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Gary Cronk's 60th Class Reunion Address

Dear Classmatess,

It is with a heavy heart that I welcome you to this 60th High School Reunion of the JMHS Class of 1966.  Circumstances home prohibit my attendance, but rest assured that I am present here in spirit.

Time has moved on but memories last forever.  Wow!  What great times we shared!  Let us take a moment to remember classmates unable to attend this evening, as well as those who have passed away all too soon.  Their contributions to our class certainly provided and helped develop the lasting legacy that our class has maintained over the years.

A very special “THANK YOU” needs to be shouted out to Carol Randazzo, Bud Craver, and all the reunion committee members for their present and past work in making our reunions so successful.   Additional “THANK YOUS’” go out to John Townes and Pat (Adams) Justicia-Linde who developed our class webpage for communication.

From 1962-1966 (1961 for classmates from #34 School), we were privileged to be mentored by a variety of wonderful faculty members, one of which was Mr. Merrill Herrick.  He was a valued  math teacher, Service Corps advisor and homeroom teacher, as well as a school football coach.  Mr. Herrick, we thank you for all of your contributions to the Class of ’66, as well as to JMHS as a whole.

One of the best school initiatives that I feel existed while we attended JMHS was the Foreign Exchange Student Program.  How blessed we were as a class to have the Holder sisters and Carol Coleman be a part of our Jurist team.  We were also very blessed to have a guy named Aurturo Caumont join our ranks in 1965-1966!  “Turco” not only possessed a great smile and personality, but also represented our Jurist soccer team with a high level of ability and leadership.  Making the long journey to Rochester from Uruguay, South America, for multiple reunions, doesn’t go unnoticed, Turco.  We love you and your great family.

Upon graduation from JMHS, some went to college, some went into the military to save our country, some entered the workforce, and some married to begin family life.  Life continues to go forward for us “Boomers.”

In closing, I wish you and your families great health and profound happiness.  May your days be filled with peace and prosperity.  I miss you all greatly!  Go Jurists!

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Ode to Class of '66

In '61 they swarmed the halls,

like ants attacking honey!

Some were timid, some were bashful,

a few thought they were funny!

Crowded hallways, crowded stairways,

a routine completely new!

There were Peggy and Randy and Patty and Jim,

Sheryl and Carol, and Gary and Kim,

Kathy and Janet, Tom and Drew,

A boy named Bud, and girls named Sue.

Many, many more too numerous to name,

everyone was waiting to get in the game!

As I look back on those beginning days,

and think of those innocent faces,

A sense of pride fills my heart,

for you finally found your places.

And now that twilight approaches your lives,

you no longer scurry,

as all the honey in the world 

will not make you hurry!

This message I leave you

 before I depart,

The Class of '66 has stolen my heart!

THANK YOU FOR THE MEMORIES !

Mr. Merrill Herrick

July 30, 2022