Previous students and current staff members who graduated years ago reflect on their days in school and what has led them back to refreshing their status as a Bearkat for the 80^th anniversary.

“There is something unique and special indeed about Klein High School. The community, the students have always taken great pride in the school and they have an enthusiastic drive for excellence,” English teacher, Sally Lane said.

Since they graduated, the school has undergone many changes that they believe made the school unique and special.

“In the old building, it was easier to see the other teachers more, we weren’t as divided, so in between classes you actually got to talk to your friends,” Path 3 & 4 teacher, Misty Kroon said.

Not only was the layout of the old building special, but the landmark that was in front of it was iconic to the graduates who had the chance to see it.

“The giant KHS that rose from the ground to the height of the two-story building served as a beacon to the rural, suburban community. I feel like the planners should have preserved it or replicated it and mounted it on the building. The landmark was legendary,” Lane said.

Even though there are certain let downs, most teachers admire the new building and what is has to offer.

“The new building is so beautiful that the old one can’t compare. I really love the main hallway (Main Street), with the Harry Potteresque stairs,” Algebra teacher, Matthew Bryant said.

The former students reunited with some of their favorite teachers when returning to become a part of the staff.

“My favorite teacher was one of my coaches and his name was Coach Vandenbelt, but he actually just retired two years ago. He was here when I came back to teach here and that was fun, he gave me a lot of pictures that he had of me from when he was my coach,” Kroon said.

Now that they can look back and see what their life is like, some of the teachers would have acted differently during high school.

“I actually went to prom with my husband. I would’ve been nicer to him in high school,” Kroon said.

Many of them would have participated in different clubs and organizations.

“If I could change anything, I think I would have liked to learn to play an instrument and be a part of the band. The Bearkat Band was and remains fantastic,” Lane said.

Some of them, however, are definite in the decisions that they made.

“I don’t regret anything. The choices I made helped me become the person that I am today. Even the choices that caused difficult times made me stronger, and gave me experiences that made me a better person and a better teacher,” Bryant said.

The student to teacher transition remains special to the grads and they will never forget their days in high school.

“When I arrived for my interview, I walked in the building and was hit with an immediate, sudden, familiar scent. The scent hit me and a flood of memories swept over me, and I had a sudden urge to run down the hall and slide into my locker. I was shocked. I stopped immediately to compose myself and remind myself that I was here for an important interview, and that I was not 18 years old – but hoping to get a job as a teacher,” Lane said.