Bernards High School Class of 1957 has held six reunions since graduation, and they get better with time.   Previous reunions included the 10th (1967), 25th (1982), 30th (1987), 35th (1992), and the 40th, (1997).   Many would agree that this year was our finest to date.   Join us for a brief recap in pictures and words.
Gathering At The Tavern:   On Friday October 10, a rare and rainy eve, we gathered at Willies Tavern, the $2 million bar and restaurant in Bedminster (Somerset County).   Here, friendships and acquaintances were renewed, and several lively discussions accompanied fine food and drinks.   It was the only time Gail Reisinger Rohrich and her husband could attend this reunion; yet their visit was appreciated by everyone.
Through The Front Doors:   On Saturday morning, once again we entered the front doors of Bernards High recalling times long past when only seniors could use them.   Today, with two newer building additions, students and teachers use other entrances.   It all seemed much smaller somehow.   In this photo Carole Nordstrom Ricciardi, Jerry Rankin, Dort Mayes Hall, and Bill Gordon pause before entering the halls we recalled so fondly.
Near the end of the tour we stopped for a picture: (Front Row: Hannah Dietrich Berry, Nancy Kress Urbston, Monica Perkins Schindler, Bill Gordon, Bruce Sahler, Sandy Wilker Sahler.   Back Row: Warren Schindler, Carole Nordstrom Ricciardi, Rosemary Lange Olsen, John Personette, Dort Mayes Hall, Ron Pankow, Jerry Rankin, George Seymour, and Midi Buist Miller (For a very large picture click here).   The school we recall has changed substantially; see below.
Changes:   Here are some of the changes that were noted: We took typing, now it's called "keyboarding," and everyone is required to have computer skills. Everyone--student, teacher, and staff--has an e-mail account. Computers are everywhere. All student lockers are in the basement, not in the halls. There are many more sports for the girls. The gym has a great padded floor, and there is a "weight" room. Showers are not required for sports teams male or female; apparently a privacy issue. Desks are heavy-duty plastic instead of wood. The Guidance office is large, containing a Director of Guidance, and 3 Counselors. There is also a Learning Consultant. There are no hall monitors. Home Economics is no longer taught, and shop and related courses now are taught at the nearby Tech School. "Special Ed" classrooms hold few students and have great resources. BHS has a TV production studio that would be the envy of any organization. Four languages are taught, English, French, Latin, and Spanish. Six teachers teach Design/Technology. The library Card Catalog is "dead." "Bernards High School has been named an International Baccalaureate school.

The Main Event:   That evening, a large well dressed group showed up at the Somerville Elks Lodge in Bridgewater.   Gloria and Vicky met everyone and handed out the Reunion Yearbook Directory.   The Directory listed each class member, and included their address and a brief comment that they had provided previously.   Inside, Gloria brought close to a dozen yearbooks, Vicky displayed a thick folder of alumni letters she received, and an enlarged graduation picture was on display.   The food was great, and the music inspired dancing practically without stop.   One alumnus said that it was "good to hear and dance to the "old" songs."

Sunday Brunch:   The next morning the "die hards" met for a late brunch at the Hilton Garden Inn.   It was time to say fare well for a few more years.   Any class member who would like a copy of the Directory, contact Vicky Miller for details. Later, one alumna said, "All I can say is it was great seeing everyone again. I do think the additional activities gave everyone a better chance to chat with others -- six hours just doesn't cut it. I know after I got home Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, the memories were becoming more vivid and by Saturday evening made for better conversations."

Here are some additional pictures from these days.   Click on any picture for a larger version:

                                 

1. Jim, Joanne, Jon, Lori, Rosemary, Nancy | 2. Gloria & Bill | 3. Bob & Reba | 4. Willies Tavern | 5. Midi & Gail | 6. Diane, Linda, Monica & Warren | 7. Nancy & Gail | 8. Carole, Joan, Ed & Bill | 9. Ron, Dort, John, Bruce & Sandy | 10. Rosemary & Judie | 11. Clarissa & Harry Krumbiegel | 12. Pat & Harry | 13. Classroom | 14. Cathy & Bob | 15. Coach Don Ferry | 16. Bob, Reba, Gail, Nancy | 17. Jerry, Gail, and Frank.

Many thanks to Vicky Miller, Bob Moose, Gloria Robb Perrone, and Carole Norstrom Ricciardi for their long hours devoted to our enjoyment.

Also, you are invited to visit both the: BHS Alumni Site and sign the Guestbook. Where We Are site for the Class of 1957. Meanwhile, have fun, be safe, and recall the words of Shakespeare: "They do not love that do not show their love." Two Gentlemen of Verona, Act 1, Scene 1.

This BHS Alumni Reunion 2002 webpage was revised on Saturday, November 30, 2002. Comment about this page should be directed to George Edw. Seymour. Copyright © 2002 Systems Information Resources. All rights reserved.