Mangaluru: The much anticipated St Aloysius High School Class of 1974 reunion was held between 28th and 31st December 2019. Over 60 classmates with their spouses from around the world got together for the reunion.
On 28th December, the Class of 1974 students met at St Aloysius High School. After a sumptuous breakfast, they occupied the benches in their respective classrooms, and just like in their younger days, their respective class leaders noted their attendance. The classmates then re-introduced themselves to each other and kindled memories of the days of yore.
Post this, all gathered in the School auditorium, where they were addressed by the Head Master Rev. Fr. Gerald Furtado S.J. and Rector Rev. Fr. Dyonisius Vaz. Both expressed their happiness at the classmates getting together after 45 years and of the fact that such a big group could assemble. They said that the plan of St. Aloysius Institutions was to ‘Go Green.’
On behalf of the classmates, Clarence Pereira spoke and made a commitment to install a 30kW solar plant on the roof of the auditorium as a contribution from the Class of 1974. Thereafter the classmates were treated to refreshing sugarcane juice, charmuri, and tender mango pachadi to relive their school days. St. Aloysius High School Class of 1974 T-shirts in school colors were distributed to all classmates.
In the evening, all the classmates together with spouses, again met-up for an informal dinner, a sing-song with a live band in attendance and dancing at the Thyme Restaurant. Everyone had a fabulous evening!
The following day i.e., 29th December, on behalf of Class of 1974, Clarence Pereira met the class’s erstwhile Head Master Rev Fr Denis Rasquinha and Assistant Head Master Rev Fr Lawrence Pinto at Fatima Retreat House.
In the afternoon everyone assembled again at the school wearing their ‘St. Aloysius High School Class of 1974 T-shirts’, and after taking group pictures were transported to Kaup by 2 buses for the main St Aloysius High School Class of 1974 Reunion event. This was at a beach house belonging to one of the classmates. He welcomed everyone with tender coconut water and fresh toddy. Snacks followed and all walked around on the beach till sundown.
Clarence Pereira and Anil Noronha again welcomed the gathering. A minute’s silence was observed in memory of the deceased classmates; may their departed souls Rest in Peace! The School Anthem was sung by all and then the festivities of fun, food and games started. There was a round of Housie, live band, DJ music, song, and dance. Classmates mingled with each other reminiscing old times and sharing their journeys over the past 45 years.
On the 30th December 2019, a couple of students visited a sick classmate who could not make it to the reunion. In the evening everyone was treated to unlimited ice cream at Pabbas.
On 31st December a Farewell Breakfast was organized at Ocean Pearl. Anil Noronha expressed his thanks to everyone who had participated and to the students who had sponsored the various events/items
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Not only did the 4-day St Aloysius High School Class of 1974 reunion events bring classmates together after 45 years, but it also brought spouses together – so much so that spouses have formed their own ‘Better Half of Class of 1974’ WhatsApp group!
With over 60 Classmates and spouses coming together after 45 years and sharing memories over 4 days of most memorable fun-filled events, Dr.Brian Pereira, one of the more illustrious of the class of 74, aptly summed up the event thus “St Aloysius High School Class of 1974 has established a gold standard for all reunions”
Reported by Clarence Pereira
