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'We'll remember always'

East Rockaway High School Class of 1956 celebrates its 60th anniversary

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When the East Rockaway High School class of 1956 gathered one more time — this time for their 60th anniversary reunion on August 19, at Alias Smith & Jones Restaurant in Oceanside — there was no way they could match the numbers from ten years earlier when 35 classmates and 17 spouses had shown up at the Coyote Grill in Island Park for the “Big 5-0”.

For one thing, seven classmates present in 2006 had since passed away, and two class members planning to attend had to cancel for personal or family health reasons.

But eighteen class members answered the call, plus eight spouses or guests, and the spirit in the room was truly joyful.

One 1956 yearbook was present and was passed from table to table – but photos from our past – and from our present (as grandparents and even great-grandparents) – were plentiful in the form of both actual photographs and electronic images on mobile phones and larger devices.

Conversations came easy to people who grew up together. “We were kids at the right time,” said one. “And in the right place,” added another, “East Rockaway in the 1950’s."

Classmate Walter “Kaky” Kakareko looked as if he had stepped down out of his photograph in the “Hall of Heroes” outside the gym in ERHS, trim and ready to suit up and play hoops, with only his hair color seeming to show the passage of time. His wife, Jean Smillie Kakareko, looked as if she could step into her old cheerleader’s outfit and cheer Kaky on!

Reunion Committee Chair Terry Farina Clifford spoke briefly, thanking those who came and those who replied but could not attend. Committee member Bobby “Eternal Teenager” Morris cracked a joke. But it was not a night that needed speeches or formal toasts. We were all comfortable with each other.

For one brief evening we were together again, and the years melted away. Rock Rivalry was real – and varsity sports – and Sadie Hawkins Day, and Senior Day, and the senior play, and the prom – and graduation. As the song says, “We’ll remember always – Graduation Day”.