Planning a 50th Reunion That Ought To Be

Top row from left to right: Delice Bolotin '75, Fran Bruno '75, Julie Fenster '75

Middle row: Gil Fleitas '75, Sara Johns Griffen '75, Nancy Hessol ’75

Bottom row: Adam Owett '75, Jean Ball Scheinert '75 and Harrison Weisner '75

Beginning in January, the Class of 1975 Reunion Planning Committee has held regular bi-weekly meetings to plan what is shaping to be an epic 50th Reunion at Friends Seminary. Members of the committee include: Delice Bolotin '75, Fran Bruno '75, Julie Fenster '75, Gil Fleitas '75, Sara Johns Griffen '75, Nancy Hessol ’75, Adam Owett '75, Jean Ball Scheinert '75 and Harrison Weisner '75.

As Reunion quickly approaches, committee members shared their experience working together to plan this special event. “It has been such a wonderful experience being on the 50th reunion planning committee as it has reconnected me with old friends and reminded me of the many happy experiences I had as a child. (This does not include going to the “think it over bench” in Pre-K but does remind me of how we had to courtesy or bow to the teachers when entering the classroom.) Being a 14 year lifer shaped my values and helped me identify how I could give back to my community. As part of my agency work and private practice, I offer therapy to people transitioning out of prison. Many of these clients have experienced abuse and trauma and have not had the same resources and support that many of us were afforded. A Quaker education taught me the importance of helping others. I look forward to seeing how we’ve grown over the years, sharing memories and remembering our classmates who have passed. I hope to see you all in May!” - Jean Ball Scheinert '75

As you've been planning this 50th reunion, what has been the most surprising or heartwarming aspect of reconnecting with classmates after so many years? Are there any particular stories or memories that have resurfaced that you'd be willing to share?

Delice Bolotin '75 shares, “I have really enjoyed working with this committee. It has been so much fun to see the group every other week or so via zoom and to share some memories. I am also impressed with how well we worked together to make decisions. It was a real team effort.” Fran Bruno '75 shares, “I’m so gratified that people have responded positively (at least the ones I’ve reached out to) and they all have some sort of specific memory of our class. One person who was only with us in 8th grade remembered getting us both in trouble with our science teacher Mr. Perry for talking during the lecture.”

Looking back at your high school years with the perspective of 50 years, what are some of the most significant ways your graduating class has changed or evolved, both individually and collectively? What do you see as the enduring impact of your high school experience on the paths your classmates have taken?

“Looking back…When the question came up as to how many of us were Quaker, it turned out that only one of us was but as Adam Owett '75 put it “I like to think of myself as largely Quaker by principles. Anyway, that’s my hope.” Many of us expressed agreement about that. I know it has guided a good deal of my thinking over the years, especially trying to find the good in every person.” - Sara Johns Griffen '75 “We work very well together: listening to everyone’s viewpoint and coming to consensus.” - Nancy Hessol '75

What were some of the key motivations for you to be involved in planning this milestone 50th reunion? What do you hope attendees will take away from this event, and what does this reunion signify to you personally and for your graduating class?

“I just wanted to help and to make sure there was good positive energy surrounding this Big reunion. It was fun to reach out to people and connect while encouraging them to attend. I personally have such strong and positive memories from my time at Friends and having been there for 14 years there are a lot of memories. I hope that other classmates who attend will see this as a fun opportunity to reconnect with people that have a common bond that will always be part of their life.”- Delice Bolotin '75

“For me, it was personal. Many years ago, Cella Irvine '75 asked me to be class secretary with her and she was a driving force behind our earlier 10 year reunions. This will be our first reunion since her passing and, at least for me, it has a special significance.” - Fran Bruno '75

“I was motivated to help after learning about Susan Jones '75’s passing. I realized how much I will miss her and wanted to reconnect with those who are still around.” - Nancy Hessol '75

For those who might be hesitant or unsure about attending their 50th reunion, what message would you share with them about the value and experience of coming back together after half a century? What are you most looking forward to experiencing or witnessing at the reunion itself?

“I have always felt that Friends had a major impact on my life, and a significant part of that was the bonds I formed with my classmates. Hoping that others felt the same, I wanted to be part of getting as many of us together as possible. At this stage of our lives, I think we have the time to reflect on the things that matter most - if our Friends experience mattered to us, it feels fitting to celebrate it.” - Sara Johns Griffen '75

“Although not surprising, but very heartwarming, I’ve been touched by how much each committee member cares about every classmate, and hopes they come to the reunion. When you’re in high school it’s easier to tell how kids feel about members of their close social circles, but not necessarily others in their class. What’s become clear is that everyone on the planning committee feels a connection and affection for every classmate.” - Adam Owett '75