The Reunion

Had some hotel reservation difficulties, when they were alleviated, I took a nap and read .  The Reunion is scheduled for 6-7 happy hour, 7-10 dinner, program, pictures and ,10-12 dancing.  It is being held at Cattleman's Steakhouse Party room, which is north of the Fabens exit off I 10.  The Reunion is for graduates from Clint High School's classes in the '50's, '60's, and '70's.  So I had the possibility of having taught half of the '60's graduates and all the 70's folks.

I arrived about 6:30 and the hugging began.  My guess is that I received and gave more hugs in the next 4 hours than I ever have.  I repeatedly had someone come up to me asking if I remembered them-- I always said yes, altho it was not always the truth.  The name tags helped some, but during this time frame I probably taught 400 to 600 students.

The reunion was organized by members of the class of  1967, celebrating their 50th anniversary, with classes from 1948-79 invited.  The organizing committee did an amazing job of gathering alumni from the various classes, communication, and managing the nuts and bolts of an event this size.  113 actual graduates attended with family, friends, and teachers in attendance.

Cattleman's Steakhouse is "famous" throughout the area for it's steaks and sides.  When we lived here, this was a place to go for special celebrations.  This meal did not disappoint.  Their menu changes slightly for parties as opposed to ordering from the restaurant.  Party steaks are not as thick as restaurant fare and large baked potatoes come with the restaurant meal.  For the party we were served beans, potato salad and coleslaw to go with our 10 oz. steak.

After we ate, the "program" continued, with a professional photographer on hand to record everything.  I talked to ex-students who were doctors, nurses, career military, owned comanies, and worked with computers.  Particularly interesting were the young women who were retired from law enforcement.  Realize that when they began their careers, it was not usual for women to have that job.

I heard much about how fortunate the graduates felt to have lived in a small town with a strong educational system.  We talked about the fun they had in speech class, doing plays, pantomime, and International Phonetic Alphabet.  Several told me that their skill in writing and grammar had served them well in their careers.  One man reminded me of his and his partner's winning first place medals in the UIL State meet.   We talked and hugged and discussed their favorite (and least favorite) parts of my classes.  One recent retiree has decided to get involved in community theatre and is having a blast.  Another ex-student told me he is making "Austin weirder"  and I believe him.  Some people I recognized immediately and others, I had to read name tags to know who I was talking to.  I did ask about where the new Clint High School has been built- and the info is "down Alameda toward Fabens".  Heard this on Sat night, didn't take the time before I left to check it out.  Guess I'll have to believe what I was told.

I would have stayed longer, but a freak rainstorm had descended on the party room and I still had a way to go back to the motel, so I dashed out to get my car and got drenched in the process.  Drove back to the freeway and then to the Clint exit, where my motel was waiting.  I got to bed by 11:30, much later than my usual bed time.