The Pauls Valley High School graduating classes of 1967 and 2016, both took time during recent reunions to recognize the courage and character exhibited by current PVHS faculty and staff in responding to a threat at the high school in April of this year, as well as the positive impact the school and its faculty and staff have made on students through the years.
The recognition from alumni spanning nearly 50 years—one class celebrating its 10th reunion and the other preparing for its 60th—captured sentiments expressed by many alumni in recent months and served as a tangible reminder of the lasting legacy of the school community and the rallying motto, “Once a Panther, Always a Panther.”
Class of 1967 extends letter of commendation to Moore
Nearly 50 classmates from Pauls Valley High School’s Class of 1967 gathered May 30 to reconnect and reminisce as they marked their 59th class reunion.
The group met at classmate Joe Menefee’s home for a chuckwagon-style lunch. The gathering was also a chance to begin planning for their milestone 60th reunion in 2027.
Menefee said the class, which numbered about 120 at the time of their graduation, has experienced the loss of several classmates in recent years and wanted to take the opportunity to get together this year.
Led by class president David Jacobson, reunion chairman Mike Crews and the planning committee, Class of ’67 alumni signed a letter of recognition to current Pauls Valley High School Principal Kirk Moore.
The letter recognized the extraordinary bravery and selflessness of PVHS administrators, particularly Moore, who tackled an armed intruder inside the school lobby on April 7, preventing him from causing harm to anyone else in the school.
“Our class was truly fortunate to grow up and be educated in Pauls Valley when times were simpler,” the letter said. “You are a true hero to the school, the community and the great state of Oklahoma. … The Pauls Valley Class of 1967 is not only very proud of you but blessed that you chose education as your profession. With sincere admiration of your courage and professionalism and on behalf of the class of 1967, thank you.”
The class invited Moore, who is a 1984 graduate of PVHS, to join them for the reunion lunch, but he was unable to attend.
PVHS Class of 2016 honors school leaders during 10-year reunion
The Pauls Valley High School Class of 2016 gathered June 6 at The Vault in downtown Pauls Valley for its 10-year class reunion, celebrating a decade of accomplishments while honoring the educators, staff and leaders who helped shape their high school experience.
A centerpiece of the evening was the presentation of a custom paw-print paver created through East Central University’s Glass Recycling Program. The commemorative paver was designed as a tribute to Principal Kirk Moore, Assistant Principal Chad Chronister, Coach Mark Green and the broader Pauls Valley school community.
The tribute reflected the courage, leadership, faith, hope and resilience demonstrated by school leaders and staff, particularly during challenging moments that brought the community together. Alumni said they wanted their first reunion to be about more than reconnecting with classmates—it was also an opportunity to express gratitude to those who invested in their lives.
“The idea behind the paver was simple: say thank you,” said reunion organizer and Class of 2016 Vice President Diego Cifuentes. “As alumni, we felt a responsibility to recognize the educators, coaches and staff members who helped guide us and left a lasting impact on our class.”
Coach Mark Green attended the reunion and accepted the tribute on behalf of the school community.
The evening included a meal, fellowship, door prizes, a slideshow highlighting the last decade of classmates’ lives and special messages from former Principal Chris Caldwell and former teacher Fawn Riddle. Pastor Brandon Henry, who served as the class’ Baccalaureate speaker before their graduation in 2016, returned to offer the invocation and blessing, creating a meaningful full-circle moment for attendees.
Classmates also took time to remember and honor those no longer with us. A memorial display served as a touching tribute to the lives, friendships and memories that continue to connect the Class of 2016. The tribute now includes Nelson Barahona Jr., Noah Meave, Madelyn Caldwell, Lane Smith, Michael Smeltzer and Kenneth Manning. Although news of Michael’s and Kenneth’s passing was learned after the reunion, their memories remain an important part of the story of the Class of 2016 and the Pauls Valley community they helped shape.
Attendees received commemorative key pens carrying the message, “Many doors opened in 2016. Many more are still ahead,” a reminder of the shared experiences and future opportunities that continue to connect members of the graduating class.
Organizers expressed appreciation to The Vault, the Pauls Valley High School Alumni Association, East Central University’s Glass Recycling Program and local businesses and community members who helped make the reunion possible.
Ten years after graduation, alumni said the evening served as a reminder that while life has taken classmates in many different directions, the friendships, memories, and Panther pride built at Pauls Valley High School remain strong.
