ALUM & I

Class reunions are back

Arecent article by Alex Janin in The Wall Street Journal about high school reunions highlighted the usual concerns such as the fear of rejection or how much attention people pay to their own appearance and behavior while ignoring the fact that few people are even paying attention or notice. It was suggested that it can help to remember that most classmates are feeling the same way. Identifying a specific goal, such as making one new friend, making amends or just forming positive memories, can help you decide whether or not to attend.

The article garnered many responses — some snarky, some genuinely interesting. I grabbed a few that might match how you feel about your class reunion! Feel free to choose some to share in your communications!

I was an introvert in HS. I’ve gained some good friends at the reunions. In fact I jumped on the planning board at the 15th. Yes, 15th. We’ll arrive at our 50-year “ ” reunion in a few years and we’ve had one every five years.

My high school class reunion has been scheduled for September, and it will probably be the last for the class of ‘57. Out of about 700 people, there are 436 survivors, and I wouldn’t be surprised if as many as 100 show up. But I won’t be among them. It’s not that I scoff at the idea of reunions - I don’t. It’s because I won’t drive halfway across the country to spend a day with people who I don’t remember and who won’t ” remember me. After all these years we have nothing in common. What could we possibly talk about?

My wife and I attended every HS reunion until they stopped after the 55th. Always had a good time, but unfortunately, it’s always the same suspects showing up. Wish attendance were better and more of the 200 plus classmates showed up. It’s always fun seeing people from “ ” your past life and giggling about how old everyone looks, but knowing we haven’t changed one bit. Lol – MK

I attended my elementary school 50th and it was great, also my 45th high school. It seemed like the ones who attended have made something of their lives, and those who made a mess of their lives stayed away. Retirement is the great equalizer. ” Everyone is equal because they are retired, no pecking order nonsense... have fun!!!

Many of us carry images in our brain of that star athlete or prom queen who we last saw a long time ago. It is a bit like they are in a balloon floating in your memory. Believe me that when you attend a 40th high school reunion, ”a lot of those balloons suddenly pop when you see those people.

Most of the class of ‘78 (only 200 of us) were in school from Kindergarten through high school. I have many, MANY, fond memories of those days. Who better to hang out ” with than a whole bunch of folks enjoying the same memories?

Photos of Spring Branch, Texas, High School reunion courtesy of Varsity Reunion Services; https://www.varsityreunions.com.