Classmate Profiles

Gerry Murphy

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
1967 Chevy Impala, Volkswagen Jetta

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
Dylan, Kinks, Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Todd Rundgren, Renaissance

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
The "Park" in Westwood

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
Phil Goodyear, Ken Olsen, Jeff Jasper

Who were your best buds?
Paul Naperstek, Steve Mailet, Al Gilsenan, Art Stone, Jordan DeFlora

What is or was your career(s)?
Aircraft Mechanic, Small Business Owner and X-ray Tech

What are you passionate about in the present?
Music, Playing guitar and bass

Where do you live now?
Carlisle, PA

What's your favorite quote?
That'll do pig.

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school?
Education goes a long way in life.  Don't let others dictate your path in life.

If you had a time machine set to go back to your high school years, would you use it?  What, if anything, would you change?
Learned to play a musical instrument. Overall, my high school experience was low key, and fun.

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?
Watching Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" in the auditorium in an altered state of mind.

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. You can include the places you've lived, family, children, pets, accomplishments.
Moved to Boston for Aircraft Maintenance school, moved to Oakland CA for 8 years.  Moved to Middlebury VT and had a small business for another 4 years.  Relocated to Carlisle, PA and retooled by going to school to be an x-ray tech.  I am married with two daughters.  Still working part-time for an private Orthopedic practice.  Working on figuring out retirement.

Patti Ahrens Meckler

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
Chevy Impala, Audi Q5

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
James Taylor, The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
Friendly’s

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
Mrs. Tepe was my favorite and Mr. Goodyear, Mr. Petersen and Mr. Presiosi were also great. 

Who were your best buds?
Carol, Liz, Jer, Suzy, Mary and Vaune

What is or was your career(s)?
Phys Ed and Health teacher, Coach

What are you passionate about in the present?
My grandchildren, skiing, hiking, gardening, biking, kayaking and traveling. 

Where do you live now?
Palmer Township near Easton, PA

What's your favorite quote?
There is always, always, always something to be grateful for. 

If you had a super power, what would it be and how would you use it?
I guess flying or being invisible would be amazing.

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school?
Just keep swimming forward. 

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?
Our volleyball team was 12-0 in the NBIL and we got a lot of news coverage, when we went to the County playoffs we lost and we were all sobbing in the locker room, Mrs Tepe felt bad for us and said she’d take us to the Crepe restaurant at Paramus Park Mall and after we all ate there, we were able to cheer up a bit.   

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. You can include the places you've lived, family, children, pets, accomplishments.

I went to East Stroudsburg State College and majored in Phys Ed and Health with a Math minor. I played Volleyball and Swim Team there and had fun weekend jobs kayak guiding on the Lehigh River and ski instructing at Shawnee Mt. My first teaching job in 1979 was in Tuxedo Park, NY, I got my Masters in Applied Physiology at Teachers College, Columbia while I was teaching in NY.   I got married in 1982, moved to PA,  taught at Stroudsburg Middle School and raised our family on our dairy farm in Plainfield Township, PA. I also coached boys and girls HS tennis for many years.  My husband died from a car accident in 1992. I remarried in 1995 to a friend of my first husband’s.  We had annual family vacations to Ocean City, MD and Copper Mountain, CO and lots of other travel.  My husband got Alzheimer’s disease (too many broken football helmets), I took care of him and he passed away in 2017.  My son is a retired Navy Seal and lives in Fort Lauderdale with his girlfriend and son (and one on the way), my daughter lives and is a dentist in Nazareth, PA with her husband and 3 children that I babysit for on Tuesdays and Thursdays, they keep me busy! I still coach kids ski racing at Blue Mountain Resort; it’s been about 35 years now. 

Jill Seiden Anolik

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
In 1975 I drove a Pontiac, now a Hyundai

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
Carol King, Simon&Garfunkel, The Beatles

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
Red Coach (Red Roach)

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
Mr. Grazanio, Art, no tests, no papers to write

Who were your best buds?
Ed Berger, Jim McGovern, Marla Kravatz, Jill Seiden, Kathy Kolb, Diane Roncin, AKA "The Group"

What is or was your career(s)?
Technology Sales

Where do you live now?
Israel

If you had a super power, what would it be and how would you use it?
World Peace

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school?
Things do somehow work out in the end.

If you had a time machine set to go back to your high school years, would you use it?  What, if anything, would you change?
I would get to know more of my classmates.

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. You can include the places you've lived, family, children, pets, accomplishments.
I graduated from Emory University in Atlanta majoring in Art History and then worked at the Newark Museum for two years, I met my husband and we were married in NJ and then moved to Israel where I  did a Masters in Business at a Boston University program.  I  worked for an Israeli start-up in Digital Printing called Indigo as a buyer. It was bought by HP. I found my place in US companies, first at 3Com heading up Procurement and then Sun Microsystems and Oracle in regional EMEA Technology Sales roles. I  had the opportunity to travel to  many places,  meet many interesting people and work on projects with cutting edge technology.   I am just now retiring having left Oracle in August. I have four children (2 girls and 2 boys)  and 7 grandchildren.   

Patti Martin

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?

'65 Rambler Marlin/‘22 Mazda CX5

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
Yes, Pink Floyd, Moody Blues, Lynyrd Skynyrd / Teddy Swims, some Country & classic 70’s

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
friends houses, Park Ridge where my bf lived (future husband), Friendly’s, the brook at school ;)

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
Mr. Graziano (Art), I’m friends with him now, and he’s still as nice as can be!   Mr Ganz (Bio) He probably got my interest in science to forward into future nursing

Who were your best buds?
mainly Laraine Dippold (I never got over her death), Sue Leonard, Nancy Meyer, Francine Lisanti

What is or was your career(s)?
I’m a Hospice Nurse, but started out first in the emergency room department at PVH, then OB/ Newborn Nursery Nurse at Good Samaritan Hospital

What are you passionate about in the present?
Humanity!  My grandkids, kids, educating people about Hospice, cooking and traveling.

Where do you live now?
North Carolina

What's your favorite quote?
“Some people come into our lives and quietly go, others stay for awhile, leave footprints on our hearts and we are never the same”
“God laughs while we are busy making plans”
“Can’t make this shit up”

If you had a super power, what would it be and how would you use it?
Cure childhood cancer

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school?
That eventually the HS bullies will most likely end up either bald, fat, wrinkled and/or ugly.  Maybe even all 4 
Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?
Cutting school after being dropped off from just getting my driver's permit. Pam Newton let me drive her car to Burger King. I pulled into the lot and panicked as someone was pulling out. Hit the gas instead of brake!
Park Ridge cop “May I see your driver's license?”  Me: "Umm, I have my permit." Cop “Ok, how long have you had your permit?”  Me: "About 1 hour"

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. 
Married my bf of 6 yrs in 1980
3 kids- 2 girls, 1 boy (all 3 married)
2 grandkids and one on the way
Divorced after 23 yrs
Been in NC almost 19 yrs
I’ve been lucky to have traveled quite a bit.
Love to cook
I had a severe accident the end of Dec 2023, and have been basically housebound/bed-chair ridden since then. Numerous surgeries.
I’m grateful for all the constant support I’ve received from my family and friends, for these two years.
Blessed I’m able to walk again.
God is good!
The old saying that “life can change in the blink of an eye “ is so very true!

Have fun and see you all at the next reunion!

Robert Hubbard

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
In 75 it was our family's 1963 Rambler which I helped my mom pick out in Kindergarten and now a Honda HR-V.  Both excellent cars.

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
It was Jim Croce, Don Mclean, Chicago, CCR, Beatles, Paul Simon, Elvis.   Has not changed much.  When you have seen the best why change?  Today's music is horrible.

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
Friendlies, if I had to pick one

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
No favorite but liked Goodyear, Jasper, and Kuehnapfel for really giving a damn.

Who were your best buds?
Dave Fredlic, Dom Turrito, Wayne Olsen, Mike Wierer, Ed Berger

What is or was your career?
Landscape maintenance business owner

What are you passionate about in the present?
Working out, playing softball, pickleball, bowling, gardening (beat the animals this year and actually ate my own vegetables), genealogy

Where do you live now? I bought house I grew up in last year after my mom died.  That would be Hillsdale of course.

What's your favorite quote?
"The first hundred years are the toughest." "Life is easy, it is the people in it who make it hard,"-- my grandfather. "If your friends jumped off a bridge, would you do it too?"--Everyone's mom. "When they catch a criminal, they never find a mensa card in their back pocket,"--some cop. "How did you get to be so old and not learn a thing?"--said by me but likely said by many. "Two paths diverged in a yellow wood...I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference"--Robert Frost, and boy is that true.

