March 28, 2024

“First Falcons” Reunion D-R Class Of 1961

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Members of the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School’s first graduating class, the “First Falcons,” enjoyed a two-day reunion during June 10 and 11, 2017. The invitations were sent out under a stamp of Elvis Presley. However, whereas our 50th Reunion celebrated “Who We Were Then,” this gathering shared “Whom We’ve Become.”

We were 112 graduates, of whom 28% performed military service; 51% of our men did. Of our surviving classmates, more than half participated, in person or by sending their greetings. The Class Project for this reunion is the Citizen’s Scholarship Foundation of Dighton-Rehoboth, benefitting D-R graduates since our first class of 1961.

On Saturday, Class Treasurer Carl Stonstrom opened his homestead for refreshments and the opportunity to renew associations. Members of the Reunion Committee created and provided nametags, decorations, and displays of a diploma, yearbooks, and other mementos. The classmates provided laughter, memories, and friendships.

Our souvenir books contained a letter from Patrick F. DeLaney, PhD, our class advisor; greetings from friends unable to attend; and a section called “I’d Like You to Know,” narrating our personal adventures since 1961.

On Sunday, a tour of our school began at the doors by the Auditorium—which were the only doors available we had then. There was no “Rehoboth” side entrance because there was constant construction happening.

Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School Superintendent Dr. Anthony Azar addressed our group when we arrived. The Dean of Student Activities and Athletics, Doug Kelly, described the great improvements and changes. He addressed our questions and we gave him our memories. We appreciated additional information from long-time Custodian, Matthew Tobin, as he opened doors to rooms that didn’t exist “way back when.”

Beginning last Summer, the First Falcon Class President, Charles Harris, recruited members for the reunion committee, which eventually included Ken Abrams, Nancy Binden Goulart, Eleanor Fournier Cambra, Roger Duarte, Margaret Duckworth Veader, Pamela Green Bell, Sister Carole Mello, Joe Pimento, Carl Stonstrom, Kay Terwilliger McEnenney, David Sylvia, and Audrey Thompson Bennett.

The Committee continues to receive notes of appreciation and memories from the party-goers, so send them to our class president, Charles Harris, CDH800Sam@Yahoo.com, 800 Samoset Road, Eastham, MA 02642

We thank all who came and all others who helped make this a remarkable event!

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