Dateline: OCTOBER 30, 2024
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Since our interactions have become less frequent in past years, I’d like to take some time look back at the last 12 years!
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LOOKING BACK!
Wow! It’s been quite a journey since our 50th Reunion in 2012!
- Except for 2021, our class attended every Bremen Homecoming event since 2012.
- Since 2012, we have inducted 11 additional classmates into the Bremen Hall of Fame. The Class of ’62 has more members in the Hall of Fame than any other class, for a total of 14!
- Since 2015, thanks to your generosity, we have raised almost $40,000 for our scholarship fund and have awarded more than $18,000 in scholarships. For the next seven years, we will continue to award four deserving graduating seniors a total of $2,750 in scholarships each year!
- In 2017, we hosted our 55th Reunion at the Ridge Country Club.
- In 2018, the District 228 Board presented the Class of ’62 with its “Volunteer Excellence Award.”
- In 2022, we hosted our 60th Reunion at Bella Mia in Midlothian.
The teams that helped coordinate these events and programs include:
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The 50th Reunion Committee (AKA The Motley Crew”)
Rich Kieffer Chairperson
Sandie Stephens Jordan Classmates Search Co-Lead and Publicity & Promotions Support
Darrell Jordan Classmates Search Co-Lead and Classmates Search Support
Mary Lou Daly Pisone Main Event Registration & Decorations Coordinator and Classmates Search Support
Pat Anderson Rogers Classmates Search Support & General Support
Dennis Day Classmates Search Support & Memorabilia Support
Keith Smith Classmates Database Coordinator
Mike McPherrin Bremen Tour Coordinator
Lee Riegler Restaurant & Cash Management Coordinator
Roger Hartmann Fun & Games Coordinator and Classmates Search Support
Sue Vaughan Nelson Memorabilia Coordinator, Planning, Classmates Search, and Main Event Support
Laurie Fell Pohrte Name Tags Coordinator
Ken Webster Reunion Program Coordinator
Vicki Hahn Ryan
General Support
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The Hall of Fame, Scholarship, and Planning Committee
Rich Kieffer
Mary Lou Daly Pisone
Denny Day
Tom Dresser
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Other Noteworthy Event and Program Supporters
Sue Vaughan Nelson and her husband, Ken
Diana Williams and her husband, Steve
Karen Rubens Sebok
Donean Holmquist
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Sadly, some of these dedicated individuals are no longer with us: Ken Webster, Vicki Hahn, and Lee Riegler. Our journey over the past 12 years resulted from the combined efforts of many others, including those who participated in and contributed to the various programs and events. We couldn’t have done it without them. Thanks to all!
Gone but Not Forgotten!
Since 2012, we have lost 34 classmates. Of the 454 classmates on our master list, 156 still have active emails. While we have confirmed the passing of 105 classmates, we still have no status information for the remaining 193. We hope they are well. You can find a list of our deceased classmates by clicking on this link:
Gone but not forgotten!
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LOOKING FORWARD!
Our 60th Reunion in 2023 was the last of our formal events. However, in the future, we will continue to support Bremen’s Senior Honors Night in May to award our Class of ’62 Scholarships and Bremen’s Homecoming and Hall of Fame events in September.
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OUR CLASS OF ’62 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (Wednesday, May 8, 2024)
Once again, the Class of ’62 was proud to award scholarships to four of Bremen’s best and brightest seniors. Our program aims to share our success with students at Bremen who have demonstrated superior academic and leadership achievement and have a financial need.
Our program is designed to support all types of jobs that are essential to the long-term success of our communities and country. Therefore, we are awarding a $1,000 and $750 scholarship to two students who plan to attend a four-year college or university and two $500 scholarships to two students who plan to further their educations in community service areas such as nursing, first responders, law enforcement, and trade schools.
Though we graduated 62 years ago, we have one thing in common: We started our life’s journey at Bremen. What we learned at Bremen has served us well, and we know it will also serve you well! Go Braves!