If you had a super power, what would it be and how would you use it?
To go back in time and change events so the future is better, either for the world or individuals.  Yeah I know they made a TV show about that:)

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school?
The names of the custom shoemakers I use now since I have feet that do not work right. I did not feel human until I was 38 when I had shoes made that allowed me to walk right for the first time.  That made me feel like Superman because it aligned my nervous system for first time.  Doctors are sooo over rated.   That is the only thing I wish I knew.  If you have two good feet you should feel blessed.  Everything else will follow.

If you had a time machine set to go back to your high school years, would you use it?  What, if anything, would you change?
See above.  It would have changed the way I felt and I would have been able to participate more and concentrate and talk more. Ask people who know me now and they would not believe I was quiet.

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why? There was the school hamburger eating conspiracy bet with the kid from Chicago, the streaking episodes, the faculty vs current and former baseball players basketball game, some Yankees using our one field for practice during the 1972 baseball strike including Gene Michael and many other memories.  But I pick two.  One was in Armstrong's English class where some of us were picked to read a part in a story.  We each used a different accent to read the part, German, southern, New England, etc.  This went on longer than we thought it would and Mrs. Armstrong finally exploded and told us we did not really talk like that and to cut it out.  Chief conspirators were Ed Berger, Elliot Levy and myself.  The other was freshman year of baseball when O'Brien finally let me play a whole game just before the end of the season.  We played Lodi and I was determined to show OB he made a mistake not playing me.  We won 5-2 I think and I scored or knocked in all the runs by going 3 for 3 with lines drives that nearly took the second baseman's head off.  On the way back home Gary Clayton held a Kiner's Corner interview with me at the back of the bus and asked me why the coach did not play me more.  I said loud enough for OB to hear that I did not know, You'd have to ask him:)  The next day Doc Doolittle congratulated me.  I pick all of these because they make me smile when I recall them.

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. 
Went to Bergen with Dom and Wayne and got an A.A. in Business Administration. Worked couple of months at nursing home and started landscape business in 1978 which slowly built up.  Have had hundreds upon hundreds of customers locally and in Bergenfield/Dumont area. Started family tree research after TV show Roots in 1977 and go back to 1500s on some sides.  Belong to Bergen County Genealogic Society.  I can find just about anyone and no one knows local history better than me. Lived in Hillsdale to 2000 then Westwood until last year when I bought parent's home. Coached Junior Bowling and was vice president of JR Bowling Association (mainly because kid brother was bowling), played town softball, church softball, over 35 hardball, have bowled in Methodist bowling league in Montvale since 1978. Traveled in winter months to Florida, Puerto Rico, London, Bonaire, Cancun, Mexico City, San Francisco, Seattle, Las Vegas.  Now play pickleball in winter months.  And of course, like to grow vegetables and work out.

Arthur Stone

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What is your ride nowadays? My mom’s old Ford
Falcon. Amazing it even had seat belts and glad I never had to test whether it had
safety glass.

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now? Was very partial to the San
Francisco bands growing up and I still listen to the Dead’s Europe 72 album and think
fondly of Jerry Murphy.

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why? Ms. Wall, who got me to
read and thoroughly enjoy all 600 pages of Herman Wouk’s novel – Marjorie
Morningstar.

Who were your best buds? Such a lovely gang which included Jordan Deflora, John
Murano, Debby Buckey, Barbara Serra and Mary Riley

What is or was your career(s)?  Retired from commercial real estate, specialized in the
ugliest structures to ever grace the New Jersey landscape.

What are you passionate about in the present? Living to see the rise of a politically
moderate third party and seeing trains in all lower 48 states. Utah remains the lone
exception.

Where do you live now? North Plainfield, NJ
 
If you had a super power, what would it be and how would you use it? Rectify the
disastrous right-hand turn by the Archduke’s driver that precipitated World War I, from
which all evil has stemmed ever since.

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to
know in high school? It’s so much easier to strike up conversations than I realized
back then.

If you had a time machine set to go back to your high school years, would you use it?
What, if anything, would you change? I definitely would have taken Mary Riley’s advice and learned shorthand.

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to
since graduation. Life has been very kind to me in terms of family and health. My
passion for over 40 years has been traveling the back roads of America. It could be the
coal fields of West Virgina, or following the wheat harvest in Washington State’s
Palouse hills. I am happiest when I look out a plane window and say “oh, I wonder what
it’s like down there”.

Karen Breese

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
Rambler/Toyota Corolla

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
John Denver/Josh Groban

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
Attending/watching Yankees baseball games

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
Barbara Sapienza - I enjoyed learning from her.

Who were your best buds?
Barbara Miles Dillon/Kathleen Schaefer Warner

What is or was your career(s)?
Law Firm Management

What are you passionate about in the present?
Actively engaged in retirement and all it has to offer.

Where do you live now?
New Jersey

What's your favorite quote?
"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible!'" Audrey Hepburn

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school?
Enjoy the moments!  Live in the present.

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?
Attending football games; attending girls basketball games... female sports were just getting started when we were in high school.  The team started out good and was great for so many years under Jasper.

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. You can include the places you've lived, family, children, pets, accomplishments, etc.
I started working right out of high school  I obtained a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree at night while working full-time.  The last 27 years of my career, I worked in corporate law firm management. I relocated to California in 1997.  I lived in Northern California for four years and Southern California for 17 years before moving back to the East Coast in 2019.  I happily retired in 2022.

Jolanta Benal

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
none and none

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
Patti Smith / The Mountain Goats

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
the entire English department, and also Mr Linton (bio)

Who were your best buds?
I graduated a year early so they were mostly 1976 grads. In 1975, Lisa Stokes.

What is or was your career(s)?
freelance book editing

What are you passionate about in the present?

Where do you live now?
Brooklyn, NY

What's your favorite quote?
... TAKE THE UNIVERSE [Death said] AND GRIND IT DOWN TO THE FINEST POWDER AND SIEVE IT THROUGH THE FINEST SIEVE AND THEN SHOW ME ONE ATOM OF JUSTICE, ONE MOLECULE OF MERCY. AND YET— Death waved a hand. AND YET YOU ACT AS IF THERE IS SOME IDEAL ORDER IN THE WORLD, AS IF THERE IS SOME ... SOME RIGHTNESS IN THE UNIVERSE BY WHICH IT MAY BE JUDGED.

“Yes, but people have got to believe that, or what’s the point—”

MY POINT EXACTLY.

-- Terry Pratchett, Hogfather
(If you know PTerry, you know Death always speaks in ALL CAPS; that's not just me shouting. Though I could shout.)

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?
In general, kindness and encouragement from certain teachers.

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. You can include the places you've lived, family, children, pets, accomplishments, etc.
College, law school, realization that I didn't want to be a lawyer, freelance editing, meeting my partner (1989), realizing she'd pulled a bait-and-switch because she was working in publishing when I met her but then she went to med school, marrying her when it became legal, starting volunteer work at an organization that serves children of incarcerated parents, meeting a boy who's now a young man and very dear to me, and, as the above may suggest, reading a lot of history and discovering that the more you know the more anti-fascist you become. 

Jean Kleister Pagano

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
Then: 59 Cadillac; now Chevy Trax

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
John Denver, Jim Croce

Who were your best buds?
Sue Casper, Robin Gillespie

What is or was your career(s)?
Retail

What are you passionate about in the present?
My grandchildren

Where do you live now?                         Florida

John Murano

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?

My mother’s orange 1972 Pontiac Ventura.  Today I drive a 2011 Nissan Murano (what else?)

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
It seemed to change year to year in high school, but it started with Chicago and ended with the Kinks.  Today, I listen to Lake Street Dive and Jesse Welles, who may be the best singer songwriter in a generation. (Sorry, Taylor.)

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
I didn’t really hang out anywhere other than the lunchroom until senior year, when my new lunch room became Wood Dale park

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
Mrs. Crikelair who was an amazing teacher,  and Mr. Goodyear, who made Physics phun. 

Who were your best buds?
Lou Conte (class of ‘76), Jordan DeFlora, Mark Volpe, Drew Ruspini and Mike Denofa.

What is or was your career(s)?
I’m an attorney, soon to be a retired attorney.

What are you passionate about in the present?
traveling, tailgating, enjoying good food

Where do you live now?
For the past 31 years, I’ve lived in the Township of Washington, though my post office address is Ridgewood and where my daughter attended public school

What's your favorite quote?
“It has happened, therefore, it could happen again.” Enough said.

If you had a super power, what would it be and how would you use it?
I want to be the starting first baseman for the New York Yankees.  Whatever superpower it takes to get me there, though I wouldn’t sell my soul for it.  I’ve seen that movie before.

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school??
I learned how to sum up 50 years of my life in exactly 100 words, and while that may not have been helpful to know in high school, it was quite useful in responding to this questionnaire.  Other than that, I learned that it’s best to get out there, take risks and don’t be afraid of failure.

