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September 20, 2003 dawned a beautiful day full of exciting promise. That promise was fulfilled for the St. Mary’s High School classes of 1957 and 1958. It had been 35 years since the class of 1958 last gathered together; five years since 1957’s last gathering. Their combined reunion was being held that evening at the Kenilworth Inn. The enthusiasm of the committee was matched by the enthusiasm of friends and classmates, who had long been out of touch with one another. Nonetheless, the cars with out-of-state license plates and airport rental cars gathered early in the parking lot.
From the moment the guests descended the stairs and approached the committee’s table set up with nametags, the smiles, laughs, hugs, handshakes and memories took over and didn’t let up all evening. The room filled up quickly and noisily with happy, excited voices reliving fond memories and shared experiences, both in the classroom and on the playing field. One classmate commented that “it was like being back in the halls of St. Mary’s, talking with old friends.”
Words of welcome were given by Joe Murray of the class of 1957 and Gene O’Brien of the class of 1958, both bringing special attention to the Memorial Boards set up for their respective class honoring their deceased classmates. Sister Alice Uhl, O.P. of the class of 1957 also delivered a warm, heartfelt and humorous message to the one hundred energized guests that filled the room. Once the dance music started to fill the room, in true St. Mary’s fashion, the next thing to fill up, and quickly, was the dance floor! The DJ soon had us all caught up in our favorite 50’s music and throughout the evening we musically wandered through the ensuing decades…with the same friends that were there at the start of the journey…oh, so long ago.
Everyone agreed that this reunion was long overdue. The fact is that it was a huge success for what it meant to everyone there. None of us can deny the bond that exists and has endured among friends and classmates of St. Mary’s. The years melted away when we all came together that evening and a promise made not to wait too long before we gather again.
The committee received notes, cards, emails and phone calls following the reunion, thanking them for their efforts and reassuring them that a wonderful time was had by all…and a reminder to let’s do this again soon.
We are still in need of addresses for some classmates. If there is anyone from the classes of 1957 and 1958 who did not receive notice of this reunion, for future mailings, please contact Sydna Aquilino SanGiacomo (class of ’57) 732-870-8412 or Anne Doherty Engelhardt 908-526-5804 (class of ’58).
Anne Doherty Engelhardt