CLAFLIN — "Once a Wildcat-Always a Wildcat" will be the theme as the city of Claflin holds an All-School Reunion on May 29 with a day filled with activities.

They are planning one last gathering of the Claflin Wildcats that is open to all Claflin alumni, faculty, administrators, friends and family as well as the public. Other historical happenings have occurred this year for the city. This is the 50th anniversary for the Emergency Medical Services, the 50th anniversary for the Independent Township Library and the 125th anniversary for the city.

The Claflin Wildcats USD 354 consolidated with Quivira Heights USD 328 to become the Central Plains Oilers, USD 112. The seniors who are graduating this spring will be the last class of Wildcats.

"Lots of classes will be getting together," said Margaret Frisbee, who is helping organize the event. "This is open to the public to come over and enjoy."

Anyone who ever attended the Claflin schools is also invited. All old Claflin Wildcat sports uniforms will be for sale at the CHS cafeteria with bids closing at 5 p.m. At the Immaculate Conception Parish Hall, old photos and memorabilia will be set-up for viewing.

The day will open up for those who enjoy athletics on May 28 with a 5K/10K run around the city. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., and the race starts at 8 a.m.

Also beginning at 8 a.m. at the Claflin golf course is a 3-man golf scramble. The cost is $120 per team.

Line-up on Main Street for the parade, which begins at 1 p.m. There is no entry fee to enter a float in the parade. An alumnus from Stafford will provide the Avenue of Flags. Food and drink vendors will be set up on Main Street all day, including the local Catholic youth.

There are four Grand Marshals to honor the oldest living alumni. They are Oma Penka, Margaret Smith, Jeannette Oliphant and Gertrude Hickel from the Class of 1934.

After the parade, all Claflin alumni will meet at Claflin High School for a group picture at 2:30 p.m. Volunteers will be at Claflin High School and Claflin Elementary School to offer tours and answer questions.

Kids’ games at City Park will run from 2-5 p.m. The booths will be manned by Claflin High School students. Cotton candy will be available for sale at the park during the games with all of the proceeds going to Relay for Life.

Two Christian bands will play at the Claflin Community Building from 2:30- 5 p.m.

A beer garden and street dance on Main Street will begin at 4:30 p.m. The entry fee is $5. The Charles Williams Express band will play at 5 p.m. and at 8 p.m. Retroactive from Greensburg will play.

There will also be a Car Display and the Claflin Library will hold an open house from 2-5 p.m.

A souvenir book which will have historical information about the school faculty and classes is being made up. T-shirts are also being made up for sale for $15. The deadline to order the books is May 18. The cost of the T-shirts will go up after May 18 to $20.

Activities will also be held on May 28 with a Bicycle Safety demonstration at City Park from 10 a.m. to noon.

In addition, on Memorial Day, May 30, the Claflin EMS will hold a special remembrance for the beginning of ambulance services in Claflin. They were the first service in the county, and they began after the untimely death of a local youth.

For more information on these events or to order, call Lois Krier at

620-587-3560 or Murine Prosser at 620-587-3678 or email pistolone@embarqmail.com