Volume 2, Number 8, March 1998
MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE
-The Online Newsletter for Robert E. Peary High School Alumni-

MSO WEB SITE - http://www.pearyhs.org

PAGE 2 of 6

From: Ralph Hergert rmurray2@mindspring.com (1964) Date: Thu, 26 Feb 1998 Subject: Update

I found out about this from my brother, Dennis Hergert '66. Occupation: pastor/city human services director, Spouse: Leslie, Children: Jesse 24

Memorable Incident: Not to be self-centered, but my running for student government president as a senior, winning the election and having Dr. Dunn cancel the election because I talked too much about "student power"!

Since High School: College at University of Chicago, dropped out after two years, went into VISTA, worked in Miami, Florida, got married at age 20, went back to Chicago, graduated in 1969, agitated/organized against the War in Vietnam, moved to Boston to do alternative service to the draft as a conscientious objector, working for the Red Cross Blood Program for 4 years, moved to Somerville, MA, went to seminary at Harvard and Andover-Newton, taught in a day care center for 2 years, pastored several Baptist churches, worked for the state Office for Children for 4 years, Newton Community Schools Director for 4 years, consulted with schools for a while, became Human Services Director for the Mayor of Somerville in 1989, called in 1987 as pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Somerville, working for justice, health and moral life in a bunch of ways. . . trying to make a difference.

In some ways more importantly, I've been married to the same wonderful woman for the past 30 years, Dr. Leslie F. Hergert, a college teacher and consultant. We have one child, a daughter Jesse, who lives in the Adams Morgan section of DC and does non-profit development work. We're all relatively healthy and happy. We're having a good life. . so far!

Future Plans: I don't look too far into the future.

Memorable Teacher: Mrs. Blazek, senior English.

Missing People? I don't know where anyone is. . . does anyone know about Libby Hilmar? Jesse Mantel? Natalie Goldberg?

From: Sharon Marcus Elswick smar1@juno.com (1970) Date: Thu, 26 Feb 1998 Subject: Update

I found this website by browsing through Baby Boomer folders on AOL (no longer subscribe to AOL, what a relief). Occupation: Indexer/ Abstracter for govt. contractor, Spouse: Stan; Children: Chloe 15 and David 14; Grandchildren: None yet!!!

Memorable Incident: For some reason, one incident that stands out is being roughly bumped into while walking down the hall, by Barry Bone (1969). Another one is listening to Beatles album, Abbey Road while working with Dale Stovitz on silk screen printing after school, and working on a backdrop for a play with Judy Page, Sue Dubois, Denise Pridgen, and others.

Since High School: Hmmmm....since graduating. Attended U. of MD (now there's an original idea!) graduated in 1974 with B.A. in English. Followed someone to WV and lived there for 7 years, met my husband there. Got married, had 2 kids. Worked F/T at various libraries, publishers. Got MLS at Catholic Univ. Have been working at home via computer since 1991. Living in Olney now with both kids in Sherwood H.S.

Future Plans: Find and purchase a single family home and learn to be mellow.

Memorable Teachers: Vincent Gibbs stands out (remember those long fingernails tapping on a desktop?). Also Mrs. Glass, Mr. Ropko, Miss Delauder, Mrs. Longley and others whose names I can't remember now.

Missing people, let's see: Debbie Harris Vicino (1971) lives in Olney, Kathy Driscoll Del Balzo (1970) is in Gaithersburg, Mary Pillon Bell (1970) lives in Silver Spring, Dale Stovitz McNally (1970) lives in Woodbridge, Va., Carol LeMessurier Heiderer (1970) lives in Kensington.

This website is a valuable tool for all of us. Let's not let it ever fade away.

From: Les Greenberg lesjoel@aol.com (1968) Date: Thu, 26 Feb 1998 Subject: Update

How I found out about this? Phil Gesell (1968) emailed me about it. Occupation: attorney, Spouse: eileen, Children: 2 kids-18 & 6

Memorable Incident: driving to school with surfboards on car trying to look cool...years later I still think it was kind of neat but the surfboards are long gone.

