of memories and some great friends,” said Mary Lou.
Each of the alumni were very active while in school and said their group of friends was something they cherished. A quick check in their 1953 senior yearbook recorded their involvement in school. Janet was the senior class vice president and salutatorian. Ginni was the senior class secretary. The two were also members of the Yearbook staff in 1953.
During her high school years, Ginnie also was a member of student council, member of the junior class play, Future Homemakers of America (FHA), chorus, pep club, trump staff, 4-H, building and ground committee, Trojan staff, band, and literary editor of the Trojan yearbook.
Cork served as class treasurer and played basketball and baseball during his years at TK.
Mary Lou served as class president one year, was on student council, FHA, chores, pep club, 4-H, and was the Trumpet staff editor for four years.
Janet also served as class secretary, was in student council, the class play, student council secretary, FHS, FHA treasurer, chorus, pep club, pep club vice president, school trumpet, 4-H, Trojan Staff, assistant editor of the Trojan, classical club, classical club president and band.
Before enjoying their meal and heading out the Janet’s house for more time to share stories and get reacquainted, the four shared their advice to high school students today:
“Enjoy it. It goes too fast,” - Mary Lou.
“Get off your phones and see what’s going on,” - Ginnie.
“Get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful place we live in here. Michigan is beautiful,” - Janet.
"Stick with it (school) and don’t smoke,” - Cork.
“Make good friends and enjoy everything,” - Mary Lou, Ginnie, Janet and Cork.