They didn’t want us to have a high school reunion, so we had a high school reunion.
10 years ago, I graduated from one of the dopest schools in the world: Charleston County School of the Arts (SOA). Despite the insane amount of creativity that lingered in those halls, and how unbelievably close the students appeared to be, our high school reunion game isn’t one to brag about. SOA was founded in 1995, so we’re still new to this reunion stuff. I guess… I made it my mission to change that.
The goal wasn’t to have an event worthy of a reality TV special, but to host something the SOA Class of 2006 (OHH-SIX ) could be proud of! Believe it or not, I began my high school reunion brainstorming 2 years ago. I created a private Facebook group to get my classmates together, and to announce that a reunion would definitely happen. The actual planning started about a year ago, and despite a few bumps, it was an AMAZING weekend.
Regardless if it’s 10 years or 50 years, every reunion should be one to remember. Here are 7 tips to help you plan a high school reunion.
- Stay in touch. Facebook can help and harm your reunion planning. Social media makes it easy to invite and connect with everyone, but it also makes some people feel like a reunion isn’t a big deal. The classmates who actually showed up to my reunion are the ones I haven’t seen since graduation, or at least in the last few years. Take the time to personally reach out to people, including those who weren’t in your squad 10 years ago.
- Don’t take the uninterested personally. High school was great at the time, but a lot of drama can unfold in 10 years. Statistics show about 20%-30% of classmates will attend their high school reunion. Some people really hated school, some eventually hated all their high school friends and some still have reputations they’re still trying to fix. On a lighter note, some people live too far away, or will have other events and expenses around the time of your reunion.
- Keep it real. Conduct a survey or have an interest meeting to learn how many to expect, and which activities your classmates want to do. Examples: If 40 people say they will attend, there’s no need to search for a venue or caterer to accommodate 100+ guests. If most of your classmates have kids, it might be nice to include a family friendly event.
- Be positive. No one wants to turn up with Debbie Downer. Keep your classmates up to date and in good spirits when discussing your reunion. I’m convinced some people only showed up to not hurt my feelings. #AndThatsFine
- Utilize your talents and resources to help cut costs. Is your former classmate a party planner? Do you have a t-shirt printing connect? Hit ’em up! Example: Facebook events and e-vites can be used to dodge postage and printing fees.
Scrumptious cupcakes made by a classmate and her mom - Keep the planning committee small. At the beginning, everyone will agree to help. Life happens, so that number will shrink. However, that can work in your favor…especially for a small class. Don’t ignore your former classmates’ suggestions and concerns, but don’t stress out trying to please everyone.
- Collect dues. This is major. Money has to be spent no matter how big or small the event. Ask your classmates to pay non-refundable dues to help cover some reunion costs. Note: this is a great job for someone with accounting and/or money handling experience.
Things you might need
Souvenirs: A little something, something for your classmates to hold on to the good times until the next reunion.
Class gift: A little something, something for your alma mater to remember you. (We created a scholarship in memory of our classmate who passed a few months before the reunion.)
Patience: A little something, something to help you push through the event planning process.
Did you go to your 10-year high school reunion? What do (or don’t) you remember the most?
Oh man, I graduated HS in 2008 in the Philippines. I’m California-based now so it’ll be interesting to see when the committee decides to schedule it. My closest high school friends and I keep in touch through an FB chat thread.
Fun tips! This post made me nostalgic even though I didn’t like high school that much, haha
Haha! Thank you for reading! Do you think you’ll attend your reunion or nah?
-Ace
The Palmetto Peaches recently posted…Confessions of a Social Media Manager
I graduated in ’07 so I haven’t hit the 10-year mark yet. I got an instant smile to my face though when I saw the “OHHH SIX” phrase in your post. I guess every class in every school in the 2000s shouted that out. haha. I remember hearing people shout “Ohhh Seven” “ohhh five” etc. I probably won’t be going to my reunion though. (Loving the cupcakes btw)
-M
Violet Roots || Instagram || Twitter
Donni is 07! I’m basically an honorary member of that class, haha. What’s making you lean towards not going to your reunion, if you don’t mind me asking?
-Ace
The Palmetto Peaches recently posted…Confessions of a Social Media Manager
I suck so much at the “keep in touch” part, haha. Not a big fan of my former highschool colleagues.
At least you’re keeping it real though! Thank you for reading!
-Ace
The Palmetto Peaches recently posted…Confessions of a Social Media Manager
These are great tips! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for reading!
-Ace
The Palmetto Peaches recently posted…Confessions of a Social Media Manager
These are great tips. I didn’t get to go to my ten year, but I did go to the next one. It was at a bar, and probably only a fourth of our class came, but I was glad I went. The next one I think I’ll suggest a few of these things to make it even better.
Thanks for reading! Sometimes we have to think outside of the box. I hope my tips are helpful to your class!
-Ace
The Palmetto Peaches recently posted…Confessions of a Social Media Manager