On Centre | Bald Eagle Area: Picnic to celebrate BEA grads and ‘elder Eagles’ | Centre Daily Times

At the Bald Eagle Area High School commencement Saturday, Class of 1965 president Bob Watson reminded the newest graduates of the importance of maintaining contacts — and friendships — with old classmates and friends.

Watson, everyone who graduated with him and before him will have a chance to do that next month, when the Bald Eagle Area Class of 1964 hosts a picnic at Bald Eagle State Park for all Bald Eagle Area alumni who have reached the 50-year graduation mark.

Sue Irwin, an organizer of the picnic, said the idea to do the broader reunion came from the closeness fostered at school districts like Bald Eagle Area. While most classes hold events like reunions and other social gatherings, those are usually limited to the people who graduated that year. This way, Irwin said, “elder Eagles” from many graduating classes can get together.

“Bald Eagle is a fairly small school, and you got to know people from other classes through activities like band, football and cheerleading,” said Irwin, a 1964 graduate. “We just wanted to reach out and get with other people.”

There has also been some interest from members of the Class of 1966 about an event next year, opening up the possibility of the picnic becoming an annual event. Irwin said that if turnout is strong enough this year, they would consider planning it so younger classes would be included as the years go on.

The picnic is scheduled for July 29. The gathering will begin at 1 p.m. and dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. No RSVP is required, but Irwin said those in attendance should plan to bring a covered dish, beverage, their own table service and chairs.