Members of the Riverbank City Council presented a special Certificate of Recognition to the Riverbank High School graduating class of 1971 at its Tuesday, July 23 meeting.

Graduating some 53 years ago, many classmates stopped in at the council chambers for the event.

The council noted that some members of the Class of ‘71 are likely turning 71 years old in 2024. The majority were probably 18 years old when they graduated in 1971 so, 53 years later, they have reached the age of 71. The honored former Bruins were members of the first graduating class that attended Riverbank High School all four years of high school, entering as freshmen and leaving as seniors, as the school was established in 1967.

Members of the class wanted to recognize its graduates and their contributions to the community, then and now, as well as honoring alumni that have since passed away.

Members noted that the Class of ‘71 was a small but very memorable graduating class. Its students participated in a range of sports, from football to wrestling. They say the high school offered an array of clubs, such as FFA, photo club, auto club, ski club, science club, and many more.

The Class of 1971 also established a legacy of academic excellence and camaraderie.

The Certificate of Recognition noted that the council was “celebrating their historic achievements and foundations they laid for future generations.”