Hillcrest High School in Dallas was founded in 1938
In 1976, America celebrated its bicentennial, “Silly Love Songs” by Paul McCartney topped the charts, and the Oldsmobile Cutlass was the most popular car on the road. Though five decades have since passed, there’s a certain group here in Preston Hollow who hold a special place in their hearts for that very groovy year.
MaryMeg McElyea Gorham is a member of the Hillcrest High School class of 1976. On behalf of the class alumni group, she shares plans for a series of events set for September 30–October 6, 2026, marking the 50th anniversary of their graduation.
The Hillcrest High Class of 1976 at its 40th Reunion in 2016
“These events will instill a renewed spirit within each of us,” says Gorham. “We are still young in mind, and all the wiser, and that is worthy of celebration.”
The ‘Spirit of ’76’ reunion itinerary will include trips to the State Fair of Texas and the Dallas Arboretum, as well as a tour of the school. It also includes a dinner-dance at The Statler Dallas (1914 Commerce St.), on the evening of October 3, representing a return to the same venue as the class’s senior prom. Entertainment will be provided by another ‘76 graduate, Fin Ewing, and his band, The Wrong Direction.
The group seeks Hillcrest High Yearbooks from 1956-2016
Gorham and her team are currently seeking to connect with as many members of their class as possible, and volunteers are also needed in various capacities. For more information on the reunion schedule, volunteer opportunities, or ticketing, email MaryMeg McElyea Gorham at luv8xn@gmail.com.
In addition, the group has launched a yearbook “rescue” project centering on Hillcrest High School yearbooks from 1956-2016. Community members are asked to search their bookshelves, and keep an eye out for the yearbooks at local used book stores. Books collected will be resold to benefit the Hillcrest High School Journalism Class. For more information or to donate a yearbook, email Michelle Castro at michelle77676@gmail.com.
