West Carroll Class of 1986 Keeps Tradition Alive with Reunion

ATWOOD — What began as a milestone reunion has grown into a lasting tradition for the West Carroll High School Class of 1986.

After celebrating their 30-year reunion in 2016, members of the close-knit class decided they didn’t want to wait another decade to reconnect. Instead, they committed to gathering every year. Within a short time, that commitment evolved into biannual reunions, now held each May and September.

For many in the group, the bonds run deeper than high school memories. A large portion of the class first met as young children, starting kindergarten together at four and five years old in Atwood. With class sizes often ranging from just 30 to 40 students, they progressed through school side by side, forming lifelong friendships.

Their circle expanded in the ninth grade when students from Lavinia and Cedar Grove joined them at Atwood High School. A few years later, during their junior year, the newly consolidated West Carroll High School was established, marking another shared chapter in their educational journey.

Over time, the reunion group has continued to grow as more classmates reconnect and join the gatherings. This spring, the class celebrated a major milestone — the 40th anniversary of their graduation — with another successful reunion event.

Organizers say the goal remains simple: stay connected and keep the tradition alive. Efforts are ongoing to reach out to all classmates and encourage participation, ensuring that no one is left out of the opportunity to reconnect.

What started as a single reunion has become something much more — a testament to small-town roots, lifelong friendships, and the enduring bond of growing up together.