---

Upcoming Class Reunions:

1985 - 40th August 8-10, 2025  Contact Tara Bilby   1985ohsreunion@gmail.com

1964 - 60th September 20-22, 2024 Contact Bob Bratzler  rbratzzler@gmail.com

1974 - 50th August 10, 2024  Contact OHS Class of 1974 •50 Year Reunion

1979 - 45th September 13-14, 2024  Mark Jay 

---

 

 

 We're on Facebook, now with 1,700 group members!    

Please join the private Okemos Alumni Association Facebook Group for additional discussion, news and the enjoyment of longtime friendships.  This does not replace Posts on this website, but is an additional opportunity for classmates to communicate. Please note the "Topics for Posts" section at the top of Discussions, as well as the 'spy glass' icon to the right in order to search a topic or name.

We hope you find the OAA Facebook Group an interactive experiece, as you connect with the friends, teachers, coaches and others that shared your youth!

---

 

The 3rd Band Scholarship Named  in Honor of Eleanor Reeves, Class of 1941 !

< Alberta, Robert and Eleanor Reeves (Eleanor played the Tuba!)

The Scholarship was again donated by Eleanor's daughter, Vivian Hoette

The Outstanding Music student for 2024 is....(Click here Alumni News for the story)

 

 

Hint>>>

---

 

Dr. Kerry Byrnes Memorial Alumni Scholarship Award for 2024

The 2024 Award is shared between two exceptional students

.This $1000 Award is presented in memory of an "underappreciated" 1963 Okemos grad who went on to earn his PhD and top career awards in his field.  Dr. Byrnes was a man of drive and compassion that bettered the lives of millions through his work with US Aid for International Development. Fifty-five years after OHS graduation, Kerry came back to address Mrs. Duffield’s class and to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Okemos Education Foundation.  In retirement, Kerry Byrnes authored numerous books and articles on “Okemos Subjects” covering past teachers, coaches and OHS/MSU Basketball.  Kerry was a driving force to reinvigorate the Okemos Alumni Association and is listed in the Okemos Alumni Hall of Fame.

My name is Laxmi Vidap and I will be attending Michigan State University in the fall of 2024. I will be majoring in computer science and minor in economics, my future plans would be to get my MBA in economics at the University of Michigan. I appreciate receiving this honorable award, thank you! 

My name is Anushri Welipitiya and I will be attending the University of California, Irvine majoring in chemistry with a minor in economics this fall. In college, I will be continuing my service and humanitarian work with Chemists Without Borders. After my undergraduate years, I plan to attend law school, where I hope to integrate both my science and social science background to pursue a law degree. I am honored to be receiving this award and am forever thankful for my years in Okemos!

 

The Dr. Kerry Byrnes Memorial Alumni Scholarship Award was created by members of the Okemos Alumni Association and the Byrnes family.  The honor of selecting a student was given to OHS Economics teacher, Mrs. Whitney Duffield.

---

 

Okemos Class of 1965 Memorial Scholarship

In memory of classmates: Kristine Carpenter Guthrie, Donna Stiffler Esslinger and Dennis Zuver

This award was donated by Classmates of OHS 1965 in loving memory of Kris Carpenter, Donna Stiffler and Denny Zuver.

    Her classmates remember Kris as an active class member always stepping up to assist, volunteer and supportive.  30 years a lawyer, a fierce defender and advocate of social justice and equality.

Donna was a delight at OHS and had an early recognition of what is important in life…books and education.  With her Masters in History at MSU, she was the editor of the Michigan History Journal.  Later the School Board President of Alden Public Schools.

Denny was not remembered for his academic record at Okemos, but he was very well liked and fondly remembered by his classmates and teachers.  Denny proved there is hope for us all and he matured into a career Journalism teacher at Ionia High School.

 

Congratulations to the $1000 Award Winner on being held in high regard by your teachers and administrators of Okemos High School:

I am attending the University of Michigan in the fall, where I am majoring in Nursing. I am also getting minors in both psychology and statistics, while participating in their Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, and playing club ice hockey. After obtaining my bachelor's degree, I plan to work two years in clinical settings, and then go back to Graduate school to obtain a doctorate studying anesthesiology.

Dante Munger, class of 2024

 

---

If your class would like to sponsor a Memorial Scholarship, contact us and we will set it up!  Rod Ellis

---

 

 

The Okemos Athletic Boosters need your help!  

"We, as the Athletic Boosters, are excited to be revamping the weight room. The plan that the Athletic Dept has come up with is exciting and has the potential to benefit all sports and athletes at Okemos. This is exactly the kind of big project we would like to help facilitate. 

"The Boosters are putting together a plan to raise $250,000 before summer so that we can schedule and complete this weight room transformation before the 2024 fall sports seasons. 

