By Dominique Tassell
Allora State School welcomed alumni from the Year 10 classes of 1970 and 1971 back to campus last weekend to celebrate milestone anniversaries and reconnect with old friends.
The graduating class of 1970 was unable to host its 50-year reunion last year due to Covid-19, so celebrated alongside the class of 1971.
Joanne Otto (nee Ellwood) organised the 1971 class she graduated with, while Jill Weychardt (nee Cantwell) organised the 1970 class.
Joanne was one of just 10 people in her graduating class who studied at Allora State School from Year 1 to 10, and made sure to get a photo with those in this group who attended.
She now lives at Withcott with her husband Tom, after leaving Allora to pursue a teaching degree at the Darling Downs Institute of Advanced Education in Toowoomba and a career beyond.
Joanne said planning the reunion had been a lovely experience in that it gave her a reason to reach out to friends she had lost touch with over the years.
“It’s just like 50 years hasn’t even been. You can pick up where you left off,” she said.
“Everyone you talk to has such fond memories of Allora. We all admit that we had the best time growing up in Allora and that we’re very fortunate to have spent our school years and our childhood there.”
Both groups met at the school’s new Performing Arts Hall in the afternoon on Saturday 23 October, mingling before going on a tour of the school.
They then had a cup of tea, cut their celebratory cakes, and mingled with old friends.
Later in the day, the alumni visited Allora Sports Club for a barbeque dinner.
