T-L Photo/GAGE VOTA Bellaire High School class of 1965 members Helen Fodor, from left, Annette Ice, Anita Smigill, Linda Sidon, Bellaire Schools Superintendent Derrek McAfee, and class of 1965 members Jim Tarbet, and Linda McCabe pose with a $4,000 check that the class of ‘65 donates to Bellaire Schools.

BELLAIRE — Sixty years later and the Bellaire High School graduating class of 1965 still has school spirit.

For the past 25 years, members of that graduating class have met annually to not only keep in touch and renew old friendships, but to give back to the school that was such an important part of their lives.

As part of the class’ 60th anniversary members met with Bellaire Schools Superintendent Derrek McAfee to present him with a $4,000 donation.

McAfee said that the Class of ’65 is a model for other graduating classes to follow, as far as how you can keep your ties to your school district even after you’ve graduated, no matter how long ago it was.

“The Class of ’65 is amazing. They’ve kept extraordinarily close connections and they appreciate their ties to the school district,” he said. “When they get together, they always find a way to do something special for the district and the kids.”

McAfee added that on a personal level, he enjoys the Class of ’65 and said that they’re always around town.

“They’re always personable. They’re always very interested in what’s happening around the district and how things are going,” he said.

Prior class contributions have been used for school supplies, industrial arts supplies, the school’s technology program, drama program, band instruments, grandstand seating, bus security cameras, defibrillator batteries, and various sports programs.

In addition to the $4,000, the Class of ’65 alumni members regularly donate to other school support organizations such as the Alumni Association, the Touchdown Club, and the Great Stone Viaduct Historical Society.

The members have also donated to helping send Bellaire Middle School students on a class trip to Washington D.C.

The alumni class meets together annually to raise money and spend the evening together.

“Having a fun evening and raising money from raffles is our way of giving back to the school and student programs,” as stated in a press release from the Class of 1965. “We also have classmates that make donations yearly even though they cannot attend the festivities.”

The annual parties are made possible due to the hard work and dedication of the Class of 1965 committee which is organized by Anita Smigill and Jim Tarbet.

“The committee members who consist of Helen Fodor, Linda McCabe, Annette Ice, and Linda Sidon are devoted to these parties and as long as classmates continue to participate, the committee will keep this annual event going to benefit our school,” Smigill said.

She added that the Class of ’65 is an example of Big Red pride, spirit, and tradition.

If any classmate of 1965 wishes to donate to the group’s fund, they can contact any committee member.