"The Boosters have a special place as the connection between the community and athletics at Okemos. We believe this project can be a great way for the community to show how much it values a healthy sports program and healthy athletes at Okemos High School. 

"If there are any questions we can help answer, please reach out to Wolves@OkemosAthleticBoosters.com. 

"Thank you for helping us with the Boosters Legacy Project 2024. Together, we can help ensure that we have strong and healthy athletes for many years into the future." 

---

 

NEW OAA PAGE!     Okemos Business > Alumni Marketplace

We'd love to learn more about our OHS classmates' business endeavors! Send us a brief write-up with a photo and links. Please send information to: 

Rod Ellis OHS1965 at OkemosAlumniAssociation@gmail.com or 

Laurel Winkel OHS1968 at ljwinkelohs@yahoo.com.

Here's the link to our first entry!

 

 

---

 

Okemos Chemistry Club Sponsored by a Grant From the Alumni Association!

Club supervisor, Karen Canestraight (OHS AP Chemistry) reports:

"Hello, the students are enjoying the kits we purchased. Here are a few photos!"

 

Alumni! Would you like to Sponsor a Club or Fund a Scholarship?  Contact Rod Ellis and I'll set it up!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

Okemos Alumni Association major sponsor of the

Okemos Science Olympiad Team!

• OAA received an anonymous grant to establish the Science Olympiad Fund
• A $3,000 donation started the fund for the Okemos Team
• The Science Olympiad Team asked for assistance (see Alumni News)

You can donate to the Team by sending a check to OHS or to Okemos Alumni Association (note on your check: Science Olympiad)

Competitive "Build Events" and "Dry Labs" (virtural):

• Ohio, Haslett, Uni of Mich, Regionals and State Competition
• Science Events include: Building, Coding, Design  
• Okemos teams, Volunteer Coached by Science teacher, Kyle Long, Professor Assaf Gilad, Brian Turnbull and Wei Peng

They need: balsa wood, glue, 3-D Printers, Mini Motors, PingPong Launchers, CAD Software, DVD's, books.  The Team pays dues, gets donations from parents and some from OHS.  They initially received about $500 direct from Alumni and a $3,000 Alumni Association donation.  They have $200 left as of 4/16/2024 thanks to a donation by David Hart '66.

The Coach estimated they needed $3,000 for Consumable Supplies and $5,500 for Permanent equipment!  

Please Donate to the Okemos Science Olympiad Fund. 

Make your (tax deductible) checks payable to: Okemos Alumni Association

Send checks to: Okemos Alumni Association, Rod Ellis, 675 Aquila Dr., East Lansing, Mi 48823

---

 

We need your help!  "Lost Teachers"

Our Historian, Sherrie Paty '66, is at an end with these teachers! Can you help?  If you know ANYTHING about these teachers

 Please email Sherrie <Click to send an email> or fill in the Questionaire below.

Mable Anderson - 1946                  

Patricia Anderson - 1951  

Betty Anderson - English 1963           

Bruce Parkinson - English 1976

Susan Smith - English 1964

You must be logged in to submit this survey. Please use the login box in the upper right corner.

1)   Do you know anything about these lost Teachers? If you know where they moved to, perhaps we can start to trace them down. Any information may be helpful, even if it is just a rumor.

Looking for OHS Yearbooks

Lansing State Journal, May 18, 1929

OAA is trying to put together a collection of all OHS Yearbook's 

The first yearbook (1928) was donated by Jack Whitmyer '51!

"The Tomahawk" first went on sale May 20, 1929!

We got 1946 from JoAnn Holloway Lewis, Class of 1947! 

Heidi Taylor Hopper '89 just loaned us her 1985-1989 collection! 

Sky Tribell just found and donated 1997!

 

 Please be on the lookout for all pre 1946 Okemos High school yearbooks.  Also, we need 1984, 1990, 1995, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2011, 2016 to current.

<<Send Rod Ellis or Sky Tribell a message if you find or hear of these earlier yearbooks>>

We recently got 1948, 1949 and 1951 from Jon and Jim Bartow!  Then Sky Tribell found and bought 1928, 1947 and 1950!!  Amazingly, we got another 1928 (from Jack Whitmyer '51).  Hey, we got the 1988 on loan from Sean Sherrod and will post it when we get it scanned.  Thanks everyone and keep looking and asking around!