If you had a time machine set to go back to your high school years, would you use it?  What, if anything, would you change?
I’m perfectly happy and satisfied where I am in life and would have no interest in being an intellectually challenged teenager again.

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?
By far, being in the “Music Man” in my senior year. After having no experience in acting or serious singing,  on a whim, I auditioned for the “Music Man,” and was thrilled to learn that I got a part in the barbershop quartet.  I made so many great friends, not the least of whom was Bob Zorowitz, and the experience helped me come out of my shell.  

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. You can include the places you've lived, family, children, pets, accomplishments, etc.
I attended and was graduated from Villanova, majoring in accounting.  I hated accounting. I went to law school, became a lawyer, got my experience and opened my own practice in 1989 in Oradell where I remain today.  I took on a partner in 1999  forming the firm of Murano & Roth.  Meanwhile, I married way over my head to the former Felicia Gaski, a wonderful wife, and happily retired HS Spanish teacher, with whom I’ll be celebrating our 40th anniversary next year.  My daughter, Victoria, born 1998, just received her master’s degree and will be teaching middleschool French in September.

Jordan DeFlora

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
Then: Fiat 124 Wagon Now: Chevy Blazer

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
Then: The Who, Jethro Tull and The Kinks. Now: pretty much the same but also Blackberry Smoke, Fountains of Wayne, Fastball and Rusted Root

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
Wood Dale Park

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
Rick Morra but favorite class was business law with Mr. Schwinge

Who were your best buds?
Art Stone, Gary DaSaro, Paul Naperstek and John Murano

What is or was your career(s)?
Attorney retired last year

What are you passionate about in the present?
Family, friends, NY Giants, NJ Devils, music, golf and whiskey

Where do you live now?
Demarest, NJ

What's your favorite quote?
People often change, but memories of people can remain.

If you had a super power, what would it be and how would you use it?
Super speed.  I would use it to avoid traffic

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school??
Think before you act or speak although I still don't do it as often as I should.

If you had a time machine set to go back to your high school years, would you use it?  What, if anything, would you change?
No.  Although if I did go back, I would try to be a little nicer.

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?
Caroling senior year and the senior class trip

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation.
After graduation I went to Ursinus College for 2 years and then transferred to Rutgers College.   After graduating I went to Wake Forrest law school.  When in North Carolina, I met Laura who despite my last name married me in 1985 (yes, she goes by Laura DeFlora).  We have lived in Cliffside Park and Paramus before finally settling in Demarest.  We have 3 children Sarah, Angelo and Tom and one grandchild Sean (with another due God willing in July 2025). My son Angelo is engaged and is to be married in 2026.  I worked 42 years as an attorney doing mostly contract and real estate work.  I initially retired in 2021 and again in 2024.  Maybe this time it will stick.

Nancy Bonard

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
I didn't have a car in 1975. I went to college in NYC, so took public trans. I drive a Subaru now.

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
I liked a variety of music then, like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Judy Collins, and some pop music. I still like a wide variety of music, including jazz, classical, rock, folk, etc. I volunteer each summer at the Sebago Long Lakes Music Festival, which features classical musical

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
I really didn't hang out. I was either at school, at my part-time job, or at home.

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
I like Dr. Ganz and Biology, and also English classes with Ms. Hering. They were inspirational teachers who treated us as young adults, and who encouraged us to be our best.

Who were your best buds?
Janet Atsatt, Ellen Dickinger

What is or was your career(s)?
I've been a production editor, but went back to college and got my nursing degree. I still am a Registered Nurse and Nurse Educator, and work teaching NCLEX licensing reviews to nursing students at various colleges in the Northeast U.S.

What are you passionate about in the present?
I'm passionate about making a positive difference in the world, and volunteer at JBJ Soul Kitchen in Toms River. I'm concerned about equality, justice and freedom.

Where do you live now?
Manchester, NJ in the Winter, & Spring,  and Casco, Maine in the Summer & Fall.

What's your favorite quote?
"We are our choices." -- Jean Paul Sartre

If you had a super power, what would it be and how would you use it?
Create world peace, end world hunger, and create a just and sustainable Earth

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school??
Lots of things don't really matter as much as we think they do or might. Embrace each opportunity, and learn as much as you can.

If you had a time machine set to go back to your high school years, would you use it?  What, if anything, would you change?
No, I wouldn't go back in time. I like where I am today. If I could change anything, it would be to be more involved in the school community.

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?
Modern dance club was more fun than I could have thought. French club was fun, and I got to interact with upper classmen.

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. 
I've been busy working & raising my family for a couple decades. I have two sons, one who is a Respiratory Therapist, & the younger is a Physicians Assistant. I lived in Maine for five years, but missed my family & NJ, so have a winter home in Manchester, & a summer home in Casco, Maine. I'm semi-retired, & enjoy having freedom to pursue interests and volunteering.

Barbara Mansfield Spielmann

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
I was a walker. Today, Hyundai Elantra

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
Now I listen to - Josh Groban

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
Cafeteria

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
Lois Jasper

Who were your best buds?
My cafeteria table friends. Including Freda, Gloria, Janet, Diane. So many! Richard of course!

What is or was your career(s)?
Graduated with a degree in elementary and special ed. Became a librarian.

What are you passionate about in the present?
My family! We have lots of family and I adore three grands.

Where do you live now?
We live in Ramsey, N.J.

What's your favorite quote?
I love quotes! I use different ones along the days.
"Walk in the day." is a current favorite.
"Not to decide, is to decide." Father Donato

If you had a super power, what would it be and how would you use it?
Our daughter has a magic finger that she uses on rare occasions in 6th grade teaching. I think she got it from my mom and I am jealous!

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school??
It would have been good to know that I could go easy on myself. I try to give that to the grandkids.

If you had a time machine set to go back to your high school years, would you use it?  What, if anything, would you change?
I'm thinking that high school would be too complicated for me! Once was enough!

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?
I remember signing up to run track and there was no track for girls! I remember applying and be accepted to travel with AFS. It was a major adjustment to leave St. John's and join such a big school.

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. 
I am married for almost 50 years. We have lived in 4 homes along the way. We reared two children, son (now deceased) and daughter. We have 3 grands who we treasure, the oldest just graduated from SUNY Albany. We currently live in Ramsey with an elderly cat names Julia Child. Retirement is new for me and I am adjusting well. I am happy that we continue to live near so much family. We are blessed.

Sergio Melara

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
1967 Oldsmobile, 2000 cherry Silverado 1500 4x4 , 2017 Honda Accord, restored 1981 Chevy C10

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
ELO, Moody Blues, Pink Floyd

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
Mr Jasper

Who were your best buds?
Robert Denehy , Steven Maillet

What is or was your career(s)?
Flight Engineer

What are you passionate about in the present?
Traveling

Where do you live now?
Dallas Georgia

What's your favorite quote?
This too will pass

If you had a super power, what would it be and how would you use it?
Musical instrument player, entertain others

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school??
Money management

If you had a time machine set to go back to your high school years, would you use it?  What, if anything, would you change?
Would not go back, what is done is done, no regrets and no what if’s

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?
My first snow day

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. 

Proudly joined the USAF, became a flight Engineer and few C130E, H2, H3 series for 20 years, move to Saudi Arabia and worked as an aircraft mechanic, back to the States to train C130 air crews for the DOD as a C130 simulator instructor, lived in Germany 4 years, Philippines 4 yrs, Middle East in various countries 2 years. Married 3 times, divorced 3 times, children 3, Bachelors from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Retired and living life to its fullest and no regrets. ( 3 is my number seems like it)

Robin Gillespie Soares

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
Ford Falcon, Nissan Sentra

Who were your best buds?
Sue Casper, Jean Kleister

What is or was your career(s)?
Bookkeeping

What are you passionate about in the present?
My grandkids and my crafts

Where do you live now?
Colorado Springs, CO

If you had a time machine set to go back to your high school years, would you use it?  What, if anything, would you change?
No

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. 
Married twice, now a widow. Two children, four grandkids. Lived in NY, Maryland, Utah, California and now Colorado. Traveled by car across the country twice. Now retired and enjoying a relaxed life.

Robert Zorowitz

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
A 1970 something Volkswagon Squareback.  Now I ride the subways and buses! (And occasionally am allowed to drive Laurie's 2020 Subaru Crosstrek.)

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
The Beatles then.  Still the Beatles, but also Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
Friendly's, The "Dead Roach" Diner

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
Mr. Arnold Peterson.  Loved math.  I mean there was also Mr. Phil Goodyear, fabulous physics teacher.  Do I have to pick only one?

Who were your best buds?
Ed Berger, Jim McGovern, Marla Kravatz, Jill Seiden, Kathy Kolb, Diane Roncin, AKA "The GROUP."

What is or was your career(s)?
I've been a physician for 44 years and a geriatrician for 37 years.  I've worked in New York, Atlanta, and El Paso and am still working full time as Regional VP for Health Services for the Northeast Region of Humana.

