50 Years!
Can you believe its been 50 years since we graduated?
When people hear that we have high school reunions every five years, now going on FIFTY years(!), I am asked why do we do them? What is the point of gathering people together? Are you simply reliving the “Glory Days” and can’t leave the past?
Our answer is simple-“Our classmates ask for it.”
Without exception, when we bump into you in random meetings, the first question is always: “When is the next reunion?” Truthfully, without the interest, support and participation from all of you, these events would not happen nor would they enjoy the popularity as they have throughout the years.
We have come a long way from the San Ramon Golf Club in 1979. We have gathered at the Crow Canyon Country Club, Pleasanton Hotel, San Ramon Community Center, Bridges (not enough food, I know, but beautiful setting) and Maria Maria in Danville. This year it will be at the beautiful Danville Community Center in downtown Danville.
However, the “Why?” is a fair question. Having given this careful consideration, and in context of all other relationships in life, I have come to treasure the names and faces of people who we all grew up with and know each other in a way which is unique solely to us who experienced it. Together. Many of us have had the blessing of knowing each other since grammar school! In today’s world, that is a rarity and something to celebrate, not taken for granted.
Through the years, I have heard many of the stories of our classmates who recall their high school years as times when they were deeply struggling either through death of family members, dysfunctional families, those who felt (were) bullied or saw themselves on the “outside”, when there really was no “inside”. These reunions have been sweet times of reconnecting and processing some of these past seasons and bringing closure in some peoples lives. Many of these conversations have occurred during the “Saturday Morning School Tour”, with our lively guide, Susan (Norris) Regalia.
We have been intentional at these events to include people and not compare. There are no awards for longest married, most kids nor any of the other aspects of life which would be a discouragement to some. Rather, we strive to include and encourage people so it will be a memorable and satisfying experience for all who make the effort to participate in these gatherings.
Over the years, the price of the event has ended up being about the cost of filling a tank of gas. Well, this year did catch up to us and to make this a nice event that would dignify your commitment to attend, (and with the price of gas up over the past few years), we are still in that general price range.
A new initiative has been established this year to give back to the school in the form of “The Steve Strobel Memorial Fund”. At our last reunion, I shared with some of you my vision for us to give the school a gift from the Class of 1974, a cash endowment in recognition of the education we received. In keeping with the 50th Reunion theme, we have set a target goal of raising $50,000 to donate to the School Student Leadership Team. You can read more about this on the Steve Strobel page on the website. While some can give more than others, all tax-deductible donations will be greatly appreciated. All gifts will be anonymous and go directly to the school. Please consider participating in this worthwhile endeavor.
Thank you for considering attending the San Ramon Valley High School Class of 1974 50th Reunion! It will be a great time to be together. If you are planning to attend, please register as early as possible so we can finalize our plans in the coming months.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Warmly,
The 50th Reunion Planning Committee