By Lindsay Steele
The Catholic Messenger
DAVENPORT — Members of the Sacred Heart Grade School class of 1964 reunited Oct. 25 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their 8th grade graduation.
A dozen alumni, now in their 60s, attended the reunion at Sacred Heart Cathedral. They attended Mass celebrated by the pastor, Father Rich Adam, in memory of deceased classmates and then enjoyed a dinner in the Sacred Heart school gymnasium.
Some alumni traveled quite a distance to attend the reunion; Leroy Wanzel traveled from Atlanta, Georgia, and won an award for traveling the farthest. Other alumni traveled from Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Alumnus Mike Duffy said alumni enjoyed reminiscing at the reunion. “We walked through the old school, relived some memories and talked about getting together again.”
Alumni also discussed the possibility of making a donation to the Cathedral Capital Campaign “after being reminded of how beautiful the church is.” The Capital Campaign aims to raise money for cathedral renovations, as well as construction of a new parish center.
Vickie Savala Myers said she has fond recollections of the school in which she received “an excellent education.” She brought pictures from the first-grade play, first Communion, confirmation and graduation to share with her fellow alumni. “I thoroughly enjoyed the reunion and seeing the school once again,” she said.
Sacred Heart parish school was formed in 1859, with the current school building erected in 1914. The grade school has since merged with All Saints Catholic School in Davenport, and the building is currently being used for religious education classes.