Birthday: 10/15
Occupation: Business Specialist/Career
Counselor/Trainer
Spouse: None
Children: Eric Mueller 31 years (and dreading each
birthday already!)
Grandchildren: Nada
Memorable Incidents: There were some really
wonderful people in our class. Some undiscovered diamonds,
too. Tommy Sumrall has passed away and I remember his
wonderful smile and extraordinarily caring heart. His
compassion and sensitivity towards others. I miss him! I
wish he were going to be at this reunion.... Tommy, I wish
you were here. I remember Mrs. Fletcher. She was a light
for me when things sometimes felt dark. She fought and
cared deeply about me for many years. Her letters of
encouragement and caring touched me my entire life... and
memories still do. I wish she and Mr. Fletcher were going
to be at this reunion. I remember being in the old high
school before the new one was built. I remember the lack
of a/c and the sound of the metal lockers being banged
open and shut, echoing all through the hallways Does
anyone remember The Busy Bee? Hamburgers on the grill,
crowded every noon, 'the dirty bop'? Watching the
then-seniors dancing while we lowly Freshmen looked on
with envy. They seemed so much older and smarter.. so
'with it'. I couldn't dance at all then but could
occasionally get a fuzzy 'American Bandstand" on b/w TV.
The highlight of my day! The smell of the stage in the old
building, the wooden floors on the empty stage, the talent
shows. I remember the Junior Miss pageant - Sue Neill
Shaunessy was the first Jr Miss for Long Beach and believe
it or not, I was the 2nd place runner up! I just wanted to
sing back then. I remember my first boyfriend, from
Gulfport, Larry Ladner. Its been many years since I have
seen him. I wonder if he has aged gracefully, like the
rest of us? Or the Marine I fell for, Ardre Blackmon,
Bobby Patenotte's half brother. Does anyone really forget
their first loves? I remember how each of us struggled to
find out what we wanted out of life when didn't even know
who we were. It was the worst of times and sometimes the
best of times. I remember high school very, very well.
Since High School:
I married none of the guys mentioned above; instead a 2nd
Lt. stationed at KAFB. We traveled all around the world
(or at least the East half; we never made it to Europe but
spent our time in the States and Far East). I wish I could
live those years in other countries again. It was
fascinating. We have a 31 yr old son who is a web designer
(www.themepark.com) and extremely gifted in computers.
When I took off my traveling shoes on, he kept his on! I
have plenty of 'mother stories' about my son if you want
to hear them... just tap me on the shoulder and ask! Yes,
I will happily brag about him.... no grandchildren yet.
But, he is doing well so far and the best is yet to be. I
finished my BA in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Career
Counseling. I have work on my Masters in Career
Counseling. I have been a trainer for over 20 years,
working for-profit and non-profit organizations, and
contracting independently. I still teach Career Transition
at Keesler every month and work as a Business Specialist
for Gulf Coast Business Services. I am enmeshed in the
employment field & don't think I will ever totally leave
it. I spent many years, along side my husband's career,
volunteering. I have gotten far more out of it than I
could describe.
Future Plans:
To go to Italy on vacation. To feel the sand between my
toes in Oregon again. To remember what is most important
in life. Its not about toys but love, respect and God.
Memorable Teachers:
Mrs. Fletcher. Her heart was as big as the school itself.
Other alums I know about:
Clara Gould lives in New York State. I will see if I can
find her although I don't know if she would want to
attend. But I want to tell her she was thought of and
remembered over the years as a graceful person who let a
lot slide off her back.
Comments:
Full of Pep, Ready for Fun -- Senior Class of '61!!!!
Last update May 2003 |
