SWHS class of ‘83 reunites

In the year 1983, the average price of a new home was $82,600, and gas cost 96 cents a gallon. The first American woman, Sally Ride, entered space aboard the Challenger space shuttle, three years before its devastating explosion. The Nintendo title Mario Bros., the first in what would be a long series, was released as an arcade game. The final episode of TV series M*A*S*H aired.

On South Whidbey, students of the graduating class of 1983 turned their tassels and tossed their caps. Many dreamed of a life beyond the tight-knit island community they had grown up in.

Now, members of that class are preparing to return to South Whidbey for their 40th high school reunion. On Aug. 5, they will gather at a local country club to enjoy dinner, music and a comedy act while swapping memories of bygone days.

“I think it was a class that had a lot of great athletes, a lot of great thinkers,” said Class President Jim Cathey, who now lives in the San Diego area. “We were fortunate to have some superb coaches … and great teachers as well.”

When asked about major events that happened on South Whidbey in 1983, Cathey joked that the biggest thing was missing the ferry home and having to sleep on the other side. In some ways, 1983 might not be so much different from 2023.

Kim Gabelein Deckwa, who lives in Snohomish, said there were 108 graduates in the class of 1983. Many left the island to live on the mainland or on the East Coast or Arizona. A handful remain on South Whidbey.

“A lot of the class went on to do great things,” she said. “Everything from business owners to CEOs, CCOs and presidents of companies to a guitarist in a famous Seattle crossover thrash band ‘The Accused’ and everything in between.”

Janine Clausen Hauser, who currently lives in Port Ludlow but is planning a move back to Whidbey Island, said the band and athletics were important parts of the high school experience for the class of 1983. Many of the kids in band also played sports, and vice versa.

“The band director at that time was Walt Hambley and he had a positive influence on so many of us,” she said. “Chris Harshman, current band director, is continuing that tradition today. Both of my kids are also graduates of South Whidbey High School, and Chris Harshman’s positive influence on their lives is legendary.”

At the class of 1983’s 30th reunion, donations were gathered and contributed to the school’s band fund. Clausen Hauser said money to support the school will also be collected at this upcoming 40th reunion.

Richard Fisler, who lives in Los Alamitos, California, gave a notable mention to Ken Good, the All-Star center on his senior year basketball team.

“We were the first team to beat Kings Christian in a Cascade league game in like eight years,” Fisler said. “We did it on a last second shot by Ken.”

Among the nostalgic class photos Fisler submitted is one where a group of students on the court are dressed in togas. The 1978 film “Animal House” was a big hit even a few years after its release, and toga parties were all the rage.

The day before the reunion, alumni can attend an event in a more laid-back setting at Penn Cove Brewing Company in Freeland. The pre-gathering takes place at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 4. During the first 83 minutes, drafts will be free for everyone in the class of 1983.

The main event occurs at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5 at Useless Bay Golf and Country Club. Dinner cost per person is $55. Award-winning comedian Jerry Miner will take the stage.

Cathay said he expects some alumni from the adjacent classes of 1982 and 1984 to also be in attendance at the reunion.

For more information and to RSVP to the events, join the Facebook group titled “South Whidbey High School Class of 1983.”

From left, seniors Annette Braaten and Carol Milard Price of the class of ‘83 with two other cheerleaders.

Photos provided From left, Ron Carlson, Todd Jakobsen, Dan Bayha and Kim Gabelein Deckwa at the Island County Fair.

Front row, from left, Janine Clausen Hauser on sax, Jeanine Story on sax, Diane Erickson Richardson on sax. Middle row, from left, Frank and Tony Restivo on trombone. Back row, Mike Baldwin.

Photo provided A group of cheerleaders at a football game.

Photo provided The class of 1983 went on to do great things, from business owners to CEOs, CCOs and presidents of companies to a guitarist in a famous Seattle crossover thrash band.