45Reunion

The Menard/Providence 45th High School Reunion was the best reunion yet! It's impossible to describe how fun it was. Of course we have all changed A LOT. But after 5 minutes of everyone gasping at each other's gray hair or no hair, wrinkles, and expanding waist lines, we all seem to settle in and remember each other as we were 45 years ago. We were young again. The name tags with our pictures on them helped jog our memories.

The Friday night dinner was delicious. Dessert was served in the large living room at the Methodist Center where we mingled, took a group picture, gathered around the "Gone But Not Forgotten Poster" to remember those who were no longer with us, watched a slideshow of high school years and past reunions, and looked at the many pieces of memorabilia contributed by several classmates.
The Friday night dance at Ray's Lucky Stars Dance Studio was filled with smiling faces as we danced to the oldies and continued to visit with old classmates. Ray Michiels was a wonderful emcee and also gave a few dance lessons to those willing to try.

On Saturday, the potluck lunch continued the festivities. The slideshow and memorabilia were displayed at this event too for those who did not get a chance to view everything at the Friday night dinner. Linda Boudreaux handed out door prizes. She had one for everyone who attended. Awards were given for those who traveled the longest distances to attend the reunion. Apologies to Peggy Roblow Baillio and Jack Baillio for forgetting that they were among those who came the longest way of over 1000 miles. Jack Kennedy and Billy Kearns traveled over 800 miles to attend and Judy Taranto beat everybody by traveling over 2000 miles. Around 3:30 PM the reunion came to an end with many hugs and promises to stay in touch. Hopefully those promises will be kept.

Many thanks to Rose Marie Giambrone for taking the lead in planning this reunion and hands down doing the most work to get it done. Also thanks go to Linda Boudreaux, Larry Mathews, and Ray Michiels who were Rose's helping hands in Alexandria and Adrienne Dunham who was her long distance computer assistant. Out of the remaining living classmates 43% of the guys attended. The girls beat the guys with an attendance of 46%. That was an amazing number considering it's 45 years later.

If you would like to view a short video of our group mingling after dinner on Friday and Ellen Michiels trying to organize us for a group picture - click here. If you would like to order a group picture or a set of CDs with 389 candid shots, email Ellen at ellenjphotography@yahoo.com or call her at 318-748-6310. If you would like to view the pictures before purchase, they are posted on Ellen's website www.ellenjphotography.com . Below are a few group pictures.

First row
Mickie Myers - on floor
Barbara Michiels - on floor
Second Row
Sherry Goelden - on sofa arm
Adrienne Dunham - on sofa
Emily Meadows - on sofa
Pat Tucker - on sofa
Barbara Cazes - on sofa
Linda Boudreaux - on sofa arm
Cindy Bize - on floor
Gracie Bono
Tehresa Bono
Third Row
Rose Giambrone
Carolyn Carlino
Pat Velotta
Mary Belle Elliott
Peggy Roblow - head turned to side
Karen Flaccomio
Charlotte Kramer - yes black hair
Fourth Row
Mildred Carbo
Judy Hebert - a little lower than Mildred
Dolly DeVanie
Carol Becker
Pat Stilley
Ann Hart
Jackie Gilchrist
Not Pictured - Came later
Susan Voinche
Carol Mayeux
Johanna Brister
Judy Taranto
Sourette Moras