ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A group of friends from Gallup, New Mexico, is proving that some friendships really can last a lifetime. More than 70 years ago, they met as children in the first grade at First Ward School. These days, they still remain close, gathering to celebrate their 60th high school reunion on Saturday. The bond between these 11 friends, who went on to graduate from Gallup High School in 1965, alongside the classes of 1963 and 1964, has remained strong despite the passing of decades. How much can you be fined for speeding in New Mexico? "To have this many people show up after 60 years is just so amazing," said Gayle Cotton Caraway, one of the members, expressing her amazement at their continued friendship. The group has stayed in touch over the years. Some have pursued careers as attorneys, dentists, and nurses, while others have worked in education, business, and the automotive industry. Despite the distance and time, they have always made an effort to maintain their connection, something that became even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic. "We lived through losing our front teeth together. We lived through our first loves together. We got our driver's licenses together. We went off to college together," said Judith Lavender, speaking about the shared experiences that helped form the foundation of their lifelong friendship. The pandemic brought new challenges, but technology helped bridge the gap. Using Zoom, the friends stayed in touch, continuing to nurture their relationships even while physically apart. "With social media, there's no excuse not to," one of the friends stated. Fall foliage photos from across New Mexico through the years When asked about the importance of these relationships, Judith said, "At this point in our lives, it's really important to celebrate whatever celebration you can create."