Since High School: practicing law...traveling...trying to find my quan

Future Plans: surfing wiamea with lojewski and venuto

Memorable Teachers: Mr Hill..what a classy guy. Mrs Galogly..was she really stuffed?...Ms.Syles..world's best legs

From: Jim Cyr jcyr@sprynet.com (1981) Date: Sat, 28 Feb 1998 Subject: Dr. Dumais/Lukemia Society of America

I was asked by Patrick Dumais, son of former Principal, Dr. Dumais, to inform all Peary alumni of the following event.

As we are all aware, Pat's father died from Lukemia last December. Dr. Dumais spent his life helping others and now, his son would like to follow in his footsteps.

On June 21 of this year, Father's Day, Pat will be in San Diego running in a marathon. Pat is doing this on behalf of Nicholas Voyton, a 3 year old boy, who is stricken with lukemia. He is also doing this in memory of his father.

Pat's goal is to raise at least $3,000, all of which will be given to the Lukemia Society for research and to offset medical expenses of families going through this trying time. Pat is asking that all who are able, please contribute to this worthy cause.

All donations (which are tax deductible) should be made payable to:

Lukemia Society of America c/o Patrick Dumais 8061 Hillrise Ct Elkridge, MD 21075

From: Michael Kramer mkramer@gilders.com (1968) Date: Sun, 1 Mar 1998 Subject: Update

I found out about this from Mike Osborne (1968). Occupation: artisan/gilder, Spouse: Anne Children: Anne Wyly - 16, Robert William - 14

Memorable Incident: Fred Dunn's mass suspensions of almost a dozen students for having "long hair and peculiar dress" in 1968

Since High School: Graduated from MD, have own business of decorative painting and architectural gilding. Teach at the Smithsonian. Married (once) with two kids at Sherwood HS.

Future Plans: Seaplane, and place to land it on the Eastern Shore

Memorable Staff: Fred Dunn for his dictatorial rule. Mrs. Percival for her dictatorial reign in English class. Vincent Gibbs for his profound drama productions. Sally Dunlop for her dedication to Forensics.

From: Lora Poulsen Whitehurst Whitehur@interpath.com (1980) Date: Sun, 1 Mar 1998 Subject: Update

I found out about the MSO from my younger sister, Kathryn, class of 83. Occupation: Teacher, Spouse: Ben; Children: Colby Hamilton Whitehurst, Age 2 - Baby #2 on the way

Memorable Incident: participating in sports

Since High School: Since graduating from Peary, I graduated from American University with a degree in Political Science. Then I got married and moved to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Then I got divorced, went back to school and got certified to teach. This is my fourth year teaching first grade. I re-married, had a son, and am currently pregnant with our second child. We own a house in Manteo, just minutes from the ocean.

Future Plans: I plan to keep on teaching school and raising our two children.

Memorable Teachers: Mrs. Dawson, good English teacher. Mr. Gibbs, unusual but good teacher. Mr. Nawrocki, fun cross country and track coach.

From: Jeff Davis jeffrey.maverick.davis@worldnet.att.com (1983) Date: Sun, 1 Mar 1998 Subject: Update

I found out about the website from my brother Rick, class of 1972. Occupation: systems analyst, Spouse: Cristina, Children: Rickey age 15, Alec age 10, John age 6, Maria age 3, Jesse age 7 months; Grandchildren: that's not funny

Memorable Incident: Attending to Peary was a great experience. I don't recall learning all that much but I'll take the blame for that. I'd have to say that wrestling for Peary was an great honor. What I wouldn't give to be in that kind of shape again. I'll never forget the awesome feeling of running onto our home mat for warm-ups prior to a match. The bleachers filled with anticipation for the beginning of the match. Although painful, I vividly remember the day Paint Branch beat our varsity squad and broke Peary's winning streak of somewhere in the range of 78 straight matches. That was the worst feeling I had in my 3 years there. Being crowned Peary's first Homecoming king was also an honor. I clearly remember the day Dr. Dumais coined the phrase "Peary is not dead!" even though it was on its last breath. The football parties were lots of fun and I have to add the time we duct taped Paul Broberg (a sophomore) to the cement benches in the Senior court yard then left to go to our next class. OK so I lured him out there, big deal.

