O Giver of life – we are here to celebrate 5 decades of life in the real world. Two score and 10 years ago the class of ’64 left the friendly confines of Wapak High on a journey full of victories and defeats, joys and sorrows, a journey that has taught us how precious each day is. We didn’t learn everything we needed to know in kindergarten, or even from Miss Hunt or Mr. Krebs or Mrs. Miller, or even from Mr. Bigelow or Coach Rose or Cappizello. We are all still students in the school of life, and we thank you for what we have learned and are learning from each other, from children and grandchildren.
Just as our long ago graduation was a commencement and not an end, this rite of passage tonight is another new beginning. It is an opportunity to share memories and laughter, to be inspired by the contributions we are making collectively and as individuals to the betterment of life on this planet. We know it is not up to us to solve the world’s problems, and that’s a very good thing; but it is up to us to be the best citizens, friends, parents, grandparents, spouses and partners we can be. Help us always use what we have learned and are learning to leave a positive legacy behind for those who follow in our footsteps.
So we celebrate the lessons learned so long ago in the classrooms and in the extracurricular activities at WHS, but also the human life skills we learned in friendships, in teamwork, in musical and dramatic presentations. We express our gratitude for the teachers and school staff who put up with us, we give thanks for the classmates and spouses who worked hard to make this weekend possible, and now we ask your blessing on the food we are about to eat and the fellowship we share around these tables.
For all that has been we say thanks, and for all that is yet to be, we say a resounding, Yes!
Amen.
[Written for the Wapakoneta, Ohio High School class of 1964 50th class reunion, September 21, 2014.]
Peacefully Harsh 
Dear Steve, I was so moved by this prayer. . . thank you for the beautiful way it is so full of understanding and so inclusive of the many aspects of life! Your class was blessed to have this prayer!
I am asking your permission to use parts of your prayer for our 50 th class reunion in October. It is a lovely expression for a reunion. Thank you. Diane Coolbaughd
Thank you for asking, and for your kind words. You may use it with my blessing. Steve
Hello from Canada! I have been asked to say the farewell benediction at my 56th nurses reunion in April. May I please us portions of your wonderful prayer in the ceremony? Many Thanks. Virginia Lynn
Thank you Virginia. Yes you may.
Loved your class reunion prayer. I am composing a prayer for my 50th reunion & would like to use some of the inspiring thoughts you wrote. Thank you
Thanks Karen, I’m glad it was helpful and you certainly are welcome to use whatever fits your situation. And congratulations on making it to 50.
Hello! Mr. Steve H,
Just would like to ask your permission to let me use your invocation prayer to our 50TH Class Reunion. i find it very inspiring and hoping that my classmates would be very touch and move by your inspiring thoughts..thanking you in advance.
Thanks and yes you may. I hope you have a great reunion.
permission to use some lines sir.
Yes
Steve,
I am also asking permission to share some of your lines.
Awesome thoughts for life and our reunion
Yes and thanks for asking. When and where is your reunion?
Asking permission to use some lines. Thank you.
Of course. Thank you for asking.
Lovely Prayer. I have been asked to do either the Invocation or Benediction at 0ur 50th Class Reunion. Asking permission to use some of your lines as they are oh so fitting to anyone that reaches this milestone.
Thanks Lethia, yes you may And have a wonderful reunion.
Thank you for allowing me to use your letter to get ideas for our 50th Anniversary celebration.
Dear Steve, I have been asked to say the blessing at our 50th high school class reunion on Oct. 20th and have been struggling with what I can say that will bring meaning and express what many of our classmates may be feeling or thinking. I happened to come across your lovely prayer, and I would like to ask your permission to use some of your words and lines, which I am sure will touch, bless, and inspire all who are attending our special evening. Thank you so very much, and may God continue to richly bless your life. Sincerely, Debbie Seward Wilson, Loveland, Ohio class of 1968.
Thank you for asking and yes you may certainly use whatever seems appropriate from my prayer. Best wishes to you and your classmates.
May I also use your prayer for our 5oth reunion? If so, thanks in advance, it is very inspiring.
Yes, thanks for asking and best wishes for your reunion.
Great prayer. May I use some thoughts from it on our 50th class reunion celebration? Thanks in advance. Bob R.
certainly. thanks for asking and have a great reunion.
Beautiful prayer. I read it several times and each time it opened forgotten memories of my cherished high school years. I was just ask today to give the prayer at my 50th class reunion this coming Sat May I please have permission to share with others lines of your inspiring and reflective words? As your poem has taken me back in time it has also brought a new light upon the future.
Yes. Thanks for asking and have a great reunion.
Hi Ste
ve…I too would like to use some of your prayer at our 50th reunion…Tempe High School…thanks Ed Grant
Certainly. Thanks for asking and have a great reunion.
HI Steve, May I please use parts of this for my 50th class reunion? I love it and it is good!
Yes you may. And thank you for asking. Hope you have a great reunion.
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Hi, just found your comment. Thanks for the interest. Send me the link to your blog, and I’ll give your idea some thought. I’ve not done that, but it might be fun. Thanks for the encouraging word.