Message Forum Common Agreement
"TERMS OF USE"

The Message Forum is not a public soapbox, nor a political platform in any form. This forum is neutral territory when it comes to supporting any movements, political parties, candidates, or otherwise.

___________

Dear Classmates:
This site isn’t about waistlines, hairlines, or personal crusades. It’s about lifelines and is about reconnecting with our friends from some of the best years of our lives - It's about caring for our classmates, sharing news, and mourning those we've lost.

We ask you to kindly be considerate about passing along news about classmates who are ill, who have had surgery, or are experiencing other personal issues. Please be sure to obtain permission to share with the class any and all submissions.  As wonderful as it is to share or receive news about or from classmates don't break confidences or invade someone's privacy. 

Classmates, If you have an issue that needs a soapbox please use your "Classmate Profile" page.  Classmates can choose to "follow" by selecting your name and each time you post news about yourself, add photos, or update your profile  an email is sent notifying those on your follow list that you have updated your personal profile. Do not check the box, share with classmates as a reply button is provided for return comments and messages.

PLEASE NOTE: Abuse of the message forum common agreement/terms of use may cause immediate suspension of privileges or removal from the AHS website without further warning. 
(We reserve the right to remove material that may be deemed offensive).
Paul Peters -
revised 09/12/2021

Fred Chandler

A little chalenge to get your `brain cells working.

Someone posted this picture on Facebook. They claim is is from 1971-1972 Caving Club. The person in the back left is thought o be Georgw Kyle. George died from drowning just before gradution 1971. 

Also I think the person in the Perdue seat shirt is George Roberts. 

If these 2 obsevations are correct, then this picture is fall 1970 or spring 1971.

Can any of you identify anyone else in the picture.?

Hint. There are classmates from other years in this picture.

*When I uploaded this picture I noticed a date on the left side. Oct 70. I had not seen this before. It still would be interesting to fine out which class of 71 embers are in this picture.

Thanks.

Sam Juliano

Forgive this vanity posting... I posted this on my Facebook page, and several of my AHS FB friends commented on it, so I thought I'd share it here to see if anyone remembers it or if it recalls a fond memory...

March 1969: the spring of our sophomore year at Annandale High. The Neon Philharmonic releases "Morning Girl", and for reasons too long ago to remember, I became obsessed with this song. Was it the solo orchestral part? Did it remind me of one of my many crushes? Or was it simply the band name, since I've always loved neon? Every school morning my alarm clock would go off, and I'd pick up the phone and call the WEAM 1390 request line. "This is Sam from Annandale, and I'd like to hear 'Morning Girl'". This was decades before caller-ID, of course, but one morning the DJ answered with "Sam from Annandale, right?" That embarrassed the hell out of me, and ended my request calls - but he played it, like he had every morning for nearly a month. 50 years later, in 2019, I recorded my cover, but I never released it publicly. It's an obscure little one-hit-wonder, but it transports me back to that sweeter, more innocent time. Click on the link to hear it, and let me know if you remember it!

http://www.groundstrike.com/songs/Morning%20Girl.mp3
 

Fred Chandler

I am sorry to report that Mr Finch passed away on February 18, 2021. 
Hos daughter posted this.After 3 months of no access, my sister and I were finally able to kiss, hug, comfort, pray with and sing to our sweet daddy for almost a week. We are so blessed that WE got to take care of him in his own bedroom for his final hours. It gave us the peace we needed and we joyfully handed him over to Jesus on Thursday, February 18th. 
Daddy was part of the wonderful Annandale community for 30 years. He graduated about 8,000 fantastic students. Some were even children of former students! I like to tease Daddy and say that his blood was red and white! He wore red and white Atoms hats and sweaters through to the end. He came to Annandale as a teacher in 1957 when my sister, Peggy was born. He became AP in 1960, the year I was born and Principal in 1966. He retired in 1986. I watched my dad do his job all those years. I marveled at his serious commitment to promote and prepare young people for life. It was evident that his love for kids went way beyond his own two daughters. Not only did he love his students, he loved his faculty, his support staff and parents. He considered them equal partners in the success of the AHS community. Dad loved to hire former students as teachers, coaches and support staff. Once an Atom, always an Atom! 
During Dad’s decline, I have been comforted by so many of our AHS family members who have shared their personal experiences and memories of Dad. They say he set the bar high but he was fair. He was an amazing mentor. He inspired many to be more than they thought they could be. He genuinely cared about them, he was forgiving, gave second chances and encouraged  many not to give up. He helped many find a rewarding career path. He wrote letters of recommendation for all kinds of things. He was particularly proud to write recommendations for those who went to military schools and encouraged many to enlist for military service. He helped many on the verge of dropping out to believe in themselves, find their inner strength, work harder and earn their diploma.  
His heart was so big. He wanted all of us to be our best selves. He wanted us to serve; to be givers and not takers. He wanted us to be kind and do the right thing. He wanted us to give back to our community and country. I want you to know, AHS graduates: Mr. Finch really did care about you! You have been outstanding on so many levels. He celebrated your successes and was so proud of you. ❤️

Kathryn Moore (Crowe)

Several years ago I learned that Mr. Finch grew up in Greensboro, NC where I have lived for almost 38 years.  There was an article in our paper when the high school he graduated from (Greensboro HS when he attended, now Grimsley HS) had a reunion or anniversary and his name popped up. I It was an interesting connection. He was a dedicated educator and we all benefitted from his commitment. May he Rest In Peace. 

