by Shelley Bennett
One of the best things about attending Lassen High School are the bonds I have made with the people I went to school with. I am blessed with a close-knit class who look forward to every reunion, even though many of us keep in touch through social media.
We still enjoy getting together every five years: reminiscing, sharing our lives, enjoying good food and conversation, and dancing the night away. The only bummer is that it only happens every five years.
Last Friday I learned that the LHS bond can transcend the years, that a reunion can happen between classes from multiple generations.
It began when I met Paige (Harrell) Bivens and Joann (Voss) Darlington on our shared campus. With Scott Tripp and Paul Cummings from the Class of 1975, Paige and Joann were there for a tour to kick off their reunion weekend. Jonathan, Paige’s kind husband, was along for the ride.
I was worried that our dear campus might look a little shabby to outsiders, but as we cruised the hallways, I took pride in what our faculty and students are doing at Lassen High. Our visitors saw incredible artwork and ceramics displayed in the hallways, the light and airy library filled to the brim with good books, and spacious, well-equipped shops for Woodwork and Welding.
They ventured out to the football field and back to the Bob Levada Gymnasium, remembering teachers, friends, and events from their four years as Grizzlies.
I was surprised that many of the names were the same: Mrs. Wise, Mr. Nordstrom, Mr. Adams, Mr. Ramsey, Mrs. Morelini, but I shouldn’t have been. Teachers who have an impact on their students’ lives just get better with experience.
The next day was the Alumni picnic. Over 200 attendees were greeted by picnic chair Deanna French and her welcoming committee, including Kathryn Dempsey, Cindy Elliott, Kareen Faure, Nancy Urionoguena, and Susan Wannebo. Then they enjoyed socializing and mingling while the Mallery brothers finished preparing lunch.
I recognized many faces and was so happy to visit with friends Lisa Chandler and Natalie Moody, then reconnect with classmates Christen Benbough and Geri Ashley. Since my mom (‘70) and dad (‘69) were also in attendance, I got to meet their friends as well.
Thanks to all of you who said you read my weekly column! Sometimes I forget I’m not just writing for my own benefit.
After a delicious meal, President Donna Morelini greeted the guests with a rundown of what the Alumni Association has been up to in the past year. She mentioned the gym dedication, the thousands of dollars of scholarships they recently awarded, and other donations made to student organizations, like Drumline’s trip to Disney. Donna also introduced our new principal/superintendent Mark Brewer, class of 1983.
Vice president Niki Jarrell gave awards to the earliest grad in attendance Jack Fox (‘51), the youngest alumni Ben Cunningham (‘17), and the alumni who traveled the farthest James Hardy Jr. (‘80).
Jim Chapman awarded the Alumni of the Year title to Sandy Mineau and Kim Brown from the Class of 1965. These two women were instrumental in keeping the association going and served many offices during their tenure. They will also be recognized at Lassen High School’s Homecoming game on October 3rd.
It was truly a wonderful event, bringing together people from all over the country who share the memories of one specific place: Lassen High School. A place where friendships became part of your being, where the seed of an interest or career could be planted, and your identity as an adult began.
I am challenging the Class of 1988 (heck, let’s extend the gauntlet to the whole decade: classes of 1980-1989) to join the association and start planning NOW so they can attend next year’s picnic on June 13th. I’m not kidding. I want Kathyrn to be swamped with mail.
Remember when news was ‘newsy’? When you read about weddings, family events and engagement announcements in the newspaper? If you have something that might be newsworthy, please submit it to [email protected] and I’ll do my best to include it here in “The Good Stuff.”
