A casual get-together with good food, great weather, and old friends set the stage for members of the Cuyahoga Heights High School (CHHS) Class of 1993 to celebrate their 50th birthday together at Valley View Woods park on Saturday, October 18. “Stories flowed as easily as the smiles, and for a few hours, time seemed to rewind to the days when life was simpler and friendships were just beginning,” said Jean (Walcher) Havlin. She, along with Sean Deka, John Hvisdos, Jeff Rizzo, Becky Tesar, and Angela (Turay) Revay, composed the Reunion Committee which organized the event.
Of the original 50 members, 22 classmates attended along with 19 spouses and children. Also at the reunion were two classmates who attended Cuyahoga Heights Elementary and Middle Schools, but who graduated from other high schools. “Our class has always had a strong bond – many have known each other since kindergarten, and the roots run deep, with several classmates having parents and even grandparents who attended Cuyahoga Heights, ” remarked Havlin, who, herself is the third of four generations of CHHS graduates. They include her grandparents Harold Walcher (Class of ‘39) and Gene Ruth (Foote) Walcher (Class of ‘42); parents John Walcher and Sue (Zimmerman) Walcher (Class of 1967), and her daughter, Julia, who will graduate in 2028.
All of the attendees enjoyed the menu which featured pulled pork, pizza, cheesy potatoes, a variety of salads, assorted desserts, and, of course, a cake emblazoned with the words “Cheers to 32 Years”. Tables displayed school memorabilia, including yearbooks, copies of the Chieftain (school newspaper), class T-shirts, and photos. A slideshow of old pictures accompanied by a soundtrack that brought back high school memories, played throughout the event.
A survey of the classmates was a highlight of the reunion. Every member was encouraged to complete the survey, whether they planned to attend the reunion or not. The responses sparked great conversations with respect to occupations, residency, education, children, grandchildren, pets, and other interesting details about the classmates.
Also on display was a tribute table honoring the loss of classmates Mike Wright, Dave Suhy, and Dave Martinez. “Their memory lives on in the stories we shared and the bonds that continue to unite us,” noted Havlin.
This was the Class of ‘93s third reunion. A ten-year celebration was held at Rock Bottom Brewery and a 20-year reunion was held at the House of Blues. The committee received a lot of great feedback from this year’s event and is contemplating planning the 35th and possibly even 40th get-togethers.
This year’s reunion was by far the most comfortable and relaxed. It felt easy and enjoyable, creating the perfect environment to reconnect with old friends,” added Havlin. “It was casual and full of fun moments to reminisce and we could just relax, be ourselves, and truly enjoy reconnecting.”
She concluded by saying, “The Class of ‘93 is still strong, still connected, and still finding reasons to celebrate life’s milestones together. Until next time, we (hope to) keep the laughter alive and the friendships close!”
Picture #1:
Members of the Class of 1993 pictured: (Left back by fireplace): Jimmy Henley. Back row left to right: Fred Schuster, Ed Kawecki, Tim Stepka, Jason Ippoliti, David Bielawski, Shawn Meade, and John Hvisdos. Middle row left to right: Matt Ambrose, Jeff Rizzo, Sean Deka, Dave Tiffe, Jennifer (Bohning) Moore, Leigh Hartley, Becky Tesar, Allen Meyers, Keith Lukianowicz, and Jean (Walcher) Havlin. Front row left to right: Valerie (Lemiec) Yarmesch, Deb (Talerico) McMillan, Denise (Rosenlieb) Jones, Angela (Turay) Revay, Maria (Novak) Dishop, and Michelle Johnston.
Picture #2:
The Class of 1993 Reunion Committee left to right: Becky Tesar, Jean (Walcher) Havlin, Angela (Turay) Revay, Sean Deka, John Hvisdos, and Jeff Rizzo.
