I know it's been a few months since our reunion (Lois Davey Osborne, you rock)--six months actually--and I wanted to express my gratitude for allowing me the honor of being the emcee for the event.  I had a great time connecting with you, and am grateful for the few moments I got to visit with you, my classmates and friends.  I especially value the time I spent with Kay Foley Johnson, who passed away in December. 

I wanted to add some addenda regarding some classmates and alumni:

Steve Spolek--no one is stuck in the 20th century more than Steve.  We've known each other since fifth grade, have gone fishing together, played music together, and bumped into each other over the years.  I had no Idea Steve would be so stubborn.  He refuses to become computer literate (although I know he has the brains for it), he digs his heels in at the mere mention of an email, and refuses to look at anything that's preceded by a .com.  He's the only person I know whose cell phone has a rotary dial.

Pat Means--we've been pals since third grade.  We've worked together changing sprinklers, played endless games of Monopoly, drank gallons of Kool Aid (literally).  I'm sure our systems are tinted with Red Dye #7 as a result.  We were in 4H, Boys; State, track team together,  We still meet occasionally for a meal or sporting event.  Pat shared with me an incident that took place some time last summer.  He was visited at his home in Green Lake by two FBI agents.  It seems our former ASB president bore a striking resemblence to one of the Jan 6 rioters!  Pat quickly provided them with an alibi which they accepted, thanked him for his time, and left.  What an experience!  By the way, Pat, I put the kevlar vest that you left at my place in my storage shed.  The tear gas fumes were still leaching from it and driving my sinuses crazy.

Marissa Howard--no, she's not a classmate, far from it, but she is a PHS alum.  She was on the 2024 Olympic team.  Her event was the steeplechase, a grueling track event that combines distance running, a hurdle, and a water hazard.  She didn't medal, but she represented Pasco and her country well.  She must have had some inside track with the olympic committee, because the committee is now considering fluming as an olympic event!  Individual and team--won't that be exciting?

Finally, I must say I'm struck by the current Pasco High School programs.  The school is so diverse now, with different ethnicities and cultures.  I've been impressed by the performances of the band, the hip hop groups, the cheerleading competitions, and the various athletic teams.  It's truly amazing how much the school district and the area has grown.  The last time I was there, I happened to pull up to a stop light right next to a bus full of happy, laughing grade school kids.  I watched as they joked with each other, the occasional high five and fist bump, and thought how wonderful it was when I was that age.  I couldn't help but roll down the window, smile and wave at all those frish, young faces.  The light changed, the bus pulled away, and I watched as most of the kids gave me the finger as they passed.  I couldn't help but think, "I bet I would have done the same thing when I was a kid if a 78 year old geezer smiled and waved at me.  Ah, the more things change, the more they remain the same.

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