Gurley alumni donate appliances

The Gurley High School was established in 1923, with the first class of three girls receiving their diplomas of achievement in 1927. Graduation ceremonies had been held each year since that time. In 1971, the two neighboring schools of Gurley and Dalton found it necessary to merge. The new school system would represent the two communities as Leyton High School and be represented as the Warriors.

A Gurley Alumni Association had been formed earlier to provide an opportunity for those graduates to assemble in memory of their school days, to renew old acquaintances and make new friends.

Banquets were planned with speakers, school songs, humor, recognition and prized along with good Western Nebraska food and being thankful for their blessings. People in the community came together to make each reunion a memorable success for all, especially those traveling from across the United States and abroad.

On June 19, 2013, 288 alumni, spouses and teachers gathered in the Leyton Elementary Auditorium in Gurley for the last time, greeted by their mascot, a Pirate in full attire. The last goodbyes were said as each one took home memories of friends and classmates they would never see again.

The books were closed with a balance on hand. The Alumni Committee wanted to give back to the community who had given us a school and helped prepare us for the future. After several months and much discussion, it was decided, in December 2015, to assist in the efforts to improve the Gurley Community Hall, once the Methodist Church, where people of Gurley and the surrounding area gathered for special occasions and meetings. New kitchen appliances were purchased. With the year end sales, it made it possible to replace the counter tops as well. A gift that would keep on giving for years to come – from those who appreciated what the Gurley Schools and community had given to them.