What are you passionate about in the present?
Piano! I still play chamber music every week and look forward to our annual recitals.

Where do you live now?
The city so nice, they named it twice: New York, NY.

What's your favorite quote?
"Out of wine comes truth
Out of truth the vision clears
And with vision soon appears
A grand design
From the grand design
You can understand the world
And when you understand the world
You need a lot more wine"--Stephen Sondheim

If you had a super power, what would it be and how would you use it?
The obvious one is flying, but I would rather choose the ability to play piano like the great concert pianists (with my own style, of course).   Hey, how about being fluent in any language in the world--now that would make traveling even more fun!

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school??
1. Ignore the color of your gym shorts.
2. The best way to learn to write is to write, write, write.

If you had a time machine set to go back to your high school years, would you use it?  What, if anything, would you change?
1. I'd have told the gym teachers to teach us gray shorts kids how to run the mile.
2. I'd have taken that interview at Northwestern (long story).
3. I'd have declined the participate in that talent show that Mr. D'Angelo asked me to do and gone to Camp Pontiac instead!

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?
There are so, so many, I don't know where to begin.  Singing in the barbershop quartet in "The Music Man." Hanging out with "The GROUP" o Sunday nights to watch "Monty Python."  The one tennis match that Mike Wierer and I won as Freshman, when the rest of the team lost!  And any number of stupid moments that are too numerous too count (and too embarrassing to list).

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. You can include the places you've lived, family, children, pets, accomplishments, etc.
Graduated medical school and did my residency in New York.  Then I spent two years in the National Health Service Corps in Franklin, GA, and El Paso, TX, before coming back to NYC to do my fellowship in geriatric medicine.  Married, moved to Atlanta and have two wonderful daughters, Sydney and Jane.  Moved back to the Northeast, divorced and am now living in NYC with Laurie, who has three grown kids of her own.  I still play piano, we travel and go to theater and museums.  I still bicycle around Central Park several times a week.  And I'm still working full time!

Liz Janssen

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
My parent's Oldsmobile for errands only.  But my boss at Tice's Farm let me drive her pink convertible for errands. My ride now is "Lucy," a Mini Cooper Clubman

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
Joni Mitchell, Joni Mitchell, Joni Mitchell and I have a lot of close seconds.

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
Friendly's, Mint chocolate chip with sprinkles after games

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
Mrs. Tepe, she developed me as an athlete and team player and remained friends after graduation.

Who were your best buds?
Nancy Dinneny, Carol Flach, Cathy Stackpole, and anyone I played a sport with.

What is or was your career(s)?
Psychiatric Nurse Practitoner, Psychoanalyst, Trauma Specialist

What are you passionate about in the present?
Being a senior citizen, I love it!  Theater, music, museums, my work, NYC

Where do you live now?
Riverdale section of da Bronx

What's your favorite quote?
"It's fun to have fun but you have to know how."  The Cat in the Hat

If you had a super power, what would it be and how would you use it?
To fly.  It beats trying to find a parking spot in NYC.

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school??
Like Bob Marley says:   "Don't worry 'bout a thing, 'cause every little thing gonna be alright."  This is just adolescence intensifying everything.

If you had a time machine set to go back to your high school years, would you use it?  What, if anything, would you change?
Nah, I love the memories I have.   

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?
The Select Choir concert sophomore year.  We had a wonderfully talented choir.  The concert was made into an album.  I remember the teacher dropping the album off at my house.  I was happy singing.

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. You can include the places you've lived, family, children, pets, accomplishments, etc.
Gee, I'll tell you all about it when we see each other.  How is that for succinct? 

Emma Brandon

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride? 

Catalina in 1975 and Audi A3 Convertible now

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
John Denver, Elton John in 75.   Jackson Brown is my favorite.

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
Phil Goodyear -- He was genuine and caring

What is or was your career(s)?
Nursing: Med Surg, Neonatal ICU (NICU), OB/Gyn Physician Practice, Case Management, NICU Nurse Manager, Director of Clinical IT Systems, AVP of Clinical IT Systems

What are you passionate about in the present?
Family, especially spending time with my 4 Grand children.  Traveling with my husband

Where do you live now?
Melbourne Beach Florida and Stone Harbor NJ

What's your favorite quote?
"If you are happy, your children are happy"

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school?
Don't sweat the small stuff. Things have a way of working out, no matter how difficult. Just give it time.

If you had a time machine set to go back to your high school years, would you use it?  What, if anything, would you change?
No, I love my life.   I am fortunate to have a great family and friends. I have taken chances throughout my life.   Even during the difficult times, there was always a positive outcome. 

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. You can include the places you've lived, family, children, pets, accomplishments, etc.
I graduated Nursing School with a Diploma and earned a  Bachelors in Nursing and Masters in Health Administration.  After a divorce, I raised my son Christopher.  My husband Steve came into our lives when Chris was 6.   I worked almost 30 years at Cooper University Hospital, where they developed my leadership skills and eventually implemented their Electronic Health Record.    I was recruited to Mount Sinai Medical and Cleveland Clinic, retiring in 2024. proudest accomplishment is Christopher’s family, which includes four children I enjoy going back and forth from Florida to Philadelphia area to spend time with all my Family.   

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? Now?

1973 yellow Jeep Scout/ 2024 Subaru Crosstrek (the Lesbian Vehicle of Choice!)

Who was your favorite singer/group?
Joni Mitchell

What was your favorite song?
Killing Me Softly, Roberta Flack

What brand of jeans did you wear?
Lee

Who were your best buds and where was your favorite hangout?
The Janssen twins, Carol Rekow, Patti Ahrens 

Where did you work?
independent landscaping

Where do you live now?
Portland Oregon

What's your favorite quote?
"Peace of mind makes space for good things to happen."—me

If you had a super power, what would it be and how would you use it? 

True Understanding. I would use it for lots of things, from avoiding arguments with my wife to whirled peas!

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
Andy Preziosi, Earth Science. I wasn’t ever a super student, especially in the sciences. Mr. Prez took an interest in me and encouraged me personally and academically.

What have you learned in the 50 years since we were graduated that you wish you knew in high school?
Self-confidence

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?
Pool hopping with pals 

Give a brief synopsis of the last 50 years in 100 words or fewer. Post-graduation, significant relocations, family, children, pets, accomplishments, passions and hobbies.
Our family moved to the Land of AZ mid sophomore year. Went to college in Flagstaff, AZ. In 1981, I moved to Eugene Oregon for grad school and to get the hell out of the Land of AZ. In 1982, got a job at Friendly House, a nonprofit neighborhood center and social service org in Portland and spent the next nearly 40 years there, becoming executive director in 2007. I have one son, who is in a relationship with a wonderful woman who has a four-year old. Eileen McClary and I married in 2014, shortly after it was legalized, but we’ve been together for 25 years. I retired at the beginning of Covid and took my dog on a 7 week solo roadtrip to rediscover myself post work life. I love retirement because it’s given me time to putter, be creative and have a blast!

If you could go back to high school, is there anything you would do differently?
Wouldn’t have moved away middle of sophomore year

Richard Spielmann

What kind of car did you drive in 1975?
1974 Green Ford Pinto Hatchback

Who was your favorite singer/group?
Peter Frampton

What was your favorite song?
Freebird

What brand of jeans did you wear?
Levi's

Whom did you have a crush on?
My wife Barbara --- of course!

Who were your best buds and where was your favorite hangout?
Alan Pellegrini and Marty Grief - Lunches with beer at "The Library" Woodcliff lake NJ

Where did you work?
Pascack Valley Hospital

Where do you live now?
Ramsey, NJ

What's your favorite quote?
Consider how hard it is to change yourself and you’ll understand what little chance you have trying to change others. By Arnold Glasow

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
Dan Hamilton - Cooperative Education Teacher
He helped to guide me on my path for which I am eternally grateful.

What have you learned in the 50 years since we were graduated that you wish you knew in high school?
Chill a little and enjoy life.

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?
Freshman Class Trip - Seaside Heights NJ which was my first date - June 16, 1972 - with who would become my wife
Senior Class Trip - Camp Pontiac - For so many reasons - not fit for printing.

