Back in the month of April, 2023 a few students from the La Mirada graduating class of 1993, decided to get together and plan a 30-year reunion.
It was ten years ago when the class reached out to me to organize the 20th class reunion. Seems like a lifetime ago. At that time we planned a clambake and barbecue at Huntington Beach and it was great to see so many people in attendance.
Fast forward ten years and I was contacted once again to arrange another reunion alongside Jennifer Ripassa and Stephanie Feeback. This time the reunion invitations not only included La Mirada graduates of ’93 but also for all graduating alumni from La Mirada High School and Neff High School. After Neff High School closed in 1981, we were all sent to La Mirada High.
It was a glorious day at Bolsa Chica Beach. Many of us began our day early in the morning, although we did not anticipate that it would take four and half hours to get into the parking lot. We did receive phone calls from a few who just didn’t want to wait in line. All I can say is “We missed you!”
Those that were finally able to get onto the beach and find us were able to enjoy each other’s company. We reminisced about some of our favorite teachers, Mr. Wong’s history classes and Mr. Crossman math class. We laughed at some of our antics and recalled all those interesting not-so-much rumors and stories that were whispered about from the dark room during photography class. We laughed and exchanged information and strengthened our bonds and friendships. We raised a glass in remembrance to those friends that have passed from this life to the next.
As parents now we looked back onto the fact that we were little seventh graders walking into a new school with, what seemed like giant 12th graders and how that experience shaped us and how it shaped our children.
Honestly, I thought that I would stay only a few hours but the company was sincere and the experience so joyful and pleasant that I wound up staying until way after 9:00 pm. There was plenty of food like hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage links, chips and drinks.
Next year our reunion will be epic, forging ahead in respect of creating a committee for next year’s gathering. We will go off script and not wait another ten years, but have an annual gathering for all alumni perhaps at a different location. We even talked about having some sort of gathering during the winter months.
Thank you La Mirada for giving us the opportunity for such a great childhood. Thank you to everyone that helped to create this event. It was a day of appreciation for having a good school in a good city, you never forget the kids you grew up with. Cheers!
