The excitement is building as plans for the upcoming Goodland High School Reunion are well underway. Jason Showalter, President of the Sherman County Alumni Association, recently joined Rollie Halligan on Good Neighbor Hour on KLOE Goodland’s Gold 730 to discuss what alumni can expect this summer and how this beloved tradition has grown over the years.
Mark Your Calendars: July 24-26
The reunion will take place from July 24th to 26th, perfectly timed right before the Sherman County Fair. “We tried to keep it off fair week, but it will overlap a bit with the dog show,” Showalter said. “The fair is a kind of reunion in itself. You see so many alumni bringing their kids and grandkids back—it’s always great to catch up.”
This year’s reunion sticks to the updated schedule of holding events on years ending in 0 and 5. “We changed our bylaws so we could hold reunions every five years on those even numbers. It’s just easier for people to remember,” Showalter explained. “We had to move things around because of COVID a few years ago, but now we’re back on track.”
The Beloved Alumni Directory
One of the reunion’s highlights is the Alumni Directory, a cherished keepsake for many
graduates. “The alumni directory is probably one of the most popular items we get requests for,” Showalter said. “When people come back, they want that book—it’s part of the tradition.”
Mary Butler has been instrumental in keeping this tradition alive, working hard to gather ads and update the directory with new graduates every reunion. “She’s been doing this for years, and the work she puts in is amazing,” Showalter shared. “It’s a real reference guide. People use it to keep track of old classmates and see where everyone’s ended up.”
Copies of the directory are included with reunion registration, but they go fast. “By the end of the reunion weekend, we usually only have one box left, and they’re gone,” he said. There are still a few copies from the last reunion available at the Goodland Public Library—but don’t wait too long. With printing costs on the rise, Showalter hinted that the directory may eventually go digital. “We’re not sure how much longer we can keep printing these. If you’re a fan of the good old paper copy, now’s the time to get one.”
Planning the Biggest Family Reunion in Sherman County
Putting together a reunion of this size takes a massive team effort. “We’ve got committees for everything—from the golf tournament to the assembly and registration,” Showalter said. “It’s really a culmination of a lot of hard work from volunteers who care about keeping this tradition alive.”
The reunion assembly is one of the most popular events, often packing the Max Jones Fieldhouse to the brim. “That assembly is a labor of love,” Showalter added. “Our committee has been working on it since the last reunion ended, writing skits and planning ways to make it fun and meaningful for all generations.”
The reunion isn’t just for Goodland High School grads, either. Representatives from area schools like Kanarado, Edson, and Ruleton are also involved in planning. “We’re lucky to have folks like Mary Butler from Kanarado and Errol Kress from Edson on the alumni board. It’s great to have voices from the whole community,” Showalter said.
A Tradition of Memories and Connection
This summer’s reunion promises to be another memorable event, filled with old friends, cherished memories, and a celebration of community. “I like to call it the biggest family reunion in Sherman County,” Showalter laughed. “And that’s really what it is.”
So whether you graduated in the 1940s or the 2000s, mark your calendars for July 24-26, dust off your yearbooks, and get ready to reconnect with your Goodland High School family. And don’t forget to snag your copy of the alumni directory—while they last!