Class of 1975 honor Jim Caro as ‘Significant Alumni’
Classmates from all over the U.S. reunited after years apart during Checotah Alumni weekend.
The Class of 1975 celebrated their 50th reunion by honoring their classmate Jim Caro as the 2025 Significant Alumni. Caro, who went into the military right after high school, hadn’t been back to Checotah in years. Sporting his Florida tan, Caro gra- ciously accepted his award at Duke Farms where the Class of 1975 met for a wonderful time together.
The Class of 1975 couldn’t be prouder of Caro with his longtime military career and his service to his country. Caro served during Desert Storm and spent 22 years flying F-14 and F-18 fighter jets off dozens of Navy aircraft carriers. Caro also had a distinguished career teaching Government Contract Management to DOD civilians and military personnel at an Air Force Post graduate school for many years.
Classmate and friend, Mike Key remembers Caro for them nominating each other and being part of the student council officers. Key stated they nominated each other so they could pick who would speak at their graduation because they didn’t want them to speak too long. Caro also went to Boys State in 1974 with classmates Key, Tim Newton, Mel Hays, Glenn Sizemore and Andy Thompson.
In high school Caro was part of the National Honor Society, CHS Tracks ’75, CHS Drama and CHS Stage Band and stayed active with friends. He also stated that when he was a junior/senior in high school that he worked for the McIntosh County Democrat, which was owned by Davie Spindle at the time.
Several other classes met around town to catch up and of course reminisce over high school days gone by too quickly.
On Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28, several met at the Katy Depot to look at yearbooks and family pictures to catch up with old friends. Imogene Duvall and Mike Key shared stories of Caro and classmates had some good laughs. Key also chuckled and said some stories he will never tell.
At noon everyone went down to the Checotah High School Cafeteria and enjoyed fellowship together as they ate Sam’s Famous BBQ. Some even toured the new high school to see what the students of today get to enjoy each year.
The Class of 1975 met back up at An Event At Duke Farms and enjoyed more stories of significant Alumni guest Caro and had a lovely dinner catered.
The Class of 1985 enjoyed their 40th class reunion at the Sharpe House Friday and Saturday as well. They honored classmates who had gone on before them by putting their pictures in picture frames and lining the tables and fireplace with them all. They also held a silent auction and snacked on a huge charcuterie board full of delicious appetizers as they laughed and caught up on old times. The highlight of their weekend was reminiscing with several of their former teachers who were invited to come by and say hello. They included Wilmatine Griffin, Betty Barrett and Coach Jim Barrett.
A great Checotah Alumni Reunion weekend was had by all.
To start planning for next year contact Imogene Frazier Duvall at 918-473-2781 or write her at 419293 Hwy 266, Checotah, OK 74426 to fill out Checotah Alumni Registration forms. Make sure to include your name, year graduated, address, phone number, and dues, which are $10.
