Thoughts on South Shore High School's 50 Year Reunion

A little over two weeks ago, I attended a 50 year high school reunion. I flew up to Chicago with my wife for the week end, and attended a Friday night dinner for the January class (about 120 graduates in 1961), and a Saturday night dinner in the city
which included the June class (about 350 graduates in 1961). I have pondered this experience for two weeks now, and have wondered what I might record as pertinent observations about this unique experience.

Well, I have been spurred on by an email I received today. It was a well written article by someone who hated high school. Thick glasses, braces on her teeth, and a poor social life made her feel marginalized from the joys of others, and she debated whether or not to go to her 50th, but finally chose to attend.

Fortunately for her, her recent experience was the antithesis of her torture some 50 years ago. She received complements about her current appearance and even her social participation in that long forgotten experience of adolescent formation. I would like to add some different comments from another perspective about this deep-reaching experience.

I, and, I believe  many of my friends, had a glorious experience in high school. Looking back, I can only say, we were fortunate, and had each been given many gifts (the kind we may get throughout life if we are "lucky") that propelled us into the arena of enjoyment and fulfillment. For this I am profoundly grateful.  Sports, academics, social life, and spiritual development were blossoms that yielded an abundance of fruit that nourished me into my future.

I must admit, that all of this was dependent upon the people I was with and good fortune. South Shore was an idyllic environment, full of resourceful people with vivid imaginations and dogged determination to push ahead into the always uncertain future. There was no drug problem, no excessive violence, and no weapons, and we didn't know White Castles might give us atherosclerosis--I still miss them in North Carolina.  There was, at that time,  a spirit of astounding personal growth that pointed many of us towards a future of what we believed was unlimited opportunity. This was not to come as a given, but our work ethic was developed by this environment, and we knew that it would only materialize if we continued down a road of continued diligence.

Returning to the reunion, these impressions were reinforced by the "successful" and well rounded (not referring to our bodies) classmates I had the time to speak with. Lawyers, dentists, doctors, teachers, business men and women, all the vocations of life seemed to be represented. What a contribution to others we have had the opportunity to give; contributions that have sprouted from the spiritual and nurturing environment of South Shore High School.

When I look back, and now, into the future, I am most thankful for the gifts all of

us had at that long ago time some 50 years past. I am thankful that those of us who attended are still here to be able to "look back" and appreciate our favored past and each other. I would hope this experience will inspire us to continue to give to others. As times may get more difficult for each of as we go down this road to the "next reunion" it will be prudent to remember South Shore and count the gifts we received from this distinctive school and its special people. Thank you South Shore, and thank you all.