Here's a 1987 interview:

https://scholar.lib.vt.edu/faculty_archives/principalship/f/144finch.html

Janet Jones (Hannemann)

Mr. Finch is entwined in all our memories of our years at AHS.  I worked in the front office as a student assistant, and he would stop just to chat and ask how things were going on his way thru...cared about students and staff alike. Always listened to what was being said and was thoughtful and fair in his decisions.  A wonderful educator and all-around good person. Thank you, Mr. Finch!

Michael Guthrie

I will never forget Mr Finch being so mad at me for allowing the Mag Drive skit to involve Steve Wendt's pig (boar named Sue) entering the gym chasing after M&M's 😂😂 His face and head were blood rushing red. 

Fred Chandler

Dave Tighe's brother posted this on Facebook. Dave has stomach cancer. I wouldn't hav posted this except for his brother posting it on FB.

Sam Juliano

Fifty-one years ago...
Annandale High Junior Prom!!! My best friend John Wohlford and his date Cathy Borland, and my date Marie Hamilton and bleached-blond me. Dad and Mom are both trying to take pictures at the same time (which always resulted in failure!). My Mom's waterfall paintings are in the background.

Did you guess that John and I used the same Tux shop? I got too nervous trying to pin the corsage on Marie, so her mother had to take over.  Speaking of too nervous, thank you Patti Hamilton for asking your little sister for me.

We had reservations at a fancy restaurant, and then we were off to the prom... where a great night of dancing and mixing was in store. Ah yes, I remember it well!

But for the life of me, I can't remember WHERE our prom was held. A classmate told me that our Senior Prom (which I was not around for) was held at Tyson's Corner. She thinks that the Junior Prom was held at AHS... maybe a cafeteria or gym. I want to believe it was someplace more glamorous, like the Waldorf Astoria, but she could be right. However, I remember this clearly... I was taking Marie home after the prom and I was driving west on Edsall Road, and I turned left on Backlick Road. My purpose was nefarious ('nuff said). Marie noticed and said she lived the other way, so I said "oops" and turned around on Backlick going north... I think she lived in Columbia Pines or some subdivision off Columbia Pike. Why would I have been coming from the Shirley Highway area if it was at AHS? I'm confused! If anyone remembers where it was, I'd love to hear it!

Michael Guthrie

As we approach June 17th and 50 years 🤦🏻 since Graduation, two memories come to mind. Me looking like bozo the clown w my Afro, red cap and gown and white bandage on my nose from a car accident as I drove  with Tom Micklewright to a baseball game. 
> pretty sure afterward I bought beer for the guys at Luigi's as I was the only one 18 at the time. 

Paul Peters

 To all of our classmates who have already donated to and to those who will donate to the 50^th class reunion celebration fund - THANK YOU!

What a wonderful gift to help make our upcoming 50^th celebration a success!
We appreciate those who have been so gracious. It’s classmates like you that go the extra mile to help all of us enjoy a memorable reunion celebration and an opportunity to rekindle long, oft-neglected friendships.  

Thank you again and we look forward to our 50^th celebration!
Your class reunion committee!

Paul Peters

Remember when we looked after and cared about each other. Yes, yes, we all have our own lives, families, troubles, etc. but we should expand our comfort zones, cast out our nets, and see how each of us is doing.  It just might make someone's bad day look up and smile!
So, take a few moments and send a welcoming and friendly email to a classmate who you haven’t heard from in a while. If you don’t receive an email from a classmate don’t fret, don't pout, just post a message on our Message Forum with an update on your own. I know I’d love hearing about and from you or an update from someone who knows your circumstances.
We have a reunion next year so, take the time to reintroduce yourself to an old flame, send a cheerful message to someone who used to be your best friend.  Basically, reach out to a classmate and let them know you care. I know you’d like to hear from a classmate, and you can bet, they’d love to receive your message of friendship as well.
Become an AHS super hero and reach out to a classmate.
Good memories turn frowns into smiles!

Reunion celebration survey link!

Donate to our AHS 50th Class Reunion  link!
 

Laura Twiford (Harrington)

Hello classmates - I have been out of touch for about 9 months since moving and changing my email.  We moved from SC to Bonita Springs in SW Florida.  The simple golf course condo life is good, nothing much to take care of in my lazy old age.  I think this will be my last move before the old folks home.  My husband was coaching college golf for the University of SC but has now retired.  I hope everyone is well and enjoying life.  I really don't think I will be able to attend the reunion unfortunately.  take care everyone. LAURA

Michael Guthrie

Laura, you should connect with Becky Kleinfelter as she lives in the Naples area as well. 

Maureen Hamilton (Hackert)

The reunion committee was overwhelmed by the response to our request for donations for our 50^th high school reunion! A BIG THANK YOU goes out to all the classmates who made a donation.  Due to their generosity, we are able to pay the deposit required to secure the Magical Ballroom at the Fairview Marriott for our reunion!

Thank you Fred Chandler, Rod Clutter, Bill Bowen, Tom Poole, Dave Anderson, Tim Gilroy, Gerald Todd, Mike Guthrie, Dave Cooley, Casey Hustvedt, Debra Olson, Jane Olson, Susan Allen, Patti Miller, Anne Swanson, Pam Moore, Linda Harris, Iris Phipps,  Betty Petersilia, Ben Marshall, Paul Rowson and Paul Peters!!!!

In addition, Mike Gassman has donated the funds needed to pay the DJ. So as you dance the night away, remember to thank Mike!

If you would like to make a contribution we are still taking donations. These donations would be used to help finance the Friday Night Happy Hour.  All the information regarding the reunion will be released soon. So stay tuned!

Please consider donating to our 50^th reunion celebration. (click here)