Give a brief synopsis of the last 50 years in 100 words or fewer. Post-graduation, significant relocations, family, children, pets, accomplishments, passions and hobbies.
Got Married to Barbara Mansfield
Went to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park NY - Graduating with honors in 1977
Began my career as a Banquet Chef for Sheraton Hotels
For many reasons moved my career into healthcare
Pascack Valley Hospital - Westwood, NJ
Palisades General Hospital - North Bergen, NJ
Opened, ran and sold a deli in Florida, NY
Greenwich Hospital, Greenwich CT
Graduated from Mt. Saint Mary College with honors in 1998
and back to Pascack Valley Hospital, Westwood, NJ where I retired in 2017
Had 2 children and a slue of foster children. Erica, our daughter, has three children all over the age of 17. Our son Mark passed away in 2020
This year Barbara and I will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary

If you could go back to high school, is there anything you would do differently?
Nope

Tom Bader

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
Ford Fairlane. Kia Rio and a 2000 Dodge Dakota pickup

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
Elton John, Eagles, America. Classic Rock Classic Country

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
Mr. Ziemba, the math teacher. He just had this easy-going style. I felt bad in senior year I had to drop out of his computer class. That was new and Mr. Olsen had the flight simulator class. But the computer thing, I just couldn't figure out how to write code.

Who were your best buds?
Bob Dennehy, Bill Pender

What are you passionate about in the present?
The family and the grandkids, cycling, working out.

Where do you live now?
Statesville, NC

What's your favorite quote?
F*** No!  Roy Kent/Ted Lasso

If you had a super power, what would it be and how would you use it?
Mind control, of course.

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school?
You won't need that algebra in your future.

If you had a time machine set to go back to your high school years, would you use it?  What, if anything, would you change?
Maybe 1 or 2 things. One definitely being to try and stop John from putting that stool under the cabinet in Mr. Linton's classroom. Sorry John, I couldn't hold it in any longer.

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?
Being nominated for Friendliest Boy was quite a shock and sharing it with Kim as friendliest girl made it that much more special. Also, Camp Pontiac. Has any other senior class done anything like that?

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. You can include the places you've lived, family, children, pets, accomplishments.
After graduation I went full-time at Medi-Mart in Hillsdale. I thought about joining the army around then or at least take their test to see what I was good at. Went down with my recruitment officer from the Ridgewood train station to Newark to take the test and get a physical. Ran into Gary Schultze down there. He was going to join the submariners. I wonder if he did and how's he doing. Didn't join, the test didn't help me although I did find out I am color blind, and I didn't have TB. So, there was that anyway.
After Medi-Mart, I worked for Citizens First National Bank. While doing that, I also bussed tables at Talk of The Town Restaurant in Hillsdale.
After the bank, I started working for the Postal Service in Dec. 1979. I worked in the Harrington Park NJ office for about 20 years. At the same time, I worked part-time nights and Saturdays at Service Merchandise for like 5 years.
Transferred at Harrington Park to Franklin NJ, where I was living at the time, and retired at the end of May 2015.
We moved down to Statesville NC in July 2015. Came out of retirement in Oct, went to work for a Kangaroo gas station (a shite job), quit right after the holidays. Started working for a small airplane cleaning business (a really shite job). Quit after about 2 weeks. No time clock, no schedule. I needed a little more structure.
Started working at a BJ's Wholesale Club Jan. 2016 in Mooresville NC overnights 5 nights a week and am still working there. Was hoping to retire this past Feb. after my knee surgery, but that didn't happen. So, now the plan is to keep going till I'm 70 and if I keep replacing my joints, both knees so far, I just might make it.
My wife Eileen and I celebrated our 44th wedding anniversary in Sept. We have 4 kids-Matt, Emily, Celia and Molly. Those 4 being my greatest accomplishments. And now, 5 grandkids-Cash, Dawson, Elly, Lucy and Tommy (great name, right). Those 4 being my greatest accomplishments.

Carolyn Bowler Joy

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
I think it was a blue Pontiac convertible. Been driving Mercedes for years, only  because i love the sound system. :)

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
Neil Young; Neil Young

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
Parking Lot at Friendly’s or at friend’s houses like Billy Blynn, Sue Clarke, Joan Kettenman

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
Mr. Falke. He was smart, kind, interesting and the ultimate teacher

Who were your best buds?
Sue Clarke, Joan Kettenman, Alice Borowski, Diane Grassi

What is or was your career(s)?
Real Estate

What are you passionate about in the present?
My family, music, my family

Where do you live now?
Irvington, NY

What's your favorite quote?
So long and thanks for all the fish!

If you had a super power, what would it be and how would you use it?
If I had a super power right now I would rebuild Gaza, no, wait…I would go back in time so that the genocide and destruction never happened.

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school?
You are a child in high school. Avoid peer pressure. Do the right thing.

If you had a time machine set to go back to your high school years, would you use it?  What, if anything, would you change?
I would go back to every time I was foolish and I would show a stronger person in that place.

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?
So many, especially 11/15/1972 and 02/03/1974:  Willy’s car accident and going off to Brazil for a year.

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. You can include the places you've lived, family, children, pets, accomplishments.

Four years of college in Ann Arbor, Michigan; back to NYC and got married at 24. First child at 28, and three more (they are now 40, 38 and 30); Divorced at 47; Met Chris Hunter in 2005 and about to have our 20th; 2 Grandchildren (for now); much travel to Europe including many visits with Meredyth who lives in France. Skiing! Museums, biking, family gatherings, Happiness is my greatest accomplishment.

Carol Rekow Flach

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
broken down Ford Fairlane/hybrid Toyota Rav4

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
then-Grateful Dead, Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne  now-Grateful Dead, Goose, Brandi Carlile

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
Janssen's backroom, Friendly's after work

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
Preziosi, Linton, Ziemba, Binder

Who were your best buds?
Jer and Liz Janssen, Nancy Dinneny, Cathy Stackpole, Vaune and Linda Albanese until they moved

What is or was your career(s)?

Biomedical Research-  I managed a research lab at Rutgers, Newark, grant writing, mentoring undergrad and grad students (my favorite part), publishing papers for 27 years. I also consulted for various companies using biophysical chemistry techniques to investigate specific concerns. 

Ed Conroy

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
Occasionally dad's '71 Nova. Now Chevy Colorado and BMW R1200RT

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
NRPS, Allmans, Dead, Marshall Tucker Band.  Now same plus ZBB, Kenny, Jimmy, John Hiatt, and a slew of local musicians in the NH/ME seacoast area

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
Janssen's, Hal's Mustang, Gerbehy's, football field

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
Wild Bill Collins was a close second to Phil Goodyear.

Who were your best buds?
Jay, Bob, Larry, Mick, Vinny, Wahoo, Kelly, Giach

What is or was your career(s)?
Civil & Environmental Engineering.  Building things now knocking em down

What are you passionate about in the present?
Kids, grandkids, woodworking, boating, Patriots

Where do you live now?
Kittery ME

What's your favorite quote?
We mock the thing we are to be! - Mel Brooks and Jay Gerbehy

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school?
Don't listen to guidance counselors.

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?
Honors math with Kuehnapfel with Rick A. in the front driving the bus.  Vinny and I wresting with a pencil and it ended up in Wahoo's mouth piercing his gumline.  When Wahoo said "Vinny, I cant see!", we erupted and Kuehnapfel told Vinny to take Wahoo to the nurse which of course he didnt do and Wahoo regained his vision in the hallway after Vinnie led him over a few desks on the way out of the classroom

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. You can include the places you've lived, family, children, pets, accomplishments, etc.
I went to Rutgers with some PV alums (Carol, Andy, Wahoo, Eddie Berger, and few others). 7 years building dams and manure pits with USDA; 7 years dredging and dewatering; 15 years sort of real engineer work; 10 years building transmission lines; and the balance in demo.  Moved to CT, then MA (5 yrs), NH (36 yrs), now ME (5 yrs).  3 sons (Ben, Brian & Eddie) and 2 grandsons (Charlie & Will).  Coached various levels of baseball (35 yrs) and hockey (for real!). Played some ball at Rutgers then lots of men's senior baseball and hockey.  Fun times seeing PV buddies through the years and great vacations all over.  Can't complain.

Debbie Dehn Bissell

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? 
Buick LeSabre

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
Jackson Browne; Keith Urban

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
Parking lot next to Friendly's and Beechwood Park

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
Richard Schwinge - he taught us life skills 

Who were your best buds?
Sharon, Jeannie, Ruth, Maureen, Kim

What is or was your career(s)?
Administrative/Facilities Mgmt; Bookkeeping

What are you passionate about in the present?
Spending time with family and friends; helping others with organizing

Where do you live now?
Gold River CA (Sacramento suburb)

What's your favorite quote?
It is what it is

If you had a super power, what would it be and how would you use it?
Spreading love - using it to stop violence

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school?
To treasure your parents and believe they know better

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?
Thanksgiving Eve bonfires and Thanksgiving Day football games again Pascack Hills

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. 
I moved to Northern California in 1978 where I met my husband, Dave, at work in 1981. We moved to the Sacramento area and raised two boys, Craig and Andy. We have wonderful daughters-in-law, one grandson (20 mos old) and three grand doggies.  I've been fortunate to have loved every job I've ever had and still enjoy a part-time bookkeeping business.  We love to travel and enjoy watching baseball and football.  I will always love visiting my family and friends in NJ and the wonderful memories of growing up in Hillsdale.

