Itís been years since any of them have opened up a high school text book and the campus itself offers only a glimpse into itís former exterior, but for the hundreds of Exeter Union High School alumni who went back to school this past weekend, it felt like home.

As part of a plethora of Fall Festival and Homecoming events alumni got to leisurely enjoy the institution of their youth.

Starting with a BBQ Friday afternoon directly after the Homecoming parade down Pine, alumni were able to reconnect with old classmates and teachers and tour the campus. The BBQ was put on by the Exeter Union High School Alumni Foundation who sold special Centennial merchandise as well.

Over a hundred hot dogs and hamburgers were given out to alumni from various generations from those who graduated in the 1940s to those who only recently graduated.

Alumni Foundation member Barbara Stark (class of 1961) said she enjoyed seeing many from years past.

ìJust seeing everybody has been wonderful and just how the school has changed. Itís brought back a lot of old memories,î said Stark. ìI hope future generations appreciate what we have.î

That evening alumni were invited back to the campus to celebrate the Centennial Homecoming. Before the first pass was thrown Centennial King, John A. Dungan and Queen, Evelyn Crookshanks were introduced to the crowd.

Alumni were seated by class and a wave of gold and royal blue was unending. Homecoming Queen was senior Hailey Hartman. As Exeter roped in another victory against Sierra alumni journeyed home to rest for the series of Fall Festival activities the next day.

The Fall Festival parade was laced with Monarch pride throughout the entire program. From members of classes from the 1950s to volleyball and water polo champions, all those in attendance could see the amazing history that has followed Exeter Union High School grads.

After the parade older alumni traveled to the Exeter Veteranís Memorial Building to take part in the Old Timers Luncheon, which has been a lovely tradition for decades.

Old friends reconnected over lunch, some seeing each other for the first time in half a century. And whether those days were filled with vigor, mischief, mayhem, joy or laughs there was no denying that this lunch was one theyíd never forget.

Exeter alumni Mickey (class of 1953) and Wilma Hirni (class of 1956) oversaw the program. A slideshow of pictures from Exeterís past played while stories were shared over lunch provided by Hometown Emporium. After the meal awards were given out for various attendees and a special presentation was given by Jim Stanley (class of 1958) as part of the class of 1958ís reunion later that evening. Dozens of 1958 grads sat together reminiscing. Stanley read the names of those graduates present and those who are no longer with us.

Over 40 class of 1958 grads came to take part in the Centennial events and their 50 year reunion.

ìWe always had a special class,î said 1958 grad Judi Stimpson. ìSome of them I havenít seen in 50 years, but after a second or two the memories come pouring back.î

After the awards were given out, former classmates bid farewell at least for a few hours and went to enjoy Fall Festival Festivities at the park. But something about this lunch date would remain forever in their hearts.

ìThe bonding that goes on in those four years is amazing,î said Mickey Hirni. ìThereís something about the process that never goes away. People come back here after decades of being out of school and itís like theyíre back in high school again.î

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