The Powell High School Alumni Association is celebrating 100 years this weekend with a bang.

The party starts Friday and continues into Saturday. Check the Powell Tribune for a list of events.

My class is celebrating its graduation too. I’ve received a couple updates, but I lost track of my erstwhile classmates shortly after I left my hometown ages ago. To me, it seems pointless to drive across the state to spend a weekend with people I likely wouldn’t recognize.

Of course, I might feel differently if I was a PHS alumnus. The friendships from PHS remain for many long after they returned their caps and gowns, got jobs and raised (or are raising) kids.

When my colleague, Ilene Olson, photographed most of the Alumni Association last week, I was there to jot down names. I noted that although many in the group did not attend PHS at the same time, they were friends nonetheless. Friendships that have developed and strengthened over the years.

Being a reporter, I fancy myself an observer of people. I can read the tension beneath the surface when adversaries meet, even to hash out an agreement. I can also read relaxed camaraderie when friends congregate to plan events or just go out for pizza.

Perhaps Powell is on to something. Sure, some of these alums grew up in Powell and never left. Or, after a brief hiatus, they returned. Another scenario is they moved away, retired and returned to their hometown. The point is, they’ve maintained old ties.

Every June for years now I’ve been one of the Tribune staffers who takes photos of classes who get together for their reunion. Out-of-town alumni come from all points of the compass to spend the weekend with their former classmates. Again, the relaxed camaraderie is there. Old friends talking a mile a minute, eager to catch up, to rekindle old bonds that have burned steadily for years like pilot lights.

Sure, not all will plan a Powell trip to party with former classmates, and others residing in or around Powell may choose not to attend, but plenty do.

I lost touch with my old classmates, perhaps by choice or circumstance. Perhaps the foundations of lasting friendship never existed. However, I wonder if the people I knew in school placed as much significance on these alumni weekends as Powellites do, I might be more inclined to keep in touch with my old buddies or drive down to my hometown for my school reunion.

PHS grads are definitely on to something. They build on friendships that transcend their youth.

Hats off to classes 1915-2015. Have a great weekend.