THIS IS A FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10 UPDATE FOR REUNION ATTENDEES

 

A few notes about this weekend's events:

1) The football game will go forward UNLESS the school cancels or delays it due to lightning.  Gates open at 6:30 and kickoff is at 7:30.  You will walk through a metal detector to enter the stadium. If there is lightning in the area, there will be a 30-minute game delay at a minimum.  It is Homecoming weekend, so there will be "crowning" and other festivities.  Your name has been submitted on a list held in the ticket booth area.  Look for Lisa Lane Wright and Cheryl Wilson Turner for your game swag (sponsored by Gwen More Mercer and Cheryl).  The Pride of Mel Hi will perform BEFORE the game instead of at half time.  

2)  Friday night parking at the Crowne Plaza -- it is free parking in the lot across the street, west of A1A.  You can also valet park for $8 according to the front desk. This is an indoor event, so rain will not affect it.  Carpooling and Uber/Lyft are also good options.

3) Saturday night parking at One Oak at Hemingway's -- the venue is located just a few doors away from Hemingway's.  Park for free anywhere in the complex. If it rains, all tables will be located inside the venue rather than having a few outside.  Carpooling and Uber/Lyft are also good options.

4) Sunday parking at Paradise Beach -- park only in public spots at the Park.  Please do not park at Walgreens or the shops and restaurants across the street.  They will tow your car!  Try to carpool or use Uber.  If it rains, the entire memorial "program" will take place under the Pavilion rather than on the beach. Look for the balloons.

You'll pick up your Reunion nametag featuring your high school photo at the check in table on Friday or Saturday night.  Please use it all weekend so everyone can recognize you!

See you this weekend!

The 1980 Mel-Hi 45th Reunion Committee

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REGISTRATION CLOSED ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1

We had to guarantee food and beverage counts for the venues 10 days ahead of time.

No walk-ins at the door!

Updated Reunion Information as of October 6, 2025!

The Class of 1980 Reunion Planning Committee

 announces these updates to the Reunion Weekend plan in RED:

• Over 90 classmates and 40 guests registered by the deadline. To see if someone specific is coming, scan the class lists on this website and look for the icon next to their name that indicates "attending," click on it and you'll see which events they are signed up for.  All classmates will have a name tag with their high school headshot on it and all guests will have name tags too.

• We cannot accommodate walk-ins at the events because we will not have a credit card machine or ability to make change at any of the events. Also, we had to guarantee AND PAY FOR food and beverage expenses and headcount quite a bit ahead of the event dates.  

 

• At Sunday's Paddle Out, we are expecting parents, siblings, children, grandchildren and spouses of a few of our late classmates. This includes the loved ones of Robert Bishop, Doug Drew, Fletcher Heins, Donnie Mueller, John Tarr and Mrs. Martha Tiller.  We also received touching notes from other classmates' relatives who are unable to attend (such as John Moran's wife and Lori Diddle's parents), sharing how much Mel-Hi meant to them. Be sure to give the relatives a hug at the event if you plan to be there. Non-classmate relatives of the deceased can still be added to the attendee list for the Paddle Out.  Just email Lisa.M.Getson@gmail.com.

 

• New sponsors include Class of 1980's Dean Coppola, DDS in memory of Eric Sorensen (Class of 1981), Lisa Getson (certain printing, postage and classmate search software expenses), Dunkin' Donuts of N. Indialantic (discounted donuts and coffee for the Paddle Out), Siobhan Maguire (website operations), Saturday night dessert sponsor Bucky Oed (Class of 1980) in memory of Susie DeKalb Oed (Class of 1981), the Class of 1980's Greg and Ann Kirk and Scarlet Platt as Sunday's Floral Sponsors, Class of 1980's David Johnson as an event underwriter, Suntree Florist (discounted yellow roses for the Paddle Out) and Allegra Printing in Rockledge (discounted posters and banner).  