Okemos Alumni Association

Announced at the Okemos Education Foundation Awards Banquet Thursday 11/16 <Click here or picture to watch>

$10,000 Matching Gift Creates John Bjorkquist Alumni Science Fund

As a result of the interest and excitement created by the visit of Dr. Tom Yunck to Dave Chapman's Science Classes, an anonyous Alumni Donor has stepped forward to commemorate the event by creating a new Science Fund in Tom's honor.  All donations to this fund will be MATCHED up to $10,000. At Tom's request, the honor was passed to Okemos Biology teacher and coach Mr. Bjorkquist.  Thank you Dave Chapman for inviting Tom to your class.  Thank you Tom Yunck for giving your time to inspire the latest generation of Okemos scientists.  And Tom thanks Mr. B. for being such an inspirational teacher.

Dave Chapman, Science Teacher at OHS

John Bjorkquist, beloved and respected Biology teacher 1962 to retirememt in 1991 and Cross Country Coach at OHS from 1962 to 1973.

Rod Ellis, President of the Okemos Alumni Association who just wandered into this picture and without a doubt the worst cross country runner that Mr. B coached.

<Click here or picture to watch>

---

 

You must be logged in to submit this survey. Please use the login box in the upper right corner.

1)   Would you like to contribute to the Bjorkquist "Match" Science Fund? Your donation to this fund will be matched "dollar for dollar", thus, it will double your gift. The science funds are currently out of money and we are sitting on $6,000 of requests for up to date microscopes. Thanks on behalf of those Okemos science students! Yes No

The most recent nominations to the

Alumni Hall of Fame

<<The Index>>

---

---

---

Kerry J. Byrnes - Class of 1963 <click to read the nomination>

Distinguished Alumni Award 2018  <click for the Banquet>

“The Alumni Award honors an alumnus of Okemos Public Schools who demonstrates exceptional dedication, achievement and humanitarian contributions.  Additionally, it honors alumni who have pursued a passion and made a significant contribution to their field of study.”  --an Award of the Okemos Education Foundation

“Working behind the scenes and often in obscurity, Kerry is an Okemos gift to the world.  From Eagle Scout to VISTA Volunteer to relief of poverty on a global scale, Kerry has positively impacted the lives of millions.  His touching tribute to his H.S. Teacher and his chronicle of Okemos basketball players, will immortalize others…the OHS Alumni seek the same honor for the author.”  Rod Ellis, Class of 1965, President of the Okemos Alumni Association

Dr. Kerry Joseph Byrnes : Okemos High School Class of 1963   An Autobiography <click to read>

---

Edward Kapalla - Shop and Drafting Teacher 1953 to 1975

The division was sent into combat on 19 October in the Moselle bridgehead sector east of Moselle and South of Metz and patrolled the Seille near Cheminot, capturing the forts surrounding Metz and repulsing enemy attempts to cross the river.  It was during the defense of this town from repeated German attacks that the division received its nickname, "The Iron Men of Metz."

Bronze Star The Battle of Metz, France

"The Iron Men of Metz."   WWII

 

 

---

Eugene Williams  -  Class of 1925  

The First Celebrated Athlete of Okemos Consolidated School

Triple silver medal winner at the 3rd Annual Field Day Meet of the Rural Agricultural Consolidated League at Michigan State College

Valedictorian of his graduating Class at age 16                                                                           

Randolf Webster - Teacher: American History 1957-1958

Graduated from East Lansing High School in 1951 as class president and with honors…and state wrestling champ!

Master's degree and doctorate from MSU.  Freshman class vice-president, freshman-sophomore council president, sophomore class president, chief justice of the all judiciary branch of student government, president of Blue Key, member of Green Helmet, vice-president of Excalibur, senior class vice-president, a cadet lieutenant colonel.

At MSU commissioned second lieutenant in the air corps and distinguished military graduate.  Active duty then reservist 25 years, an Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.

Assistant Director of Student Activities at MSU while earning a doctorate in Education

---

Lester Kyle Aldrich, II "Les or LK" - Class of 1954  

Nuclear Engineer; Army Rifle Team and Marksman; Coached a seven-time National Collegete Champion Rifle Team; Certified Heath Physicist; 

Chair the Panel of Examiners of the American Board of Health Physics, the Continuing Education Committee of the American Academy of Health Physics, and the Health Physics Society Standards Committee Working Group on Radiation Protection Terminology;

Fellow of the Health Physics Society and the International Standards Organization's United States Representative for radiation terminology; member of Mensa, the high IQ society.

---

Ariel Hart Anderson - Class of 1971

 Honored with the 2017 Distinguished Teaching Award by Western Michigan University.  

