My Stevenson class of '76 ruled

The bowtie nailed it.

Pretty sure that was Mom’s idea to go rogue for my senior year photo., Also pretty sure that’s the last time I wore one.

Citrus County high school seniors are graduating this week. Pomp and Circumstance is the county’s theme through Friday.

And incredibly, it just dawned on me that I graduated from high school 50 years ago.

Let that sink in. 

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I texted a photo from the 1976 Stevenson High School yearbook to my friend Jeff in California.

“Writing a blog about graduations this week. It’s been 50 years??”

He answered: “No way!”

So, in honor of the Citrus County grads who take the final plunge this week, some memories from my high school senior days:

— My high school is named for Adlai Stevenson II, a diplomat who had twice lost a race for president. I haven’t a clue what connection that had to my Detroit suburb of Sterling Heights.

— We were the Titans. The student enrollment was probably close to current Citrus County high schools, maybe a little bigger. I recall the school being huge.

— I was average in every way. In the 240-page yearbook, there are exactly two photos of me. One is my graduation photo, and the other is a debate team picture. I did not stand out.

— I was thin as a rail. Just like now. And I wore T-shirts nearly every day, just like now. I also wasn’t very smart back then. Just like now (OK, maybe a little smarter).

— Friends called me “Irish.” I’m not recalling the details behind that, though I did paint my face green on St. Patrick’s Day.

— Didn’t buy a class ring. 

— I took Karen McLeod to the prom and, apparently, nothing terrible happened because we’re still friends. And she reads the blog. Hi Karen!

— Jeff had a mustache and could pass for 18, which then was the legal age to buy beer. Not that we ever did that.

— Our 1976 senior class song was “Dream On” by Aerosmith. I voted for “76 Trombones.” You know…class of ‘76…and that’s why I wasn’t class president.

— The yearbook is fascinating to read after all these years. I recognized about a dozen names. A few teachers as well. Two in particular — Ms. Schoenwether taught journalism and Mr. McBroom, speech/language arts.

Ms. Schoenwether kick-started my lifelong newspaper (now blogger) career. Mr. McBroom, who died a few years back, gave me the confidence for public speaking. Both of those skills, hatched at Adlai Stevenson High School 50 years ago, serve me quite well even today.

(That's why I love teachers who really connect with kids. They're the best.)

— Favorite yearbook headline: “Titan swimmers struggle to worst season ever.” Imagine that as your high school legacy.

— One of the seniors, and I won’t name him, barely made it to graduation. We thought for sure he'd be repeating 12th grade. I saw him many years later, and he had ascended to an important position in the Michigan Republican Party. Just goes to show…lots can happen after high school.

— The notes in the Yearbook from friends are fun. Like I said, I was average, so many of the comments are generic. One stood out. Excerpts:

“I know you’ll go far in life because you have what it takes to succeed. I wish you much happiness in the future. If anyone deserves it, it is you.”

“Thank you so much for helping me make it through this year. I don’t know how I would have done it without you. If you ever have a problem, come to me. It would be the only way I could repay you.”

“No one has the way with words as you do. Maybe that’s why you’re such an extraordinary person. God only knows.”

“Never have I met such a sweet and loyal person as you, nor will I ever again. You’re such a unique human being. I’m sure whatever profession you turn out to be, you’ll do very well. I hope it brings you prosperity, love, happiness, and luck.”

“May God bless you always and take care of you forever. Remember, you have only just begun. You only live once, so make it the best life possible and try to get that impossible dream.”

Debbie Normandin wrote that long note in my high school yearbook 50 years ago, when we were both just teenagers. I’d like to say we remained best friends, but the truth is she’s a vague memory. Funny how things are. Her words mean much more to me today, long past my youth. Maybe I can find Debbie and tell her.

High school is very challenging, in so many ways. Hats off to the grads. Enjoy this special time and remember: You've only just begun.

Have an awesome Wednesday, friends.

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