My Old (High) School – Reunion

Written by: Dale DeJoy

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his past weekend I enjoyed my 35th High School Reunion in Blue Hill, Maine. Got to meet some great people, reacquaint myself with former classmates, and indulge in many enjoyable activities.

When the party began, I hung out with the new Head Master, Tim Seeley who is coincidentally from RI and his wife Jill’s parents live in Wakefield, RI which is also my home. Tim is a guitarist, singer, and song writer much like myself, we were able to enjoy each others original songs and accompany each other. As it turns out, I have met Jill’s parents a couple of times at the Courthouse Center for the Arts where I sit on the board, in more ways than one. As the Treasurer and also the soundman at most of the concerts there. We have hosted Jonathan Edwards, Poucette- Dartt, Liv Taylor, Melanie, Loudin Wainright, Donna the Buffalo, John Ford Coley, Pure Prairie League and many other notable acts. www.courthousearts.org

 

The folks who own the venue, Farmhouse Inn, are High School friends Bill and Ann Rioux, they did a fantastic job with the food, live band, warm hospitality and great dancing! The Inn is gorgeous, recently renovated, affordable, and generally 5 Stars! www.farmouseinnmaine.com
When I moved to Maine from Shelton, CT in 1976 I was dating a sweet young lady named Janine Rioux. Her first cousins lived in Surry, Maine and attended the very High School (375 total students) that I would be attending. Bill Rioux, is first cousin to Janine. Another small world story.

The highlight of the event was old friends of course. I haven’t seen some of the fine people since graduation in 1980, others I caught up with at prior Reunions and always enjoy catching up with, dancing, singing, laughing and enjoying life with! Some of the classmates who are closest to me were there. We stay in contact through telephone and facebook etc. This is somewhat of a lost art in the lives of many.

Those who do what they can to avoid these events, who write about how they are boring or a contest of sorts, are missing the point. High School Reunions are simply a way to reconnect, no matter how briefly, to those you enjoyed being with as a kid, but mostly to enjoy the party!