Meredyth Bowler

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
No car/Today a hybrid 

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
Eric Clapton/Gil Scott Heron

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
Mr. Litner (Bio). He loved to talk about his travels as connected to biology

Who were your best buds?
Senior it was Diane Decker, Eden Bethune

What is or was your career(s)?
International Solidarity and Development

What are you passionate about in the present?
The end of wars

Where do you live now?
France

What's your favorite quote?
Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet.

If you had a super power, what would it be and how would you use it?
Prevent hate

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school?
Hard to say. Aubé to be a better listener

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. 
I dropped out of college to travel Europe. Went back for a degree a year later only this time in Michigan! Spent my senior year abroad in France and fell in love. Still in love, still in Grsmce I have three children and four grandchildren! I spent my life first working on economic development in and for poor countries, mostly Africa, and later started and ecosolidarity fashion business with women in Burkina Faso. I retired a year ago and now I bike, I hike and hang out! Plus have some projects I’m working on !! Looking forward to catching up with old friends and acquaintances!!

Robert Mingione

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
Triumph tr6. Now Ford Edge

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
The bridge

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why? Rys Williams

Where do you live now? Florida

What's your favorite quote? Fucking A

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school?

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?
Senior class trip

Barbara Davis Schild

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
I drove a Dodge back then but don’t remember the model. Now I drive a Ford Escape which I absolutely love!

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
I had many. Elton John, Beach Boys, Renaissance, Carole King, Carly Simon, Black Sabbath, Yes, Styx, Pink Floyd, Moody Blues, Chicago. I still love classic rock but have a wide range of taste.

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
My house (in my sauna!), Diane Schumacher’s, Kathie Schaeffer’s, Dave Post’s, Rustler Steak House

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
German class with Mrs. DeCordova

Who were your best buds?
Kathie Schaefer, Elisa Lisanti, Jane Buckley, Diane Schumacher, Kit Villani

What is or was your career(s)?
I had two, both of which I loved. My first was 10 years in Human Resources. I then had a 20+ year career in Teaching

What are you passionate about in the present?
Being closer to my kids. Traveling. Life is too short--enjoy it!

Where do you live now?
Aurora, Colorado

What's your favorite quote?
Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. Oscar Wilde

If you had a super power, what would it be and how would you use it?
I would be invisible. I wish I could have been in high school.

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school??
Try not to worry so much about what others think of you. The best is yet to come.

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?
Jumping in my locker to hide from Mr. Ziemba because I was cutting his class. I couldn’t believe I was skinny enough to fit!

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. 
After college, I married and moved to Nyack, NY where we raised our two kids. In 2010, we moved to Rochester, NY. I had a stroke but have fortunately recovered except for the loss of vision in one eye. In 2017, I retired from teaching. I began to realize there was something “off” with my husband as he began to exhibit signs of dementia. In 2024, we moved to Colorado to be closer to our children and to get more help as I could not take care of him by myself. He passed away 6 months later, in December, 2024. As a young family, we loved to travel and made many trips to Europe and the Caribbean. Later my son moved to Hawaii, and we made numerous trips to visit him. After my husband began to decline, it was difficult to travel. I am excited to restart that passion for traveling, either alone or with my kids. I will be taking an Alaskan cruise in September which I am looking forward to.

Karen Arigot O'Reilly

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
I didn't drive yet in '75 due to a bad car accident that I was in, in '74. I wanted nothing to do with driving until I had to student teach my senior year in college. Today I drive a Lincoln Nautilus.

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
Carol King, Chicago, Billy Joel and the Doobie Brothers.  Now I listen to mostly 70's music.

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
Friendly's and The Red Coach Diner on Old Hook Road

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
Carol Crikelair was the greatest Spanish teacher ever so I asked her where she went to college and I graduated from there!

Who were your best buds?
Leslie Goddin, Steve Hager, Theresa Gordon, Marla Kravatz

What is or was your career(s)?
High School Spanish Teacher for several years until I became a financial advisor for Merrill Lynch.  I then changed career paths and became a kindergarten teacher at Meadowbrook School in Hillsdale where I ended my career and retired after 25 years

What are you passionate about in the present?
I love vacationing and spending time with my grandchildren!  I love working outdoors and tending to my gardens and flowers.

Where do you live now?
I still reside in Hillsdale, and loving every minute of our quaint town.

What's your favorite quote?
"Life isn't measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away".

If you had a super power, what would it be and how would you use it?
If I had a super power, I would make sure that everyone who couldn't afford it, got to go on the vacation of their dreams.

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school?
Don't sweat the small stuff and enjoy each and every day, no matter what challenges you may encounter along the journey.  Life is so very precious and we need to be mindful of those less fortunate through acts of kindness no matter how small they may seem. It's not the material things but the love and care you show others that matters most in life.

If you had a time machine set to go back to your high school years, would you use it?  What, if anything, would you change?
If I could go back to high school, I would definitely be more assertive and outgoing to better know my classmates that I'm just getting to know now after 50 years!

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?
When my mom, who was a cafeteria monitor in the lunch room at PV, chased after my now husband, Tim, into the girl's bathroom, and marched his A$$ into the principal's office.  Years later, we went on our first date and when Tim picked me up at home,  I thought my mom was going to cry!

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. You can include the places you've lived, family, children, pets, accomplishments, etc.
After high school graduation, I was the AFS Exchange student from PV and departed 2 days after graduation to live with a family in Costa Rica and attend school there for 4 months.  I then attended Wilson College in Pa. where Mrs. Crikelair went as I knew I wanted to be a Spanish/Education major. I was fortunate enough to have the same Professors of Spanish that she had.  Upon graduating from college, I became a Spanish teacher at Fair Lawn H.S. until I decided that the salary wasn't the best, so I left education to become a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch in NYC for several years.  I then had three children, Kristen, Meghan and Tim, and became a stay at home mom until my youngest child was in elementary school.  At this point in my life, I decided to get my certification in early childhood education to become a kindergarten teacher at Meadowbrook School (the very same school where I was in the first kindergarten class when the school opened in 1962).  For several years, I was the Spanish teacher for all 3 kindergarten classes until a full time Spanish teacher was hired. I remained at Meadowbrook teaching kindergarten until three years ago when I retired to watch my grandson, Luke, now three and my granddaughter, Lola who is now seven. 

Philip David Obal

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
Chevy Impala and now a blue Mazda CX-5

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
So many great groups in the 70's and 80's....

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
The lake behind the Washington Township shopping center.  Had so much fun - catching fish in that (private) lake.   BTW, I never knew it was a private lake!  Another place, we liked to hang out was a pizza restaurant in Nanuet, NY.  We would skip school - head to the mountains and stop there for lunch.

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
Both Dr D'Angelo and physics teacher Philip Goodyear.  Both exceptional teachers and instructors.  I was amazed how Mr. Goodyear could engage, break physics problems into everyday life comparisons, and then teach the lesson.

Who were your best buds?
Peter Speck, fellow trumpet players, audio/visual tech guys, and a number of girlfriends.

What is or was your career(s)?
Designing & developing computer software.  It all started when our math teacher had a company donate a PDP computer to the math lab in high school.  Rather than do study hall, I did the basic (yes, basic) programming on the PDP.

What are you passionate about in the present?
Salt water fishing, peacefulness, love passionately, family, and now doing some genealogy. 

Where do you live now?
Flagler Beach, Florida--very nice calm (quiet) little town

What's your favorite quote?
“There are so many great things in life; why dwell on negativity?” —Zendaya

If you had a super power, what would it be and how would you use it?
Wow, what a question!  My super power would be to heal those that physically hurt for whatever reason.  I have been in good health and as we age, it becomes apparent, how many ailments & pain exist.  Would love to remove the pain and fix the problems.

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school?
Aim for top grades in all your subjects.  I never knew it mattered until we started applying for college and they evaluate you on that GPA number. Got accepted at multiple places, just never knew!

If you had a time machine set to go back to your high school years, would you use it?  What, if anything, would you change?
I would spend more time building relationships.  So busy with band life, doing lighting for the plays & musicals. Should have spent more time building more friendships.

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?
Changing out & adjusting the spot lights at 40 feet high in the auditorium...Yes, I will be careful, I said...  But crap, IT WAS FREAKING HIGH, with just a regular ladder going that far up.  Another time, the teacher in charge of AV for an after school event in the auditorium ( a loud, but good high school rock band ) went over their time slot.  He gave them a chance to wrap it up and was ignored...10 minutes later, he asks, can you turn the electric off ---- yep --- it was me flipping that breaker off.  So cool...to hear the wind down of the amps. What happened?" they asked.  "They turned the power off, man."  And I was nowhere to be found .Very crazy deal, but I followed orders. I will never forget that moment of loud music to nothing!

