Now in its 7th year (minus 2020 which was cancelled due to the Pandemic), this year’s Annual All-Alumni Reunion drew in the neighborhood of 180 graduates. This included the Class of ‘70 that celebrated its 50th reunion belatedly, the Class of ‘71 which celebrated its 50th right on schedule, and the Class of’80 which celebrated a belated 40th.
“The weather could not have been nicer,” said Mark Chase, president of the Alumni Association and an event organizer. “There was a gorgeous sunset and a moon rise.” This year’s event, held as always on the 3rd Saturday in September at Cuyahoga Heights’ Klima Gardens, was on Saturday, September 18 from 4-11 p.m.
“We do this every year for our alumni,” explained Chase. “And it’s free. In the past, each class has had its own reunion but some don’t even have reunions, so we thought it would be fun to have an annual event that everyone could look forward to,” he noted. “All they have to do is find people and we do the rest. We provide the place, the music, and drinks (including wine, beer, soft drinks, and water)”, and this year, guests could purchase food from two food trucks. Zydeco provided New Orleans fare while Jackpot Chicken offered, well, chicken. Graduates also enjoyed music by DJ Dave Neylan who provided sounds from across the generations. A photographer chronicled the event and took pictures of the various classes.
“I was worried that the momentum would be lost because of Covid, but people wanted to come, noted a gratified Chase. “We have just the same momentum as when it left off two years ago.”
Guests were also invited to tour the high school prior to the start of the party. Doug Amari (Class of ’78) who just retired after teaching 35 years at the high school, led about 20 alumni through the school.
Guests could also join the association (cost is $5/year), or sign up to be a class agent. Agents take on the responsibility of keeping the class database containing contact information explained Chase. “But the real purpose of the event is to renew old acquaintances and make new memories and new friends.”
So save the date: next year’s event takes place on Saturday, September 17; same time, same place!