Since High School: Since graduation I attended MC for one year. I started working at AT&T as an entry level grunt in data processing for a summer job. That was 14 years ago. I transferred to the U of Maryland and went to school part time while working full time for the next 6 years until I graduated in 1990 with a BS in Technology and Management (don't ask) it's a degree and it counts.

I met Cristina (Cris) in June of '84 and we were married in July of '86. She had a 2 year old little boy, Rickey, who I adopted and we've since added 4 more. We have 4 boys and thank God a little girl, Maria, who has my heart in her pocket. They keep us quite busy to say the least. We've been living in Manassas, VA since the time we were married and moved to a single family about 4 years ago. We were able to bring Cris home from work in '89 after our second son was born and it's made a big difference to our family. My parents still live in Rockville, so I get the chance to drive by Peary every once in a while. It's sad to see her all caged up but the old memories are still there.

Job wise it's been a rough time at AT&T. I've survived many attempts to get rid of me and currently hold the title of systems analyst in Herndon, VA near Dulles Airport. I started there in January so I'm still getting used to the new building and new group of people I'm working with but it's interesting and the chances of progressing are pretty decent.

Future Plans: My future plans are to continue working where I am then maybe become a free agent and look for a bigger monetary contract. We'll see what happens there. Cris and I are planning on 4-5 more children....just kidding. We would like to have more land with our house and it's getting pretty crowded in this area so our plans are to move sometime within the next 5-7 years to a different home. My long term goal is to run my business from my home and be my own boss. Then I can tell me what to do!

Memorable Teachers: My favorite teacher had to be Mr. Boyd. He was able to mix learning with humor and he always seemed to be able to crack a smile no matter what was happening. Mrs. Rosen was another great one whom, or is it who, I enjoyed a great deal. She didn't take crap from any of us and really seemed to enjoy what she did.

From: Pete McKenney pete.mckenney@erols.com (1970) Date: Sun, 1 Mar 1998 Subject: Update

Occupation: Lineman / Vice President of IBEW, Spouse: Leslie; Children: Kerry Anne 16 going on 40

Memorable Incident: The beautiful blond art teacher. I can't think of her name!!!

Since High School: Spent about 3 years building homes. After that went bust in the late 70's I went to work at VA Power and have been there since 81. I was elected to the position of VP of our local union which has about 500 members. Spend a lot of time in Richmond doing Union business, currently working on contract negotiations. Been married twice, still married to second wife, 1 child (16), 2 dogs.... Suzy and Chloe.

Missing People? Gary King is living in Ohio, married and doing very well. We still talk. I see Mike Johnson on occasion. Ran into Chris Shafer last week!!

From: Linda Whitling Witt Linda_Witt@nih.gov (1966) Date: Mon, 2 Mar 1998 Subject: Update

I found out about this from Pat (Gray) Day, who keeps in touch with Gale on a regular basis.

Occupation: Program Assistant, Significant Other: Jerry; Children: Lori 27, Shelly 25; Grandchildren: Tessa 4 1/2, Chase 3, Lance 2, Cassidy 10 months

Since High School: nd took over his family's appliance business in 1975. We co-owned the business until our separation in 1985. The house was sold and the business dissolved in 1987. Then I moved to Gaithersburg where I have lived since. After working for a few years in banking and accounting I went to work for the National Institutes of Health as a secretary. I have worked there for 9 years and I am now a program assistant. I have never remarried but I have been in a few relationships. I spend most of my vacations at the beach. I enjoy movies, cooking, crafts, yard sales, and reading. I have 4 grandchildren ages 10 months to 4 1/2. I spend alot of time baby sitting. I still keep in touch with some of the same friends I had at Peary. It makes me feel blessed to know that I have had a friendship with them for all of these years and can share things and that I can count on them for anything.

Future Plans: I hope to get married again some day. I'm looking for someone who has a joy of spending time with family but to still have quality time for ourselves. I would like to grow old (or at least older) with this person and sit on a porch in our rocking chairs watching the children play and the sun set.

Memorable Teachers: Mr. Judd because he was always telling jokes and interesting stories and kept us in stiches. And Mr. Gibbs because he was so talented, made learning interesting, and could "take it" just as much as "giving it out."

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again at the birthday bash and at all the rest of the reunions.

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