Class of ’79 Reconnects at 40th Reunion Weekend

“Langley will always hold a special place in our hearts. We are grateful that after 40 years, we are still bound together and find this connection as strong as ever.” -Vivian (Lichtmann) Keller ’79

REUNION:

Class of ’79 Reconnects at 40th Reunion Weekend By Nevah (Thompson) Stevenson ’79

The Ties That Bind: Forty years ago, our Langley class of ’79 marked its final milestone. Many of us who graduated that day were lifers. Others had arrived at various points along the pre-K through eighth grade journey, and a few of us moved away prior to graduation. But all of us, no matter our tenure, agree that a unique Langley bond unites us to this day. This past September, 16 members of our class traveled from around the country and local areas to reminisce and celebrate our Langley history. Suddenly we found ourselves 40 years post-Langley, with a sense that we ought to commemorate the occasion. As we caught up over dinner, brunch, and a campus tour, it was evident that our shared Langley experience had left an indelible mark.

Hard Work and Enriched Experiences: Our group gathered first for dinner at the home of Vivian (Lichtmann) Keller ’79 and her husband, Eric. Forty years fell quickly away. Our memories flowed easily from stories of class trips to tales of classroom antics. There was praise for Helene Layman, the inimitable fifth-grade teacher whose challenging assignments were simultaneously beloved and bemoaned by all. Cherished traditions were recalled, including our year-long country reports, hours spent at the Langley Fair, our visit to the Pennsylvania Dutch country, and the eighth-grade deep-dive into ornithology study. Langley’s academics, nurturing teachers, and beyond-the-classroom experiences resonate with us deeply, still.

Memories Old and New: The following morning, a small group of us toured the campus. We began at Patti’s Park, the enchanting memorial to Pam Schmid’s ’79 younger sister, Patti ’81, who passed away in 1995. Next, we toured and marveled at the many significant campus additions. The fluid, innovative spaces were impressive. We lingered longest, however, over that which was familiar to us – the original preschool classrooms, the old seventh- and eighth-grade areas, and the spot where the Field House once stood, where we performed in musicals and practiced square dancing and volleyball in P.E. Our weekend concluded with a wonderful brunch hosted by Helen (Methvin) Payne ’79 and her husband, Chris. We were grateful for the time together, appreciative of our parents’ choice of a Langley School education, and most of all, happy to reconnect in such a meaningful way. To those who were unable to make the trip, you were there in spirit, and you were greatly missed.

Reunion Attendees Peter Baldwin Mark Bengston Susan (Kassing) Daly John Day Susan (Friedlander) Earman Story (Smith) Graves Vivian (Lichtmann) Keller Mike Kimsey Lydia Middleton Helen (Methvin) Payne Bret Peters Karen (Milbank) Quackenbush Eric Ratner Pam Schmid Nevah (Thompson) Stevenson Ronald Van Viersson

Are you interested in attending a reunion of Langley friends? Contact Director of Annual Giving & Alumni Relations Peggy Evans at pevans@langleyschool.org who will partner with you to make it happen.