MHS1965

The Manatee High School Class of 1965 celebrated its 60th Reunion on October 25, 2025. To keep expenses manageable, the Committee decided to host the reunion as a one-night event with extended hours. The festivities began on Friday, when Carol Delay Orler organized a lunch gathering at the Shake Pit, giving several classmates the opportunity to reconnect and reminisce.

The event was held at an Airbnb owned and operated by Van O’Quinn. The weather was perfect for hosting an outside event. The property offered two large backyards, a beautiful pool, gazebo, and ample space for gathering, allowing classmates to mingle. Sincere gratitude and appreciation to Van for hosting the event!

Van-he and Wayne Dimond were inducted into the MHS Athletics Hall of Honor. We are very proud of both Van and Wayne as both are great representatives of the Class of 65.

For those who may not know, in May, Lynda Keever received the MHS Outstanding Alumni Award. Congratulations to Lynda! Great job!

To keep the cost per person down, the committee elected to do all the cooking, setting up the tables, on point for clean-up, and various other activities related to serving the food. The committee did an amazing job, with lots of work and long hours! Van enlisted family and friends to help with all of this. Committee member Tina Hollingworth Johnson’s son, Shane, was a dynamite addition to the crew, as was Sandy Hall Wiles’ brother, Jim. Lee Markey Lewis and Tom Orehowsky donated tables. Tom helped with the set up and too many other things to list! Thank you, Tom, you saved the day! You rock!

Lynda Keever graciously donated the alcohol which allowed for an open bar. Thank you, Lynda!

Thank you to Jane Porter Fultz for hosting the committee meetings at her home. The committee did an amazing job and a huge thank you for their participation. Doing everything ourselves was a major undertaking but well worth it!

We had 50+ Classmates attend and with spouses joining, hosted approximately 90 people! We are so grateful to those Classmates that traveled so far to attend the reunion.

We appreciate the dedication for those Classmates that stayed a bit longer to help with some of the clean-up. Thank you!

Finally, I pray for good health for all our Classmates! Stay safe, have fun, and hope to see you next time