Kempsville High School Class of 1970

Well, it was a great weekend! It began Friday evening at the school. Over the library door, a huge welcome banner had been made by students. Inside, a group of enthusiastic students greeted us and served the cake they had made for us. Also there was the current principal, Dr. Louis Tonelson, a most gracious host.

We had a great turnout for the Friday event — about 50 alumni showed up. The students broke us into groups and gave tours of the old school. For the most part, we could vaguely recall what was where. So many additions and improvements have been made: extra wings, elevators, computer labs. And these current students were actually impressed that we still knew each other well enough to trade wise cracks with ease. One said he hoped his class could be as close 30 years from now. And we did seem to pick up where we had last seen each other, with plenty of horseplay and gentle jabs. Some of us even got unruly and wandered away from assigned groups to explore on our own.

Before the game, somebody asked if we could march in with the band. And so we did, a disorganized crew meandering along as the rear guard. A brave few of us joined with the students having faces decorated with war paint. After grabbing a Chiefs hot dog and drink, we all sat in a section reserved for us on the 50-yard line. Some were there who would be unable to show up the next night: Barb Garrison, Ronnie Fox, Robert Woods. Vernon King was there as a KHS teacher and coach. Also spotted was Rodney Blake ('72).

During our tour, we had seen the granite bench our class was donating to the school. It was installed in the courtyard area behind the library, an area that serves as a crossroads of walkways between classes. At halftime, the announcer recognized us and read a statement we had prepared:

Thirty short years ago, Kempsville High School graduated its first class ever. The Class of 1970 sat where you, the current students, sit today. Not just in these bleachers, but in the classroom desks and at the lunchroom tables. Despite all that has changed in 30 years, you are very much like us, doing the same things in the same way.

One thing was different. Being the first class of a new school, we had to learn some things for ourselves. We got along, you might say, by the seat of our pants. And now , in that spirit, we pass on to your generation a place to rest amid the learning.

This new bench, in the courtyard area of this seat of learning, is our small gift to you, as we look back on the times that made us who we are today. Take care of it, take advantage of it — and take a break every now and then. It’s on us.

The game itself was a thriller and a heartbreaker. The lead changed back and forth, but a late TD by underdog First Colonial produced an upset of our Chiefs.

We then retreated to the bar in the lobby of the Clarion Hotel. The party continued well into the night with another large turnout. Jeff Bryan helped out by graciously subsidizing a good chunk of the bar tab. Needless to say, a few tales were told that evening.

What about Saturday and Sunday? Well, it rained all day Saturday but cleared up beautifully for the picnic Sunday. Those events, however, can best be recounted in pictures. Click here to open the collages, candids, or portraits from the Memory Book. (You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. If you don't, you can get it here for free.)

30-Year Reunion