 

• If you are attending the football game Friday night, PLEASE NOTE THAT IT STARTS AT 7:30 PM NOW.  please be aware that you WILL have to pass through a metal detector (but not have your bags searched).  Brevard County schools were among the first to implement this "Open Gate" policy at all sporting events.  Also, your names will be on a list in the Ticket Booth, while Class of 1980 Alums Gwen More, Lisa Lane and Cheryl Wilson serve as game hosts.

 

• Volunteers are needed to staff the Check-in Tables Friday and Saturday nights.  If you are attending the event, please let Lisa Getson at Lisa.M.Getson@gmail.com know if you can work a 30-60 minute shift which would begin no earlier than 6:30 PM on both nights.  The task is to simply check people off a list, give them a name badge and ask them to confirm their mailing address for the future.

 

• Welcome back to the halcyon days of the late 1970s and early 1980s, also known as the era when the most we had to worry about was the surf break, term paper deadlines, Mel-Hi vs. Satellite Beach rivalries and what to wear to a school dance.  A Reunion is the perfect time to reconnect with old friends, catch up on our lives and families.  We are striving for a welcoming, friendly 11 hours spent together talking, laughing, reminiscing and remembering.  Let's all commit to keeping it free of conflicts of all kinds!

 

• Yearbook headshots and obituaries (where available) are now posted on the "In Memory" secton of this website.  The teachers' photos will be finished soon.

DO NOT CLICK ON ANY POP-UP AD or DOWNLOAD NOW BUTTON!

Follow melhi1980 reunion on Facebook and Instagram and

LIKE the posts so we can update as many classmates as possible.

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Join us for

the Melbourne High School Class of 1980's 45th Reunion

Columbus Day Weekend October 10-12, 2025

Registration for all events ENDED WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1 AT MIDNIGHT

We had to get headcounts and make final payments we owe for food and beverage, venue rentals and fixed costs.  No walk-ins or payments will be accepted at the door.

See the detailed event schedule below.

 

Schedule of Events

Friday, October 10th, 7:30 PM game start time, but plan to arrive by 7

Home Football Game: Mel-High Bulldogs vs.

Orlando's East River Falcons

Join your fellow Bulldogs to cheer on our alma mater. The football tickets are free from the school.

Wear your school colors! Melbourne Bulldog tee shirts are sold at select CVS and Publix locations in greater Melbourne and on Amazon.  Your name will be on a list in the ticket booth, and Gwen More/Lisa Lane/Cheryl Wilson be on-hand as Committee representatives.

Beachfront Meet and Greet at Crowne Plaza -- Melbourne Oceanfront

No Walk-ins can be accommodated

St. Martin/St. Lucia Meeting Rooms

2605 N. Highway A1A/Jimmy Buffett Highway

Melbourne, FL 32903 (North of 5th Avenue in Indialantic)

7 - 11 PM

$12 per person -- You must register and pay in advance

Very light appetizers provided (no dinner)

Cash Bar

Lisa Getson and Catherine Foley Ingram on-site as Committee representatives

Friday Night Top Dog Sponsors

Kristine Taylor Hartland, Class of 1979/River Bend  Retreat B & B, Riverview, FL

Anonymous donation made by two classmates in memory of Lynne Fain

Friday Night Loyal Pup Sponsor

Anonymous donation made by classmate in memory of Christy Bramblett

Anonymous donation made by classmate in memory of Eric Sorensen

David Johnson, Class of 1980

We'll gather casually in a private meeting room at this fully-remodeled venue right on the beach.   We all remember the nightclub Mr. Tease, right? This North Indialantic location is breezy and fun. Whether you attend the home football game or not, please join us as we get together informally on the weekend's opening night.

