Belatedly: A Reunion Recap

Recounted by Cathy (Cate) Nelson Richard...

If you weren't there, I'm sure you've been on pins and needles for the past month! I think once the reunion was over, those of us involved with it pretty much flat-fined—especially the wonderful ladies in Texas who actually did the real legwork. Thanks again to our amazing steering committee—Lu Anne, Nettie, Debbie, Jody, Teresa, and Pat! (Can you pick out who's who in the photo to the right?!) Anyway...waiting a month for an update isn’t nearly as bad as waiting 20 years to have another reunion—we are all determined that will NOT happen again!

So, let's start at the beginning...with Friday night's 'Your Alvin Yellow Jackets' football game! The steering committee, decked out in black Ts with glittery orange yellow jackets on front, greeted reunion attendees at the gate with orange Mardi Gras beads and 1974 Alumni ribbons. Bombarded with the faces of former classmates—most of whom you haven’t seen in 20 years—was what we’d have called 'a real trip' back in the 70s! It took a minute (or two in some cases!) to add ‘the years’, but once 'old' friends opened their mouths, the voice took you right back to high school. The years simply melted away like butter on a Texas sidewalk--ok, couldn't resist a Texas heat metaphor!

Somewhere around 30 of us attended the game--which had several highlights beyond just reconnecting with our old friends. Tom Menefee, recently returned from military duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, returned with an American flag flown over his military base for the Class of '74 to present to the school during half-time. All classmates who wanted to were asked to join him on the field for the presentation, honoring all military men and women around the world.

Besides just talking and catching up with each other, we DID actually watch the football game, which was fast-paced and fun. (This from someone who truly hates football!) Our Alvin Yellow Jackets lost in the last 25 seconds of play—big bummer!!

The after-game mingle at my folks house up from the stadium turned into a bit of a wash—half the folks were starving and needed to go find some food, and the other half couldn’t find the house! (I’ve explained to my parents that leaving porch lights on is a good idea when you’re expecting company!) ;) Next time I vote for a mix-and-mingle (with FOOD!) before the game!

Check back next week for another installment of the weekend events--Saturday's tour of our alma mater Alvin High School! And feel free to post your own reunion stories here, too!! Photos from all events are available at http://www. alanamoser.com.