SHS Class of 1981 gathers for 40-year reunion 

by Tina Cole-Mullins

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Some 40 years ago, members of the Stockbridge High School Class of 1981 walked across the stage and received their diplomas. The graduates then left their familiar high school and friends behind to begin a new journey and make their way in the world.

On Saturday, Aug. 21, some of these class members returned to the area to mark the 40th anniversary of their accomplishment. At their reunion, the classmates shared fond memories and reminisced about fun times.

The Class of 1981 had 138 graduates who walked at commencement. The valedictorian was Lance Goodlock, and the salutatorian was Sara Fillmore. Class colors were light and dark blue, with the yellow rose selected as class flower. Appropriately, the prom theme was “Time For Me to Fly,” by REO Speedwagon. On their senior trip, the classmates landed in Florida, visiting Walt Disney World, Sea World and Busch Gardens.

Marcy Fletcher Tracy took the lead along with Jim Baker in organizing the reunion. Many class attendees like Bryan Garner and Jay Brooks helped with preparations.

“Not all of us hung out in the same groups growing up, so it’s nice getting back together with everyone,” Jay Brooks said during pre-event preparations. “A thank you to Jim for all his help and hosting at his place.”

Baker graciously offered his home to host the reunion group of 30 classmates and spouses, along with retired teacher Tom Tucker. They dined on food catered by Smokehouse 52 BBQ of Chelsea.

“It was wonderful to reconnect with such a great group of people,” Judy Young Brune said.

For this year’s reunion, Julie Soulliere traveled the farthest, as she “flew in from Chicago!” Most classmates had not seen each other since the 25th reunion, held in 2006 at the American Legion Hall in Stockbridge.

Some classmates who were unable to attend in person reconnected with others via FaceTime, making for a fun part of the evening. Sara Fillmore Walding checked in from Australia, and Brian Taylor from a wedding reception.  Debbie and Jamey Lobdell and Jim Eccleton also visited using technology.  

On a more somber note, the Class of ’81 remembered 18 lost classmates: Randy Back, Randy Baker, Jeff Becker, Tracy Bieringer, Marty Bliss, Tom Clark, Susan Fowler, Gerald Harmon, Beth Helderman, Linda Keiser, Rusty Mushbach, Pat Outwater, Kevin Owen, Richard Parks, Jon Rathbun, Mark Schroeder, Patti Simons and Debra Smith. 

Following reunion activities, guests were invited to remain for music and dancing by Fools Fait, who also will be performing once again at this year’s Harvest Moon Festival on Saturday, Sept. 11, at Veterans Memorial Park.

“Our 40th reunion celebration was very nice.” Marcy Fletcher Tracy said. “Many thanks to everyone involved.”

Photo credit Debra (Lewis) Carr: SHS Class Attendee Phil Lewis on the drums with Fool’s Fait

Photo credit Debra (Lewis) Carr: SHS Class Attendee Phil Lewis on the drums

Photo credit Marcy (Fletcher) Tracy L-R Julius Hill (wife Christina), Cindy (Case) Keiser, Rose (Heeney) Adams and Marcy (Fletcher) Tracy

Photo credit Tina Cole-Mullins: L-R Cindy (Case) Keiser Jim Johnston & Merri (Andrews) Reilly

Photo credit Tina Cole-Mullins: L-R retired SHS teacher Tom Tucker, Julie Soulliere and Mike Gardner

Photo credit Tina Cole-Mullins: L-R Kenny Brown & Bryan Garner

Photo credit Tina Cole-Mullins: L-R Steve Holbrook & Kevin Puckett

Photo credit Tina Cole-Mullins: L-R Mark Hale, Phil Lewis & Bryan Garner

Photo credit Marcy (Fletcher) Tracy L-R Self, Julie Soulliere and Marcia (Beal) Bisonet

Photo credit Marcy (Fletcher) Tracy L-R Self, Rita (Mikelonis) Smith, Julie Soulliere and Marcia (Beal) Bisonet

Photo credit Tina Cole-Mullins: L-R Lori (Tipper) King, Roseanne (Heeney) Adams & Rita (Mikelonis) Smith

Photo credit Tina Cole-Mullins: L-R Judy (Young) Brune & Rita (Mikelonis) Smith

Photo credit Tina Cole-Mullins: L-R Rita (Mikelonis) Smith, retired SHS teacher Tom Tucker, Chris Ward & Jay Brooks

Photo credit Tina Cole-Mullins: Julie Soulliere traveled the furthest, “I flew in from Chicago!”

Photo credit Tina Cole-Mullins: L-R Bryan Garner, Marcy (Fletcher) Tracy & Jim Baker

Standing (L to R): Tony Bassett, Mike Gardner, Debbie (Dunn) Lee, Cindy (Case) Keiser, Mark Hale, Lori (Tipper) King, Shawn Conway, retired SHS teacher Tom Tucker, Julie Soulliere, Chris Ward, Patty (Fitch) O’Toole, Phil Lewis, Rita (Mikelonis) Smith, Kevin Puckett, Bryan Garner, Marcy (Fletcher) Tracy, Kenny Brown, Jim Baker, Jeff Fletcher, Jay Brooks, and Mark Shepherd.
Kneeling (L to R): Carolyn (Weck) Wayman, Marcia (Beal) Bisonet, Merri (Andrews) Reilly, Judy (Young) Brune, Keith Burrison, and Jim Johnston.
Not pictured, but in attendance: Rose (Heeney) Adams, Julius Hill, and Steve Holbrook.