A high school alma mater isn’t just something recited at pep rallies or written on the wall of the gym. It represents every student who has ever attended the school, memories made, and the loyalty one feels to a place where they belonged. The alma mater isn’t just for the students who attended the school, but also for the teachers and staff who helped shape the minds of tomorrow.
The chorus of the Durant High School (DHS) alma mater states, “Durant Cougars you’re always in my heart. Durant Cougars you’ll always be a part of my life. No matter where I go, no matter what I do, Durant Cougars I’ll remember you.” The DHS Retirees group has set out to turn these lyrics into a reality.
Pam Bowden created the Durant Retirees group in 2019 after she retired as principal at Durant High School. Meeting every six to eight weeks, the group started out very small with less than 10 people, but the group has since grown, with the largest gathering being around 25 people.
“I think connectivity is the most important thing! We love catching up with each other, sharing travel stories, and talking about our good ‘ole days at DHS,” Bowden said. Many who have ties to DHS describe the culture there as a family. “This is a group of people who not only worked together, but really developed lifelong friendships,” Bowden said.
Retiring from DHS in 2016, Ruth Rothe serves as the group’s secretary. She advertises the gatherings on Facebook, as well as contacting people via text message. She has 48 people that she contacts before each event but knows there are more DHS retirees that she would love to invite to the gatherings.
“It’s a blessing to have such a wonderful group of friends to meet with from time to time. What is interesting is that we became friends back at the school, not just now as retirees. That says a lot for the culture of Durant,” Rothe said.
The next DHS Retirees gathering will be held on August 10, at Tibby’s (1721 W. Brandon Blvd.) beginning at noon. All Durant retirees are invited to attend.
