GREENFIELD — Celebrating the 70th anniversary of their graduation, around two dozen Greenfield High School alumni reunited for an afternoon of food and conversation at a city residence on Sunday.
Although the class that was once 165 students strong is down to less than half its original size, according to classmate Patricia Lanfair’s estimate, those still alive, she said, are very much so.
“We’re all 87 and not ready for heaven!” the Turners Falls resident exclaimed with a smile.
Those in attendance collectively voiced a longstanding feeling of togetherness that allows the idea of holding reunions to come to fruition. Classmate Priscilla LaLonde said aside from staying in touch via Facebook and by telephone, the class last got together for a reunion five years ago at Erving’s French King Restaurant and Motel. Around a dozen, she said, even gather monthly at different local restaurants to catch up.
“We spent a lot of time with each other,” LaLonde said of her class’ bond while they were in school together. “We were there for each other.”
The Class of 1952 bonded over spending copious amounts of time together face-to-face without technology’s infringement, Lanfair said. LaLonde added that a primary pastime everybody enjoyed was attending the school’s athletic events.
“We had the best sports up and down the valley,” LaLonde recalled.
These days, Lanfair and LaLonde said, classmates are willing to travel far and wide to see familiar faces. One resident made the trip from Florida, while another couple traveled from California to attend Sunday’s reunion.
“I have been going to reunions ever since there were reunions!” California resident Louise Maynard exclaimed.
While Maynard noted her classmates “obviously have a good connection” even after so many years, she said today’s city is hardly comparable to the town she knew in 1952.
“Greenfield is totally different,” she said of what she observed upon her return. “We could not find our way around when we got here.”
LaLonde argued, however, that at least when comparing today’s Greenfield High School graduates with her graduating class, not much has changed. She still sees students learning and preparing for a variety of careers out in the adult world the way they always have.
Going forward, the class plans on keeping their connection alive for years to come.
“We’re going to keep it going as long as we can,” LaLonde said.
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or jmendoza@recorder.com.