2009 (47th) Reunion

Gwynn Park High School

Class of 1962

Hosts Alumni Reunion

More than 115 alumni, graduates, spouses, teachers and guests gathered at the Brandywine VFD Carroll Room on July 11th for an evening of remembrance. Gathering began at 6 p.m. as folks entered the room that was beautifully decorated with the school colors of black and gold. Everything from balloons to photo placemats to black and gold M & M’s and yellow jacket/bee replicas reflected the colorful years of the High School. Everyone received a photo name badge to help with identifying any unrecognizable changes. Also available was a booklet prepared from advance surveys returned by the alumni with their information, their photos, and photos sent to us by class mates that had been taken many years ago, as well as a list of all the names, addresses, e-mails of each alumni that participated.

The horsD’oeuvres table was filled with tempting steamed shrimp and sauces and the most beautiful display of fresh fruit and vegetables to behold. The meal of Filet Tips of Beef and various chicken entrees was accompanied by delicious vegetables, salads and luscious desserts. George Fender, a 1962 graduate of GPHS and owner of Cedarville Carry Out, catered the abundant and delicious meal. Flowers and table decorations were made by Loretta Bond and Joyce Tester Eaby. Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Sandra Cooke Cross, Class of 1962 graduate.

Special tribute was made to Sue Bond Rye, who was not able to be with the group due to an emergency health condition. Sandy told everyone of all the planning and organizing Sue had done and the many lists she had made for her children to follow through the evening as planned. Guests for the evening included many past teachers from both elementary and high school: Gerald Davis, Cyril J. Carroll, David Duvall, Roberta Chichester, Julia McPherson, Jane Watson and Eloise Tippett. The alumni who ranged in graduate years from 1943 – 1968 enjoyed hearing comments from each of the teachers. Time was taken to honor those in each of the branches of the military for their service to their country. Jack McPherson was in attendance and shared that he was in the first graduating class from GPHS in 1943 and related some stories. Everyone enjoyed a memorabilia table and a Gwynn Park Jacket was even modeled for us. Sandy had prepared a slide show of nostalgic photos that brought back lots of memories to folks. There were gag prizes and door prizes. The man who traveled the furthest was Fred Wegand from California; the woman for the same category was Flo Blandford Kelsey. Voters for the man with the least hair awarded Lew Frain (over David Smoot) their favorite and he was awarded a lovely head band with silvery strands of replacement hair to wear. The person with the best smile went to his wife, Kathleen Seymour Frain, who received a new set of waxed teeth with blackened areas where teeth were missing. The two of them modeled their new additions for all to see and photograph. Ken Rose and Sue Rye each received the award for the most grandchildren – eleven. A class photo as well as an alumni photo were taken.

It was a wonderful time of sharing memories. A special thanks to the committee: Sue Bond Rye, Loretta Bond, Sandy Cooke Cross, Julia Carr McPherson, Pat Huffer Ellis, Margaret McDonough Quade, Sandie Newman Farrell, Pat Padgett Harper, Joyce Tester Eaby, Mike White. Rumor has it that there may be another reunion planned for our 50th year – 2012.

Gary Gasparovic, Charles Estep, Jane Wilkinson, Flo Blandford, Sudie Dillon

Joyce Tester Eaby, Curtis Eaby, Gary Haupt

Mary Jean Thorson, Kathy Seymour, Virginia Thorson, Virginia Rockman

Pat Cassell, Joyce Tester, Frank Bowie, Pat Padgett

Sally Bryan, Jackie Schwanner

Sandy Cooke, Joyce Tester, Pat Huffer, Margaret McDonough

Rusty Jowett, Kenneth Rose

? - Mike White and guest

Julia McPherson, ?, Jane Watson, Eloise Tippett, Charlotte Bond, Roberta Chichester Back Row: Gerald Davis and David Duvall (Cyril Carroll could not be with us due to illness.)

Fred Wegand and Jimmy Baden