To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the opening of Scottsdale High School in 1922 and specifically in conjunction with the 50th reunion of the class of 1971, a replica of a “Beaver Paradise” picnic table was unveiled at a reunion party at the home of Bob and Nina Miest of North Phoenix.

The Miest’s backyard party on Oct. 14, was inspired by a “Beaver Paradise” theme.

“Beaver Paradise” was the official name of a shady park-like area, about an acre wide, that existed at the center of the high school campus, according to a press release. The name made reference to the school's mascot, the beaver.

The picnic tables under the trees were gathering places for students to enjoy the weather while eating lunch, studying or meeting other students between classes and sports events. 

Scottsdale High School was opened on Indian School Road for the 1922-23 school year and was closed in 1983 for future city development. Although the school buildings are gone, the SHS school spirit lives on in the alumni, the press release detailed.

The replica picnic table was constructed and the mascot was artistically hand-painted on top by Kathie Flanigan Moore of Scottsdale. All seven of the Flanigan siblings attended the high school in the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s and were supportive of the creation. ​

It was designed to allow all the SHS alumni from all years and teachers to sign the table top using paint pens. 

During the 50th reunion party at the Scottsdale Ball Park on Oct. 15, the SHS class of 1971 further increased the signatures of Beavers on the table. ​

The SHS class of 1972 also featured the table at their recent reunion on Oct. 22 at McCormick Ranch.

According to the 1972 class president of SHS, Paul Johnson, he stated in the release “Our class was happy to add our names to the table. The table is a way for the students and faculty of Scottsdale High to connect with memorable years spent at the school.”​

The table top will be available, upon request, for all the reunions of classes up to the last SHS graduating class of 1983. After that, the table top will be bolted to a metal base and finished with a clear coat of sealer over the signatures. It will then be donated to the historical society.

If you are interested in having the table top at your upcoming Scottsdale High School Beavers reunion, contact your reunion planning committee.