The Alhambra High School Class of 1966 held a joyful reunion last weekend, full of chance encounters, familiar faces, on-the-go conversations, heartfelt hugs, and promises to see each other sooner, thanks to the wonderful reunion committee who worked diligently to plan it. A tremendous thank you goes to Adele Cooke, Robin (Miller) Lambert, Kathi (O’Connor) Sarkin, Gloria Van Noy, Robin Zelenitz Grant, Laurie Brown Korpal, Darlene Heylek Nosworthy, Lana Wilson Machrone, and Linda Wilson Galluppi. This hardworking team made us all feel welcome to our blue-and-gold gathering where we celebrated 50 years since high school graduation. Most of us had no idea how much time and effort these women have given over the past two years as they produced priceless memories and a touching tribute to those no longer with us. Their efforts showed in every detail, and they are greatly appreciated.
I’ve always considered reunions to be intimidating, but this one was different. It was filled with fun. Thomas Wolfe said, “You can’t go home again.” Most of us realize that you can’t go back in time either, yet to some degree we did as we remembered and reminisced.
High school years are formative. Most teens are trying to find themselves. Many have problems of which others are unaware. This was especially true in the sixties, when we did not live in a tell-all society. I never realized others’ burdens until my 50th reunion, after many classmates mentioned reading my memoir, What Lies Within, and then shared their stories with me. Few of us had any idea about our classmates’ lives outside of school, and I found their revelations honest and sincere. Our common bonds revealed themselves in these shared moments.
One favorite phrase from the evening remains with me, as people viewed each other and said, “You look exactly the same.” What a great greeting to receive, especially after you’ve added fifty years to your life! But this was said time and again to several people, who I’d recognize anywhere. Yes, we’ve all experienced the joys and sorrows that come with being alive, and many have dealt with health problems that accompany growing older. Yet we discovered the joy of being together again as one class, and for that one evening we were ageless. For this glorious gathering, we can thank our reunion committee. They brought us together and made us one.
Thank you Adele, Robin, Kathi, Gloria, Laurie, Darlene, Lana, and Linda. You produced a warm, memorable event.