 

 

 

 

 

---

Elizabeth Ann Atkins  - Class of 1985

Best-selling author of over 20 books and co-founder of Two Sisters Writing & Publishing

Actress, TV host and Award-winning journalist

Professionsl Ghost writer and co-founder of Two Sisters

Master's in Journalism from Columbia and bachelor's in English Literature from University of Michigan

Alumni guest speaker at Okemos High School

Catherine Atkins-Greenspan - Class of 1986

Co-founder of Atkins & Greenspan Writing and Two Sisters Writing & Publishing

Three novels The Veronica Series

Active with the American Association of University Women

Master's in Writing from the University of San Francisco and bachelor's in English Literature from University of Michigan

Alumni guest speaker at Okemos High School

---

Dr. Walter Willett - Class of 1963  

World Renowned Nutritionist, researcher, lecturer, professor at Harvard Medical School and chairman of the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health Author of Eat, Drink and Be Healthy

 

 

 

---

Achievement & Humanitarian

Cheryl Lynne Bass Frost (1952-2012)

Class of 1970

Timothy Brian Bass (1955-2007)

Class of 1973

Carried on the family tradition of faith based service

 

---

Dr. David Hart - Class of 1966  

World Renowned Professor of Chemistry at Ohio State University

 

 

 

 

 

---

 John Lloyd Aseltine - Class of 1935

Doris Powell Aseltine (D.A.R. Award) - Class of 1938

Humanitarian & Missionaries in Algeria

Behind Rev. John Aseltine and his wife Doris are the terrors of an Algerian rebellion.

 

 

 

 

 

---

Dr. Carol Jean Price Walters - Class of 1959

Okemos High School Class of 1959 Valedictorian

 Phi Beta Kappa

Ph.D. in Physiology at University of Vermont College of Medicine

Developed the 'Quad Screen'  for the detection of serious birth defects in early pregnancy like Down Syndrom and Spina Bifida

 

---

Walter Schreiner - Class of 1959         

The Autobiography of a Physics Nerd and Renaissance Man

Ph.D. in High Energy Physics, Virginia Polytech & State University (1973) : Director / Owner of CP Solutions, LLC, solving chronic manufacturing problems world-wide : 29 year career with Philips Research; developed x-ray analytical equipment, management consultant, Master Statistical Engineer : Volunteer Builder for Safe Housing, Fuller Global Builders : Peace Corps Volunteer, Antofagasta, Chile (1965-68) : Member, Pi Mu Epsilon, National Honorary Math Society

 

---

Mike McGilliard - Class of 1965  <Click on highlights or pictures>

"The 95 pound State Champ" 

Mike was Nominated to the Okemos Athletic Hall of Fame

NCAA and Four Times Big 10 Championship Team

College Professor and A lifetime of achievements

Written by Jay Guertin

 

 

---

Tom Yunck - Class of 1967   <click picture>

NASA Space/Earth Scientist

Princeton

PhD from Yale

CEO of his own Satellite Company

High School Mile Record holder

 

---

Bryan Forney - Class of 1993       <Click on highlights or pictures>

  Career Military reinvents his life after horrifing accident

 

 

 

 

 

---

Stephen Carrasco - Class of 2002

Broadway Star

Remembers his roots with personal appearances

 

 

 

 

---

Donald Keck - Class of 1958  <Click on highlights and pictures>

Invents Fiber Optic Cable, a technology that makes the Internet possible and connects the world!

 

 

 

 

---

Fred Stehman - Class of 1964

The First State Champion wrestler at Okemos

Top Academics

Big 10 Wrestling Champ

Top Cancer Doctor in the Country

Okemos Athletic Hall of Fame 2017

 

---

Ralph Guile - Class of 1928

Distinguished Professor of Chemistry

You must be logged in to submit this survey. Please use the login box in the upper right corner.

1)   Did you have Frank DeWald as a teacher? Please comment or tell a story. Mr. D taught Choir and Someko Singers from 1973 to 2010. Tell us if you had him as a teacher or heard his performances. We would like to add to the student bio section of this article if you are still in the Performing Arts.

The Okemos Alumni Association is a proud member of

Friends of Historic Meridian

Their mission is to create and sustain an active appreciation of local history, in addition to preserving and maintaining the historic structures in the Meridian Historical Village

---

 Okemos Alumni Association

    501(c)(3) Non-profit corporation

Tax ID 82-1246695

                                                             675 Aquila Dr., East Lansing, MI 48823

The Alumni Association is an educational nonprofit organization and relies on member donations, grants and business support for its revenue to operate.  While not a part of Okemos Public Schools or Okemos Education Foundation, OAA is the official alumni association for Okemos Public Schools.  OAA is dedicated solely to support Okemos Public Schools, its students, activities and projects, directly through OPS or the Okemos Education Foundation.  All donations to OAA that are designated to a specific activity, event or fund of OPS or OEF will be delivered in full as designated.  No handling fees for expense deductions will be assessed by OAA.

<CLICK TO READ THE ANNOUNCEMENT LETTER>

Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

---