Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present: Cayman’s Class of 1975 Reunion

Story and photos by Christopher Tobutt

The Cayman Islands High School Class of 1975 finally had their long-awaited reunion, fifty years after walking across the stage as graduates. The celebration, held at The Wharf Restaurant in George Town, was more than just a dinner—it was a journey back in time, a chance to relive memories, honor those who had passed, and rejoice in the enduring bonds of friendship.

The reunion had been planned for October of last year, but Hurricane Melissa forced a postponement. “This has been a long time coming,” said Allison Bodden, “It’s turned out really well. We have a Memorial Wall full of pictures of classmates who have passed away, and a display of items from the 70s—Sugar Daddy, Blow Pops—things that bring back so many fond memories.”

That Memorial Wall stood outside the dining room, quietly commanding attention. It was both solemn and celebratory, a reminder of the 29 classmates who are no longer here, but whose presence was felt in every embrace, every laugh, every tear. Inside, the atmosphere was filled with chatter, hugs, and bursts of laughter as classmates reunited after decades apart.

The evening unfolded with live music from Burman Scott their melodies weaving seamlessly into the hum of conversation. Guests were invited to take the microphone, sharing stories that transported everyone back to their school days on Walkers Road, where the current John Gray High School now stands.

For Kathy Bodden, who was Kathy Ebanks back then, the memories were vivid. “We’d go to one classroom and it would already be occupied, or we’d go to another and there’d be no teacher. Some of us even had classes under the trees. But we made it—we survived—and we all graduated.” She remembered the dedication of teachers like Mrs. Holts, their drama teacher for whom she and her cousin traveled from North Side on Saturday mornings.

Sherryl Miller echoed that sense of resilience and camaraderie. “We didn’t have the kind of facilities you see today, but we were like one big family.” She recalled cooking classes with Mrs. Whitefield, lessons that stayed with her long after graduation.

The reunion was not only about classmates but also about honoring the educators who shaped their journey. Mr. Bland and Rev. John Gray were remembered as principals who guided the school through its formative years. Eight teachers joined the celebration, a testament to the enduring bonds between students and mentors.

Carla McLaughlin reflected on the scale of their class: “We had a class of 99 graduates back in 1975. We started in 1970, though not everyone finished. Tonight, we have 48 classmates and significant others here, along with eight of our teachers. We are ever so thankful to be able to celebrate 50 years since we graduated.”

For many, the night was about reconnecting with people they hadn’t seen since graduation. “It’s nice to see classmates we haven’t seen since we graduated,” said Judy McTaggart, standing beside Susan Wilson. “We’re celebrating life and looking forward to the rest of the evening.”

The reunion was a tapestry of emotions—joy at seeing old friends, nostalgia for the days when classes were held under trees, gratitude for teachers who gave their time, and sorrow for those who are gone but not forgotten. The Memorial Wall, the sweets from the 70s, the music, the speeches—all combined to create an atmosphere that was both celebratory and deeply moving.

As the night drew on, laughter mingled with tears, and the bonds of fifty years ago felt as strong as ever. The Class of ’75 had been pioneers, navigating a new comprehensive system of education, sometimes improvising with outdoor classrooms, but always pulling together as a family. That spirit of resilience and unity carried them through then, and it carried them through now, as they celebrated half a century of shared history.

In the end, the reunion was not just about looking back—it was about cherishing the present. It was about gratitude for life, for friendship, for the teachers who shaped them, and for the classmates who stood beside them. It was about remembering those who are gone, while celebrating those who remain. And it was about the simple, profound joy of being together again, fifty years later, still bound by the memories of youth and the enduring strength of community.