East High’s class of 1954 celebrates 70th and final reunion

CANFIELD, Ohio (WKBN) – A lot has changed in Youngstown since 1954 but the friendship of that year’s East High graduating class has not. They held their 70th — and final — class reunion Wednesday.

About 25 members of East High School’s graduating class of 1954 gathered for one last official reunion in Canfield.

Of the 248 men and women who graduated that spring, 51 of them are still around.

“We’re all wondering where the 70 years went,” said Marsha Boggs.

Boggs says she feels her graduating class has a special connection.

“We were very nice. There was a different atmosphere at that time than there is now. You know, everybody liked everybody. I think it was a sign of the times,” she said.

The graduates are now scattered across the country but their bond remains, some traveling from New York and Pittsburgh to attend.

“It’s a joy to talk to them and see what everybody’s doing,” said Kay Leshnack Kalischak. “We got together and we toured the school. It was a nice turnout.”

A lot has changed since 1954, including their alma mater itself which closed in 1998.

Boggs has watched the evolution of Youngstown in the last 70 years. Though she lives in Poland now, she’s still proud of her city.

“There’s good people here, good work ethics,” Boggs said.

After 70 years, her advice for high school seniors is to study, work hard and be open to new experiences.

“A lot of people are frightened to open up and be themselves in front of people but they should — they should. I think it wins you people, friends, neighbors, everything,” she said.

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