MILFORD — The 93rd Annual Milford Alumni Banquet, hosted the evening of June 10, gave all those who attended a glimpse into a time where they were all high school seniors. For some, that was more than 70 years ago. For others, that was 40, 50 or 60 years ago, but no matter how much time has passed, each individual seemed to remember just the same.

A social hour kicked off the event at 5 p.m. This gave people the opportunity to catch up with friends and former classmates. It also allowed them to have a quick look at the recently remodeled school.

After the social hour was up, everyone was invited to join in singing the school song, proving that for Milford High School, they “will cheer you all the time.”

Afterwards, dinner, catered by Penguin Point, was served. Folks gathered around tables marked to represent the respective graduating classes, and talked of not only high school, but their lives after high school as well. Some mentioned how far they traveled to attend, coming from all over the country to celebrate their time in Milford.

Ron Baumgartner went over the treasurer’s report before turning the mic over to Ned Speicher, class of 1967, this year’s master of ceremonies. After graduating from Milford, Speicher continued his education, which turned into a love of education. He was formerly the principal of Milford School. He has four kids and 12 grandchildren. He recently won the 2016-2017 Indiana Educator of the Year before he retired, but announced that he has accepted another superintendent position.

“As we know, the world has changed greatly, but Milford, not so much. Milford people invest in the next generation,” Speicher said.

Bob Brown, class of 1942, was the oldest male graduate in attendance. He recalled that at that time, minimum wage was 40 cents, less than half of all households owned phones and televisions and garbage disposals were just starting to be advertised. He also noted Dec. 6, 1941 as the “final day of innocence” because Japan bombed Pearl Harbor the next day.

Ed Stutzman, class in 1947, marveled at how much time had passed since high school.

“Where did time go?” Stutzman spoke similarly about the war, but not before making the crowd laugh as he recalled how his class was so determined to take a field trip that they created a secret plan and spent a day at Pokagon State Park.

Bob Bullock, class president of 1957, invited the audience to play a game where he named off popular songs and the audience would name the artists. He listed classics like “Jailhouse Rock,” “Chances Are,” and “Round and Round.”

Kathy Leemon Swartz reminded the class of 1967 about some high points. The first successful heart transplant took place in December. Popular shows included “The Andy Griffith Show,” “Bewitched” and “Bonanza.” Schwartz also included downturns like the Vietnam War and the Apollo 1 fire.

In closing, the Master of Ceremonies recalled how blessed they all are to have grown up in a community where people watch out for one another and think of the future.

Due to the fact that Milford School was consolidated with others to form what is now Wawasee Community School Corp., Milford High School graduated its last class in 1968. Throughout the banquet, a number of people mentioned this and the fact that the number of alumni is shrinking.