Bethpage High School Class of 1961 Reunion

50 Years ago, the Bethpage H. S. class of 1961 with approximately 194 students were getting prepared for graduation. On Sunday, June 25, 1961, the first full class graduated from the new High School on Cherry Avenue. Until that time, the high school was located at the Broadway School (JFK middle School of today).

As the first full Senior Class, we dedicated the Senior Court and planted several small tree. We were also the first Senior Class to go on a Senior Trip to Washington, D. C. The Golden Eagle was our mascot and our colors were Blue and Gold.

Our Superintendent was Mr. C. Bryan. Our Principal, Mr. Sabatella. Our Assistant Principals were Mr. Parlato and Mr. Krawitz. E pluribus unum - one administration composed of many - displaying friendly, understanding, good humor and eagerness by encouraging us to take an active and sincere interest in all our undertakings. We expressed our appreciation and gratitude to the man who did the most to promote peace and harmony in school, and dedicated our yearbook to our Principal, Mr. Sabatella.

America made much history that year starting with the election of the first Catholic and youngest man ever sworn in as President, John F. Kennedy. With his support, we entered the Race for Space. Prssure from Federal Courts intensified against segregation; the Niagara Power Generating Plant started current flowing from the first of 13 new generators and was the third largest of its kind in the world. The worst air crash in U.S. aviation history occurred. United Airlines jet collided with a TWA plane over Staten Island. The TWA plane crashed into Staten Island and the United Airlines continued to travel and plunged into a block of houses in Brooklyn. The death toll--134. On December 19th, the Navy's newest and largest atack aircraft carrier, the Constellation, moored in the NY Navy Yard was raked by fire. Forty-nine civilians were killed and more than 10 injured.

There were trouble spots around the world - the Congo, Algeria, Laos, and Cuba. In February, 1961 a 17.4 inch snowfall put NY City, Nassau County and surrounding areas into a state of emergency. The Olympic Games were held in Rome; Floyd Patterson knocked out Ingemar Johansson in the 5th round to become the first boxer in history to regain the heavy-weight championship of the world. Will Mazeroski helped the Pirates beat the Yankees in the World Series and the Yankees retired Casey Stengel.

It was the 50th anniversary of the Bethpage Fire Department. The bronze statue of a fireman holding a child was unveiled in front of the firehouse. Residents voted for a new elementary school to avoid split sessions and the Junior Prom with its accent on the Arabian Nights and the Senior Ball were both big successes. We had the legendary Howie Vogts coaching our football team and remained so for 56 years. Graduation Day, Sunday, June 25, culminated four hard but fun years and was considered a milestone in our lives and an influence on our futures.

The plans for the 50th reunion started to hatch on the 45th reunion cruise five years ago, it seemed so far away then, but plans took hold and the committee, Rich Dinsmore, Marie Cositore Bosco and Andrea Campos plus other worked very had and made things happen and it all came together for a most beautiful, emotional and wonderful evening.

The 50th reunion was held on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at the Marriott in Uniondale, Friday morning 9/23 the girls met for breakfast. Several classmates who live in Florida have mini reunions in Orlando. Face Book is a wonderful way to stay in touch with photos, happeings, trips, etc. Saturday morning of the reunion, Superintendent Terry Clark hosted a breakfast for the class then for a tour of the school and a trip down memory lane. The school looks wonderful and all the renovations and additions made us all proud of our time spent here. The little trees we planted are now big trees and the senior court looks great. We had a chance to see the wing that houses the swimming pool. We did not have the pool in 1961 so it was extremely impressive to see the facilities and to see how the school has kept up with technology and all the updates and renovations.

The reunion was enjoyed by all. Sadly, we lost about 26 friends and we think of them when we are reminiscing about our teenage years. We danced to our music of our time --DOO WOP and good ol' Rock N Roll! There were four couples at the reunion who were high school sweethearts in the same 1961 class and who married. There were nine guest who started out in the Bethpage School system from kindergarten and graduated in 1961.

This is a wonderful testament to a great school and a great community. I thank Judy Caputo for sharing this write up with the CPHS.