MHS Class of 1974 Walks the Stage 50 Years Later

Moore Public Schools had the unique opportunity to help members of the Class of 1974 finally walk the stage and turn their tassels on June 8, 2024; 50 years after a tornado warning and storm interrupted their original event. Some of the graduates, now in their late 60s, had the honor of having their parents there with them, along with hundreds of their grown children, grandchildren and even some great-grandchildren.

Dr. Robert Romines addressed the approximately 100 graduating members and told them of his pride in their resilience and determination to walk the stage. He also noted that the typical 18-year-old graduate almost never has the chance to walk a high school stage before the very families they've grown over the decades. He reminded them, "Once a Lion, always a Lion," to great applause. 

Graduates walked into the Moore High School Auditorium to the traditional Pomp and Circumstance music and heard a welcome and invocation from classmate Lloyd White. The 1974 Class Pres. Bob Baker, who became a physician, spoke to his classmates about his pride and honor in being there to celebrate and walk with them and wished them continued success.

Class Salutatorian Phyllis Marical was then finally able to give the speech she wrote at age 17 to her classmates. She said her cousin, also graduating that evening, had saved the speech over all these years and encouraged her to read it. She ended with a new Bible verse she felt was more appropriate for the age they are today and wished her classmates well.

There were five former MHS teachers present to congratulate the class, including Boyd Fees and Dr. John Robinson. Fees developed the Apollyras Choir and directed it from 1964 to 1973. Robinson was the choir director at MHS from 1973-77. He directed current members of the Apollyras Choir and some of his 1974 students in singing, "A Mighty Fortress."

Afterward MHS Principal Rachel Stark gave her remarks and congratulations. After viewing an In Memorium of classmates, diplomas were presented, tassels were turned and the MHS Chorus and current Choir Director Lynn Herbel led the graduates in singing their Alma Mater.

The original date for graduation for the MHS Class of 1974 was May 23. Just after Class Pres. Baker gave an invocation, former MHS Principal George Hays told the crowd that the City of Moore was under a tornado warning and the ceremony was concluded. A band trip was planned the next morning and no make-up date was set.

The MHS Alumni Association had much to do with planning the 2024 event and the reunion activities for the graduates. Romines and Stark recognized and thanked them for their work to make the event memorable for the families and graduates.

Learn more about Moore Public Schools here.

Watch the Class of 1974 MHS graduation ceremony from June 8 here:

Thank you to our community partner Rob Morris with the Moore Monthly for capturing a memorable photo gallery for our 1974 families and grads!