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. You can include the places you've lived, family, children, pets, accomplishments, etc.
Went to Oklahoma State University to major in engineering.  Took all my electives in computer science classes and switched major to computer science.  Fell in love with a beautiful sweet redhead.  Finished my bachelors degree, we married, started a family of FIVE children.  Each one is different - a good thing!   Built a large home in Webbers Falls, then moved to Tulsa.  After vacationing in Florida on a yearly basis, we bought our current home about 12 years ago.  Love the area - laid back - peaceful - everyone is nice (for the most part - ha ha!).   Love live music that is spot on with the vocals.  Be happy!  Party every day!   

Kathy Kolb Zukof

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
Then: my father's Chevy Malibu, lime green with black vinyl roof; today a Subaru Outback

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
Then: Elton John; Now: Dixie Chicks

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
Red Coach (aka Dead Roach) Diner

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
Mr. Peterson; he made math fun

Who were your best buds?
Jill Seiden, Marla Kravatz, Diane Roncin, Ed Berger, Bob Zorowitz, Jim McGovern, aka The Group, plus Freda Rakowski

What is or was your career(s)?
Industrial/Organizational Psychologist, now retired

What are you passionate about in the present?
I manage a community garden where 100% of our crops are donated to local soup kitchens and food pantries.  And I'm passionate about my grandkids.

Where do you live now?
Tuxedo, New York

What's your favorite quote?
Wisdom begins in wonder. - Socrates

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school??
If you want to do something, don't let the lack of confidence hold you back. 

If you had a time machine set to go back to your high school years, would you use it?  What, if anything, would you change?
I would have played an instrument in the band, acted in plays, joined clubs, and just overall participated more (instead of hiding in the shadows).  Sad I know, but in the end it all worked out great!

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. You can include the places you've lived, family, children, pets, accomplishments, etc.
UConn undergrad, then moved to Wisconsin for a year to work in social services.  Changed direction, moved back East, got an MBA and PhD and worked as an I/O Psychologist for a bunch of organizations including ADP, NYU and the NBA.  Retired, consulted, traveled, and wrote a book on change management (available on Amazon, sorry my publisher makes me say that).  At 42 got married to Howard (a really really really nice guy) and became a stepmother to two teenagers in the process (which is very brave).  Now am grandmother to Max (7) and Will (5), and they make me laugh every day.

Greg Goodell

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
1963 Chrysler Newport now I drive around in a 2021 Ford Ranger

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
Pink Floyd now still listening to the oldies

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
A&P parking lot

Who were your best buds?
Too many

What is or was your career(s)?
DPW supervisor now retired

What are you passionate about in the present?
Hunting & the grandkids

Where do you live now?
River Vale

What's your favorite quote?
Ah bullshit

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation.
Married for 49 years
2 kids
4 grandchildren

Kathie Schaefer Warner

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
Family car (hardly ever). Now: Honda Civic, but I have had fun cars in between!

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
Eagles/Dan Fogelberg. Now: Classic Rock

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
Being with friends, riding bikes and being outside.

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?

Rick Hold. I liked history!

Who were your best buds?
Jane Buckley, Barbara Davis, Elisa Lisanti, Kit Villani

What is or was your career(s)?
Administrative Coordinator, the hidden power behind the throne! 

What are you passionate about in the present?
Family, travel, being outdoors, trying to convince myself to retire

Where do you live now?
Park Ridge, NJ

What's your favorite quote?
Be kind, you don’t know what others are going through.

If you had a super power, what would it be and how would you use it?
Go back in time, pursue my dreams, not be so practical, and definitely not be so willing to ‘take care’ of things for everyone!

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school??
Be more confident, outgoing.  Like Dorothy, follow my heart’s desire!

If you had a time machine set to go back to your high school years, would you use it?  What, if anything, would you change?
Definitely!  Not listen to my guidance counselor and follow my dream to attend college to teach elementary school.

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?
Color Guard, football games, and enjoying the time spent being part of the PV Indian generation!  And, of course, the best laugh of HS, when Joe stood up and announced he would like to tell Mr. Sullivan to “take a walk on the wild side” and Jasper lost it… still makes me laugh!

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. 
I obtained my BS degree (6 years of night/summer school) and have worked for some great companies at which I have made many friends who are still part of my life. However, my daughter is my greatest gift, my pride and joy

Glenn Lutjens

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
Then- Ford Fairlane- Now- 2018 Dodge Caravan- (still need the cargo space)

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
Elton John, Gordon Lightfoot. Still like early Elton John, the Moody Blues, and throw in some Texas Tenors for a bit more variety.

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
Spent some spare time working on a few projects in Dave Tedesco's graphic arts room.

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
Marilyn Hering- Psychology in Literature- Was the first step into my past 40-year career.

Who were your best buds?
Several from other high schools, but from PV- Wayne Olsen, Bob Alacci, Glenn Andrews, and Pete Wyatt.

What is or was your career(s)?
I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice and consult with constituents of Focus on the Family.

What are you passionate about in the present?
I still love the Raiders; my family- Elizabeth, three kids, and three grandkids; and volunteering at one of our church campuses- Ark Valley Correctional Facility.

Where do you live now?
Colorado Springs, CO

What's your favorite quote?
"For you made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you." The Confessions of St. Augustine

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school??
Care more about people; care less about what they think of you.

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?
Participating in The Music Man during my senior year. It was an opportunity to get to know wonderful people, it was fun singing, acting, and dancing.

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. 
Graduated from Wheaton College, then attended Nyack College for a psych concentration. Got an MA in clinical psychology from Rosemead in California. Moved back to Jersey, starting a counseling center at Pascack Bible Church and taught psych courses at Nyack College. There I met my wife, Elizabeth, who was the Assistant Dean of Students. In 1995 we moved to Colorado to work with Focus on the Family and start a marital therapy practice. We have three adult kids (Ricki- married with three daughters (that means three granddaughters for us), Chad, and Ryker (currently at Truett Seminary at Baylor).

Laura Neff Casselman

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
Then: 1965 Mustang Now: Jeep Grand Cherokee

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
Then: 70’s Classic Rock Now: Now: Mostly local bands.

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
“Down the street” outside Gradie’s and Frank’s houses, a nightly gathering spot with friends throughout high school.

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
Ms. Joanne Goldweber, because she nurtured my passion for art with patience and kindness.

Who were your best buds?
Gradie Stone, Frank Piscopo, Werner Mueller (RIP)

Where do you live now?
Central Florida

What's your favorite quote?
“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but often times better than master of one”

If you had a super power, what would it be and how would you use it?
Making people smile!

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school??
Life has been a continuous process of learning and growing! I’ve had lot’s of  lessons learned throughout my life! 

If you had a time machine set to go back to your high school years, would you use it?  What, if anything, would you change?
But by the grace of God I am what I am. (1 Corinthians 15:10).  There is no going back, only forward.

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?
The Pascack Valley brook in front of the school between classes! Enough said!

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. You can include the places you've lived, family, children, pets, accomplishments, etc.
Served, U.S. Navy (1984-1989), Navy Reserves, retired 2005 QM1, USCG QMC (H). Daughter Leah, born 1988. Earned Captain’s license (100-ton), and Bachelor of Science (1992), moved to Key West, FL, worked in Psychiatry and CDU as NCTRS. Earned Associates of Science in Diving Business and Technology (1998). Career change, The Joint Interagency Task Force South, Intelligence and Security Directorate as Assistant Special Security Officer, retired DoD GS-12 (1998-2016). Married Glenn Casselman (AA4UC) (2008). Passions include current events, family, friends, art projects, golfing, and Amateur Radio (N4LJC). Personality similar to our Border collie, Gandalf, intelligent, energetic, friendly! God Bless the USA!

Wayne Olsen

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
1972 Pontiac. 2014 KIA Soul.

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
The Beatles. The Beatles.

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
The school library.

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
Mr. Peterson.  He was the best.

Who were your best buds?
Bob Hubbard, Glenn Lutjens.

What is or was your career(s)?
Music industry

What are you passionate about in the present?
I’m in my second year of Seminary.

Where do you live now?
Ridgefield Park, NJ

What's your favorite quote?
We are not to simply bandage the wounds of victims beneath the wheels of injustice, we are to drive a spoke into the wheel itself. —- Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

If you had a super power, what would it be and how would you use it?
The ability to fly.

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school??
I think I should have been more forward-looking about what I wanted to do with my life.

If you had a time machine set to go back to your high school years, would you use it?  What, if anything, would you change?
I would not want to go back there.

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?
Acting in all the plays and musicals.