THE 2024 AWARD WINNERS!
Anthony JaMari Simpson ($500)
Christopher Perez ($500)
Sophia Marie Pritchett ($750)
Nelly Montserrat Yspango ($1,000)
The award recipients, the Bremen staff, and District 228 greatly appreciate your generous contributions to this program! ______________________________________
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OUR HOMECOMING AND HALL OF FAME EVENTS(Friday, September 13, 2024)
In case you're wondering about the surfboard, homecoming was themed "A Day at the Beach."
This year, two Hall of Fame nominees were honored and inducted: Sue Vaughan Nelson (Class of '62) and Dominic D’Ambrosio, a Deputy Police Chief for Oak Forest (Class of ‘92).
Bremen Announcement
Will Cook County News Report
They both did a fantastic job at the student session, offering dramatically different life experiences and perspectives. The students were intrigued by their presentations and asked many questions. Sue had them laughing at her memories of her high school days—starring in school plays, being on the homecoming court, and practicing her teaching skills to her childhood pet chicken!
Mary Lou Daly Pisone, Diana Williams, Rich Kieffer, Sue’s husband Ken, and Diana's husband Steve were also present. Ken and Steve have long supported our reunion activities, so we consider them honorary members of the Class of '62!
The following is a list of activities to add context to the pictures.
- STUDENT SESSION: Hall of Fame nominees host an interactive student session with Bremen's top students. They share their life and Bremen experiences and answer the student’s questions.
- LUNCH: After the student session, we had our traditional lunch at the Hog Wild BBQ just north of Bremen.
- PEP RALLY: After lunch, we attended the Homecoming Pep Rally, where the formal induction ceremony occurred. Due to an increased number of students, this year's Pep Rally and Hall of Fame inductions were held in front of the entire student body on the football field. The main gym was too small.
- HOMECOMING PARADE: After the Pep Rally, we rode in the Homecoming Parade with Dr. Rucinski, driving us through the streets of Midlothian. Tossing candy to the children lining the parade route is always a fun experience.
- PREGAME COIN TOSS: The Hall of Fame inductees were invited onto the field to participate in the pregame coin toss.
- THE GAME: We watched the kickoff against Shepard HS in the alum tent in the North endzone.
- DINNER: Then we had a nice dinner at the Ottimo Italian Restaurant in Orland Park. Unfortunately, Mary Lou and Diana and Steve had other commandments, so it was just Sue, Ken, and Rich.
I hope you enjoy the pictures. However, you have to be there to fully appreciate the fun we had. The school is prospering, and the students are great. Bremen is a direct byproduct of the quality and dedication of its administration, faculty, and staff.
Bremen's motto “We have pride!” permeates the entire and highly diverse student body. A lesson we can all learn!
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A BIG THANK YOU TO BREMEN'S ADMINISTRATION, FACULTY, AND STAFF! The Class of ‘62 thanks Dr. Jessica Rucinski (Principal), Matt Meany (Associate Principal), and numerous other Bremen Administration and Staff members for the welcoming support we always receive.
They have made our reunions and homecoming events successful and memorable! ______________________________________
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WHAT NEXT?
Our next scheduled event will be to present our scholarship awards on Senior Honors Night in May 2025.
Then,in September 2025, we will once again attend the Homecoming festivities. Meanwhile, we wish all of you the best! Have a joyous and safe holiday season and a Happy New Year! :-)
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******************************************************* As always, "Stay Safe" and "Stay in Touch" since we always like hearing from you, especially if you change your contact information!
Rich and the Class of '62 Planning Committees
See 50th Reunion information (on the left) under "ARCHIVE: 50 Year Reunion"
See 55th Reunion information (on the left) under "ARCHIVE: 55 Year Reunion"
See 60th Reunion information (on the left) under "ARCHIVE: 55 Year Reunion"
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