Music ~ Cash bar

Dress Code: Casual

Food: Very light appetizer (No dinner, but you can get more food at the outdoor patio restaurant if interested, during or after the event)

Event open to Classmates and accompanying guests (adults only)

 

 

Saturday, October 11th -- Optional Daytime Activities on Your Own

There are a lot of exciting events happening during the day in Greater Melbourne on Reunion weekend.  From golf to a surfing ProAm to a great outdoor arts and craft festival you can fill your Saturday with activities on your own or with old friends. 

Here are a few ideas for you:

40th Annual National Kidney Foundation's Rich Salick Surf Festival/Pro Am Competition, Cocoa Beach Pier

GOLF at Crane Creek Reserve Starting at 9:28 AM

Want to enjoy one of Melbourne's prettiest municipal golf courses while catching up with old friends? We have three tee times reserved for Saturday morning, October 11, starting at 9:28 AM at Crane Creek Reserve off of 192 in Melbourne.  Seven classmates or guests plan to play.  Contact Lisa.M.Getson@gmail.com if you are interested in playing.  Note:  Players of all skill levels age 18+ are welcome!

5th Annual Fall Art & Craft Expo @ Wickham Park

10 AM - 5 PM Saturday

10 AM - 4 PM Sunday

The Florida Art & Craft Expo, inside beautiful Wickham Park on the mainland, is the perfect natural atmosphere to share your passion for the arts and crafts. Easy public access and abundant exhibitor and public parking around the event. 300 booths, food, adult beverages, kids zone, multiple live music areas. The largest Art & Craft event on the Space Coast!

Wickham Park

2500 Parkway DriveMelbourne, FL 32935

 

Reunion/Dinner Reception

One Oak at Hemingway's

7 - 11 PM

Join us at this beautiful new Melbourne-area venue for an evening of reconnecting with old friends, maybe a few teachers from 1979-1981, great food, fabulous music and memories.

One drink ticket (including non-alcoholic) included

SPECIAL MUSICAL GUESTS ADDED TO SATURDAY NIGHT!

We welcome all classmates from 1979, 1980 and 1981!

One Oak at Hemingway's

1800 West Hibiscus Blvd., Suite 108

Melbourne, FL 32901

$65 Per Person Ticket Price

No walk-ins or payment at the door

 Tapas ~ Music & Memories ~ Cash Bar 

Selfie Booth 

Saturday Evening Price Includes: 

Tapas Buffet, One drink ticket (including non-alcoholic), Cash Bar, Dance party, Selfie Booth, Late 1970s/early 1980s Mel-High Memorabilia, Commemorative Slide Show 

Dress Code: Coastal/Beach Elegant

Event open for all classes and faculty (adults only)

 

Saturday Night Top Dog Sponsor

Stephanie Moss Dandridge, Class of 1981

Big Barker Sponsor

Lisa Getson, Class of 1980

Loyal Pup Sponsors

Diane Clark Nelson, Class of 1980

David Johnson, Class of 1980

Bucky Oed, Class of 1980, in memory of Susie DeKalb Oed, Class of 1981

Dean Coppola, DDS, Class of 1980, in memory of Eric Sorensen, Class of 1981

 

Sunday Morning, October 12th

Memorial Paddle Out

9 AM - 12 Noon

Howard Futch/Pelican Beach Park

1525 Highway A1A/Jimmy Buffett Highway, Satellite Beach, FL

$10 (includes Donuts & Coffee)

Special guest vocalist - Robin Krasny, Class of 1981

Sunday Paddle Out Sponsors

Allegra Printing, Rockledge

Melvin Banister, Class of 1980

Greg (Class of 1980) and Ann Kirk, and Scarlet Platt (Class of 1980), Floral Sponsors

Suntree Florist

Sadly, we have lost many more classmates since our 30th reunion 15 years ago.  In fact there are at least more than 75 from the classes of 1979-1981. Be sure to join us to honor deceased classmates and faculty. You can also see their high school photos on the Facebook and Instagram social media sites.