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. You can include the places you've lived, family, children, pets, accomplishments, etc.
Went to Bosnia-Herzegovina six times as part of teaching. Worked in the music business many years in Sales, Management and A&R. Met both Nixon and McGovern. Buried my immediate family. Married a guy from Villavicencio, Colombia. Moved twice. COVID-19 twice. Had two dogs.  Traveled to 42 states. Lost my gall bladder. Retired sort of in 2023 and decided to attend Seminary.  Hoping to go into Ministry.

Barbara Miles Dillon

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?

American Motors Gremlin /  Honda Pilot

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
John Denver  / Michael Buble'

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
Country Store

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
Richard Schwinge, Businesse  He was passionate about business

Who were your best buds?
Karen Breese, Nancy Lopez, Sue Micklas

What is or was your career(s)?
Religious Education Director

What are you passionate about in the present?
My Family

Where do you live now?
Mahwah, New Jersey

What's your favorite quote?

Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. ~ Oscar Wilde

If you had a super power, what would it be and how would you use it?
Flying / I would travel all over the world.  I would also never be caught in NJ traffic again.

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school?
While popularity might seem significant during high school, its relevance diminishes considerably in adulthood.

If you had a time machine set to go back to your high school years, would you use it?  What, if anything, would you change?
No. I would have been more involved in after-school activities.

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?
My first day of Freshman Year.  Coming from Saint Andrew's School to Pascack Valley High School was a huge adjustment for me. 

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. You can include the places you've lived, family, children, pets, accomplishments, etc.
After graduation, I started working for a bank in Waldwick where I met my husband of 47 years, Tom.  We've lived in Mahwah for 46 years.   We have two sons, Michael (43) and Keith (37) and three grandchildren, James (15), Elizabeth (10) and Oliver (3).  While my sons were growing up, I was self-employed as a bookkeeper.  I attended St. Elizabeth's College in my 40's,  I became the Director of Religious Education at our local parish, retiring after 14 years.  I am now working part-time as a bookkeeper at a nearby library.  I enjoy volunteering at my church, crafting and spending time with my family.

Ed Berger

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?

Dodge Dart then. Volvo now

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
LOVED Elton John....still like him a lot

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
The Library on Kinderkamack

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
German with Ms. Lord (DeCordova)....had a huge crush on her

Who were your best buds?
Bob Zorowitz, Kathy Kolb, Diane Roncin, Jill Seiden, Mike Wierer, Dave Speiser

What is or was your career(s)?
International Telecom/Satellite - lots of global travel

What are you passionate about in the present?
Global Justice

Where do you live now?
Bethesda, MD.

What's your favorite quote?
And now for something completely different...

If you had a super power, what would it be and how would you use it?
The ability to immediately transport myself to anywhere in the world to be at major global events

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school?
The color of your gym shorts really doesn't matter

If you had a time machine set to go back to your high school years, would you use it?  What, if anything, would you change?

Nah...they were great times and was always learning through experience and mistakes.

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?

Being involved in a pie throwing incident with the librarian and being chewed out by Malcolm Reaves...never let Bob Hubbard talk you into anything!

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. You can include the places you've lived, family, children, pets, accomplishments, etc.
Went to Rutgers and freshman roommate was the zany late Jim McGovern.  Studied and lived in both Belgium and Holland.  Spent three years in Chicago which is a seriously underrated city.  Then settled in DC area where I met wife Marcy (playing volleyball), and we had two children Andrew and Sasha.  Mom is still in our house on Cedar Lane (99 1/2 and doing fine...loves visitors!). And you picked a great day for the reunion...my birthday!

Diane Decker Siegel

What kind of car did you drive in 1975? What's your ride nowadays?
None then, now an SUV

Who was your favorite singer or group? What about now?
Beatles, Old Dominion

What place, on or off campus, was your favorite hangout?
Harmony Bar

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
Biology, Jeff Jasper

What is or was your career(s)?
Southern Connecticut St. for Special Ed, taught for a few years, stayed home with my kids, finished as an Elementary school administrator.

What are you passionate about in the present?
Kindness and inclusion

Where do you live now?
Midlothian, Virginia

What's your favorite quote?

I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality, and freedom for their spirits.-- MLK

If you had a super power, what would it be and how would you use it?

It's a cliche, but world peace

What have you learned in the 50 years since graduation that would have been helpful to know in high school?

To be more confident in social situations, to appreciate true friendships, to accept my own weaknesses and strengths, to not try to live up to my sister’s amazing reputation (IYKYK) even though she was/is amazing.

If you had a time machine set to go back to your high school years, would you use it?  What, if anything, would you change?

I would. I was so shy and insecure in HS. So unsure of myself. I consider myself an introvert even now but I have learned to be more confident in social situations. I feel I had so many opportunities in HS that I didn’t take advantage of.

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?

In a succinct 100 words or less, please tell your classmates what you've been up to since graduation. You can include the places you've lived, family, children, pets, accomplishments, etc.

Graduated  Southern Connecticut State College (now a university) with a BS in Special Ed. Married Steven Siegel (PVHS 1974) in 1979 and celebrating our 46th anniversary in June. Taught a few years in CT and MA, had 3 kids, Julie (1983), Allison (1985), and John (1990). Lived in Massachusetts until 1997 and currently in Midlothian Virginia. Julie is a Pharmacist, Allie is a Lawyer, John is a Physicians Assistant. Same as their spouses oddly enough. Worked 20 years for Chesterfield County Public Schools. Retired as an elementary administrator in 2021. Looking forward to travel. Always have had dogs.

What kind of car did you drive in 1975

1966 Dodge Coronet if I left it unlocked people smoked weed in it

Who was your favorite singer/group?Grateful Dead

What was your favorite song?
Anything by the Dead

What brand of jeans did you wear?
Levis this was pre-American eagle vineyard, vines Lululemon

Whom did you have a crush on?
Linda Plocek she went to Old Tappan

Who were your best buds and where was your favorite hangout?
Bob Hayden, John Compton, Greg Tertsakian Hayden‘s house

Where did you work?
Linda’s father had a business I delivered tropical fish food to New York City

Where do you live now?
Greer, South Carolina— I know where the hell is that?

What's your favorite quote?

Live it up boy that meters running —Harry Carey  my kids would probably say ‘were you born in a barn? or alternately ‘look how easy it is to save money’ as I walk around, turning lights off

Who was your favorite high school teacher or class and why?
My junior year typing teacher who’s name I can’t recall—my yearbook is buried in a hall closet— dark hair was famous for wearing jumpsuit, looking clothing that zipped up the front…oooo la freaking la

What have you learned in the 50 years since we were graduated that you wish you knew in high school?
Weed smoking, and alcohol consumption are a bad idea

Of all your high school memories, which one stands out above the rest and why?
Losing 46-0 to Hills on Thanksgiving day  1974 and beating the faculty in the student/ faculty basketball game when we were all high as kites

Give a brief synopsis of the last 50 years in 100 words or fewer. Post-graduation, significant relocations, family, children, pets, accomplishments, passions and hobbies.
After graduation from Valley we moved to Cheshire Connecticut. I attended Boston university for one year and Central Connecticut State College for two. I managed to party my way out of both of those schools. My dad was transferred to Spartanburg South Carolina with his job my brother and I followed there in 1978. I have lived in and around the Greenville South Carolina area for the past 47 years. I did not get married until I turned 40 to a girl I met at Delta Air Lines. I have owned a small courier business for 32 years. I have three great children, Hannah, aged 26 and twins Kerri and Joey who are both 19. Yes I still have children in school at age 67. It is one of the reasons why I continue to work. After my playing days were over I became a runner and ran for 45 years stopping at the age of 62. I am now a dedicated walker, walking my daughters dog Harper daily for 45 minutes or a mile and a half which ever comes first. I consider myself to be very fortunate to be in the position that I am as a non-college graduate and long time party animal. I have been able to see the country extensively, including riding a mule to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, snorkeling off of key west, navigating the Columbia and Snake rivers, taking two cross-country train trips, and numerous vacations to Mexico —before you needed a passport—and other great locations with my family. Having younger children keeps me young and relevant and I cherish my time with them.

If you could go back to high school, is there anything you would do differently?
I lettered in football as a sophomore, and hung out with kids that were mostly older than me. By the time I became a senior the kids in my graduating class were basically strangers to me. If I had it to do it over again, I would’ve cultivated more friendships with kids in my own grade and class. Also, the booze and the weed. They were a product of peer pressure and wanting to fit in. That combo probably ruined my athletic career and to some extent my academic career as well.

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A note about the photos:

The second picture was taken last Easter in the backyard of my house in Greer from left to right my daughters, Hannah and Kerri, my son, Joey, my wife, Kathy, and me. My daughters dog Harper is in the foreground. The first picture  is of me and my dad shaking hands just before the Pascack Hills game Thanksgiving day 1974. For the next three hours, it would be the modern version of the lions versus the Christians. That picture resides on my nightstand. My siblings who had it printed for me say it should’ve been on the cover of Sports Illustrated.