To some, their old school seemed frozen in time and just as they had left it
when they graduated to high school 50 years ago. To others, everything had
changed, from the addition of soda machines to the haircuts and dress of its
students.

     But to members of Lake Oswego Junior High School's class of '56 and '57,
the building still conjured up memories of dances, teachers, friends and old
love interests as they stepped through its doors once again.

     On Tuesday, 50 members of that original class attended a special "tea,"
organized by school administrators to celebrate 50 years of education at
LOJHS and teach its current students about its history. Many live in the
area and still keep in touch to plan get togethers.

     "I still can't believe it's been 50 years," said Diane Lee, now of Oregon
City. "I still think of this as a new school."

     The concept of a "junior high" was a new one when LOJHS first welcomed
students in 1956. It was about one-third its current size. Waluga Junior
High School wouldn't open its doors until eight years later.

     During the next 50 years, LOJHS survived state budget cuts and reform as
well as a changing outside world that saw Elvis phase out and Britney Spears
phase in, the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the Civil Rights Movement,
the "Baby Boom" and the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

     Ah yes, times have changed.

     "You probably think we're from a different planet," former student Bobbie
Teague told student volunteers Cole Naone and Megan Ellis.

     "Homemaking" and "shop" classes have been replaced with high-tech
computer classes that teach students Web page design and graphic art.
The ceramic tile hallways have been covered with carpet. Showers after gym
class aren't required, and girls can play virtually any sport they choose.

     "You girls have it made. You can do anything," Carolyn Caudill told a group
of female students.

     Student volunteers showed the alumni around the building and explained the

school's "new" offerings. "We just wanted to learn more about our school," said
student Alisha Reddy.

     Many students were baffled by the 1956 dress code that required girls to
wear long skirts every day and the style of dance, such as the waltz and fox
trot.

     One alumnus gave student Brock Pellow a word of advice he'll try to
remember: "Take lots of photos and keep your yearbooks because you'll want
them when you're older."