If you can bring a surfboard and do the actual paddle out, all the better, but this is not a surf event.  We will gather on the shore, enjoy a beautiful a cappella musical interlude from our 1981 classmate Robin Krasny, read out the classmates' names, have a moment of silence in memory of those lost and send the surfers out with yellow roses to honor them.

Relatives of honorees are invited to attend, but they need to register so we can get a headcount for the light refreshments and make nametags.  Register at www.melhi1980.com.

 

 

 

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DONATIONS AND UNDERWRITERS NEEDED TO DEFRAY EVENT EXPENSES!

Promote Your Business While Supporting a Great Cause!

To effectively reach our target audience for this non-profit event and maximize visibility for our valued sponsors, we’ve launched a robust, multi-channel marketing campaign including:

Direct outreach                                   Social media promotions                               Event-based marketing                      Website updates                                

Local community newsletters

Partner with us to support your community, celebrate a classmate's legacy, and gain meaningful exposure.

Our dedicated website — www.melhi1980.com — is your go-to destination for the latest updates, event schedules, registration details, and exclusive sponsor spotlights. We’re updating it regularly, so check back often and don’t miss a moment!  We're also on Facebook and Instagram at melhi1980reunion.  Follow us AND like us to drive more visibility to the sites!

We’re inviting local businesses and alumni to showcase their support and gain valuable visibility by sponsoring the Melbourne High School Class of 1980 45th Reunion — a special non-profit celebration bringing together potentially hundreds of alumni from the Classes of 1979, 1980, and 1981.

Choose your level of impact:

• Top Dog Sponsor – $1,000
  Premier logo placement on website feature, VIP recognition at the event, social media spotlight, and more.
• Big Barker Sponsor – $500
  Featured recognition on website feature, shout-outs during the event, and social media post.
• Loyal Pup Sponsor – $250
  Your logo featured on our event website, social media post and acknowledgment during the event.
• Green Collar Supporter – $100
  A special thank-you on our website and in event communications.

Want to sponsor something specific, like Saturday night's reception or the event signage or Sunday's yellow roses for the Paddle Out?  Contact the Sponsorship outreach team below.

This is more than just advertising — it’s a chance to support your community, align with a meaningful cause, and celebrate a lasting legacy.

Learn more and reserve your sponsorship at www.melhi1980.com. 

Let’s make this a celebration to remember — together! 

For questions or additional information, please contact:

Lisa Getson (PDT)         714-803-1156               Lisa.M.Getson@gmail.com 

Nina Keck (EDT)             321-541-5052              MHS1980@hotmail.com or collinsaunt@gmail.com 

 

Sincerely Yours,

Mel-Hi Class of 1980 Reunion Planning Committee

 

Accommodations (not included in the ticket price)
As you probably know, there are many hotel choices in Indialantic or Melbourne  Due to extensive contractual financial obligations imposed by area hotels, the Reunion Committee did not sign a block room contract but is recommending The Element Hotel or the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Indialantic as two options.  The Crowne Plaza is the site of Friday night's casual reception, but the two hotels are next to each other on the beach.

 

IMPORTANT Payment Details

In order to qualify for the "Advance" ticket price, you must register and pay by September 10th. We are not using a "Reunion company" to execute our weekend; this event is planned entirely by your volunteer Reunion Committee who are classmates living all over the country. 

We accept credit card payments via this site.  It is secured by GeoTrust.  Please be sure to "Add to Cart" all of the items that are applicable to you.  (Even the 0.00 items if you plan to attend (helps us keep track of how many people to expect at each event). You will not be registered for the reunion until you pay, and you will receive an email confirmation after you do.  

If you have any technical problems, text Lisa Getson at 714-803-1156 or email at Lisa.M.Getson@gmail.com. When you register, please be sure to answer all questions. We look forward to an awesome, fun filled weekend reconnecting with everyone. If you want to pay by check, please contact Nina Keck at collinsaunt@gmail.com.  Checks help us save credit card processing fees!