A few decades of the Sturgensian
The other day I saw a group of Sturgis High School seniors dressed in their caps and gowns strutting through Meijer. That is a sure indication they are out of school and impatiently waiting for graduation.
The 200+ members of the 2024 class will join the long history of Sturgis graduates so I decided to learn more about past SHS graduating classes.
A century ago, the 1924 Sturgensian was so loaded with information it’s like reading a newspaper. There were Society Notes, details of all the class drama productions, the “S.H.S. Calendar” gave a nearly daily list of happenings and so much more.
There were nearly 50 members of the class. Under each student’s name was a little saying in quotations such as Henrietta J. Sturgis “Nature made her what she is and never made another.” R. Harold Kreigh “If women be there, there am I also.”
In 1924 Sturgis was alive and well, celebrating graduates. I counted 112 businesses supporting the yearbook with advertisements. A few you might remember – Vogt’s Flowers, Kirsch Manufacturing Co., Citizen State Bank, Candyland, Hotel Elliott and The Sturgis Daily Journal. Some you probably don’t – The Toggery: fine tailoring, none better, Hulin & Walton Fitters of Feet, and Sigalas Restaurant.
I jumped decades and found a 1994 Sturgensian with the title, “Time Keeps On Ticking.” There were minor similarities between it and the 1924 yearbook such as a lot of the narrative among the photos.
I counted about 150 graduates and 220 advertisers in 1994. Some businesses are still here including Hot ‘n Now, Central Meat Market, Boland Tire, Willer’s Shoes, Bogen Concrete and Sportsarama. Others are gone including The Kickstand, House of Cards & Gifts, Dancers Inc., Dave Smith, and Welch’s Steak & Ribs.
Ten years later in 2004 students voted for characteristics among their classmates, such as the most talkative being Brandon Watson, Lindsay Richardson and Julie Casualt. For the “Next President ” category they named Lauren Robertson and Mark Heydlauff.
A similarity to 1924 is that some seniors added their own quote after their names such as Cody Deutsch who said, “It wasn’t me.” Brandon Fizzle, “Eat my dust because I’m out of here.” Bethany Kellogg, “If you’re not enough without it you’ll never be enough with it.” Jeremy Nolan said,“Make a lasting impression on those who are close to you.”
I counted about 220 members of the 2004 SHS class and more than 200 advertisers. However, some were from other towns and 15 were personal messages to graduates from loved ones.
On to the class of 2014. I’m sure the 180 members of the class are shocked that it’s been a decade since high school. They too voted for classmates in categories. Chad VanDosen and Jessica Cline apparently had the best smile. Savannah Wirth and Amy Sutton were best friends, while Courtney Lovelace and Luke Summey had the best eyes. Chelsea Hills and Max Maher were accident prone. Most likely to succeed was Emilee Blouin and Trevor Thornton; most likely to become famous, Shaelin Brown and Caleb Northrop; most athletic, Chance Stwart and Alea Penner.
I was surprised to find no advertisers in the 2014 yearbook. As a newspaper reporter I told businesses that advertising is a way to let future generations know you were in town.
Being in the high school yearbook is another way and strolling through town in your cap and gown will get you noticed in the moment.
