Seniors from the class of 1963, held their 60th reunion at Rocky’s Aqua in Clinton, CT. Their graduating class consisted of 57 students; at the reunion, eleven classmates showed to Aqua. Joyce Cerny planned to have as many people join this year, as their 50th year reunion, but only had about ten people. As the years go by, seniors from the class of 1963 moved further away, emails changed, and some unfortunately passed away.
Joyce Cerny was the planner behind setting a date for her classmates. Joyce lives in Newburyport, Massachusetts. She was a Clinical Chemist in multiple Boston hospitals before she retired. Her children live within a reasonable distance, allowing her to see her family. Joyce shared her favorite memories from high school, including music with Mrs. Betty Walker and Mr. Gagnon, and French with Mr. White. The Morgan School on Route 81 opened seven years before Joyce and her classmates entered seventh grade in 1958. The school held students from grades seven to twelve. Today, grades nine through twelve attend Morgan. Class sizes were smaller when Joyce graduated, therefore not as many buildings were needed. Joyce stated that even though it’s “hard to find time for everyone to come while being retired” it was great to see those who can attend. She continues to stay in touch with a few of her classmates. She sees Gail Curran twice throughout the year.
Nathan Clark Jr. was the prom king both his senior and junior years, alongside him was his wife, Priscilla Clark, receiving her crown both years as well. Nathan can remember the friendships they made throughout high school, including the lunch cook, Peggy Martin, making spaghetti and meatballs. He continues to stay in contact with classmates who are still in Clinton and surrounding towns by designating their Saturdays for dinners and morning breakfasts to keep the group close after 60 years. Priscilla and Nathan have lived in Clinton their entire lives and believe the new Morgan School is “very nice” and “are glad they built it”
Gail Coleman, along with others, continues to keep in touch with “lifelong friends”. She enjoyed the “camaraderie of a small school and small classes with great teachers,” as well as feeling fortunate to have gone to Morgan. Gail’s fondest memory is seeing Nate and remembering their competitions in math class their senior year. She feels the “reunions are a great way to catch up with old friends to reminisce about the past.” Today Gail, has retired from a career in corporate relocation working in California and New Jersey, enjoys traveling, swing dancing, and volunteering.
Although the students at Morgan aren’t familiar with the school song, the Towering High Song for those who graduated in 1968 is meaningful. Joyce was surprised when an employee at Rocky’s Aqua, who graduated from Morgan 15 years ago, didn’t know this song and tradition existed. At the end of their reunion, the class sang their memorable song written by faculty member, Mr. Sydney White.
Both Gail and Joyce reminisce about the past and look forward to future reunions. They not only have Class of 1963 reunions, but they also have triennial reunions with other graduating classes. This gives them a chance to reconnect with other classes. “Praestare quam acquire paestat” translates to ‘it is better to excel than to equal’. This was the class of 1963’s motto for their four years in high school.
In 1963, the variety of clubs ranged from driver’s ed to gym club. Today, The Morgan School continues to induct students into the National Honor Society (NHS) during their junior and senior years. Sixty years ago, the school had nine clubs, which are not present today. The Forum Club included twenty members from the sophomore, junior, and senior classes combined. Students debated and discussed controversial and contemporary subjects. Members of the Library Club spent their time working in the library checking out books, writing orders, and preparing books to be shelved. This club began their senior year with a brownie and a used book sale, with proceeds going to the purchase of library club pins. Chess club met each week to participate in competition. It was created to teach new members the fundamentals of chess. Gym Club was created to develop interest in gymnastics while giving peers the opportunity to enhance their courage and initiative. The club included a trampoline, horizontal bar, a Swedish vaulting box, and tumbling mats. Drivers Ed was an enticing class for those who were getting their licenses. Students would participate in class to learn about the safety of driving behind the wheel. Although we continue to teach world language at Morgan today, Latin and French clubs were included in the after school programs. Students with past knowledge of the language would host the club in their house with guest speakers throughout the year. Latin Club focused on teaching peers the Roman Culture. Today, students can join the Spanish Club with Mrs. Rivadeniera.
Here are the Senior Quotes from the Class of 1963:
Joyce Adele Chapman: “It matters not how long we live, but how.”
David John Bogush: “Happy the house that shelters a friend.”
Marilyn Emelie Carlson: “As every minute particle of gold valuable, so is every minute of life.”
Jacob Alan Baker: “He who has faith has life…”
Nathan Henry Clark Jr.: “A rolling stone gather no moss.”
Priscilla Jane Walker: Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Gail Jeannette Coleman: A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.”
George Washington Albrecht Jr.: “Quiet as a plough laid at the furrows’ end.”
Elizabeth Anne Connelly: “There are virtues which become crimes by exaggeration.”
Russel W. Berlepsch Jr.: “A smile is worth a million dollars, and it doesn’t cost a cent.”
Glenn Robert Neri: “He who goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing.”
