BRHS Class of 1971 returns to school for 55th reunion
The BRHS Class of 1971 at their 55th reunion. Pictured from left are, front row: Cathy Cook Parkhurst, Susan Sherman Jellison, Gloria Hyson, Susan Page, Laurie Smith McEvoy, Emily Stover Swizdor, Tom Nickerson; middle row: Cathy DeAngelis, Kathy Poole Frizzell, Gerry Gamage, Janet Murray Lincoln, Cindy Hodgdon Smalley, Clayton Pottle, Bruce Barter, Brian Barter, Mike Giles; standing: honorary member Larry Brown, Rob Michael, Bob Boyd, Lilly Rose, Marianne Rowe Grant and Deborah Sample. Courtesy photo
Honoring deceased classmate David Parkhurst. Courtesy photo
Co-chairs of the BRHS Class of 1971 reunion committee, Larry Brown, left, and Tom Nickerson. Courtesy photo
The document presented to Larry Brown from Tom Nickerson. Courtesy photo
The BRHS Class of 1971 at their 55th reunion. Pictured from left are, front row: Cathy Cook Parkhurst, Susan Sherman Jellison, Gloria Hyson, Susan Page, Laurie Smith McEvoy, Emily Stover Swizdor, Tom Nickerson; middle row: Cathy DeAngelis, Kathy Poole Frizzell, Gerry Gamage, Janet Murray Lincoln, Cindy Hodgdon Smalley, Clayton Pottle, Bruce Barter, Brian Barter, Mike Giles; standing: honorary member Larry Brown, Rob Michael, Bob Boyd, Lilly Rose, Marianne Rowe Grant and Deborah Sample. Courtesy photo
Honoring deceased classmate David Parkhurst. Courtesy photo
Co-chairs of the BRHS Class of 1971 reunion committee, Larry Brown, left, and Tom Nickerson. Courtesy photo
The document presented to Larry Brown from Tom Nickerson. Courtesy photoOn July 11, twenty-two members of the Boothbay Region High School Class of 1971 gathered for a reunion at the high school. Classmates first met in the gym for a photo. They were greeted by Cole Hyson, BRHS incoming senior, who took them on a tour of the school. This was extra special for Mike Giles, a member of the reunion class, who is Cole’s grandfather.
Classmates gathered in the library where a memorial for the 14 deceased class members was on display. Cindy Brown prepared flickering candles for each of them and they were recognized with a moment of silence.
David Parkhurst was recognized by friend, classmate and fellow basketball referee, Clayton Pottle. On display was an award David received from the basketball referee association for his 50 years of service.
Classmates shared memories of their times at BRHS. Bruce Barter and Gerry Gamage detailed their frequent encounters with Principal Vaughn Hathaway which brought smiles and laughter to everyone.
Tom Nickerson went down memory lane asking trivia questions involving interesting incidents classmates had been part of.
Kathy Frizzell gave details about how the class could purchase the front page of the 1971 digitized version of the Boothbay Register. Kathy said this could be custom designed for whatever the class decided. This was unanimously supported by everyone as it is an opportunity to recognize deceased members and support the Register.
Letters from Class President Andy Sherman and former elementary teacher Terry Leighton, who were not able to attend, were read. Both supported the reunion and wished everyone well.
Former physical education teacher and boys basketball coach, Walt Gorneau, brought smiles and cheers when he arrived. Walt, who is still an active referee for high school sports, had just finished an extra innings men’s baseball game before joining us.
Classmates enjoyed a delicious buffet prepared by Lisa Hallinan.
This author, a 1971 graduate of Ponaganset High School in Rhode Island, was co-chair of the BRHS Class of 71 reunion with Tom Nickerson. I was honored when Tom presented me with a document which read,
“For 17 years in our little town our schools have been kept safe by Larry Brown. Through all your efforts tonight has been fun. Welcome to BRHS Class of 71.”
