Remarks from Julie Holloman Wyman at the Saturday Evening Reunion Event...
May 26, 1970 – we flung open the doors and walked out of Thomas Jefferson High School for the last time as students and into the big ‘ole world that was waiting for us, a world full of promise and hope and dreams. Who could envision some 52 years hence when we would gather once again to celebrate our years as TJ Rebels. The road was never straight and never easy, we’ve all had our joys and heartbreaks, our successes and failures. But we’ve ended up at this weekend to renew lifelong friendships, make some new acquaintances, tell all the old stories one more time, maybe tell a new story for the first time.
One of our classmates expressed it best, “So why do we do this?” We all followed the path before us, wherever that led. The Class of 1970 is about the people, the shared experience, not about graduating, or your family moving in your junior year, or getting expelled by Mr. Greene, or whatever. The bonds we made going to school together all those years in Dallas are why I always look forward to returning and reconnecting with the people that touched my young life. And you, my friend, touched my young life. Thank you.
I would like to once again welcome all of you tonight. Who knew when we started planning this 50-Year Reunion almost 3 years ago in the summer of 2019, it would take so long to get to this evening? So, thanks to all of you for sticking with us during the pandemic, the disappointment of 2 consecutive postponements and multiple changes in plans. I, along with the Reunion Committee, appreciate your dedication and loyalty to our TJ Class of 1970.
I have several announcements to make during this short program. First, I would like to recognize the members of the TJ Class of 1970 Reunion Committee. This group is standing here in front of the stage. Gretchen Moran Best and Steve Moffett could not be with us tonight. Let’s give a big round of applause to this group who has worked tirelessly and waited patiently for this weekend to take place.
Next, thanks to Rory Best who capably organized yesterday’s golf outing.
Also, a big thank you to our classmate, Jerry Parker, tonight’s DJ. He stepped in without hesitation when the band we had hired for this evening lost their front man and lead singer, then made the difficult decision to discontinue performing. So, thanks, Jerry!
Steve Moffett, who manages the TJ Class of 1970 Scholarship Fund is not able to be with us tonight as he recovers from recent back surgery. Steve offers this update: The TJ Alumni Association has been providing scholarships through its membership for several years, over $350,000 since 2007, but has recently started individual class scholarship funds. I am very proud to say that in 2018 we provided two $2,500 scholarships from the Class of 1970, in 2019 we provided $7,500 and in 2020 and 2021 we did $10,000 in four $2,500 scholarships!!! Our 2022 target is another $10,000 in total scholarships. We need your ongoing help and support. As was the case last year, one of our classmates has very generously agreed to match your donations up to a total of $2,500. This is huge, and I am confident will get us to our goal. All donations are tax deductible. The easiest way to donate is to send a check to Guy Thomas (Alumni Association treasurer). This updated contribution information will be soon posted to our TJ Class of 1970 website. If Steve were here, we would give him a big round of applause for his efforts in representing our class in this most admirable pursuit. But let’s give him one anyway!
Some of you are probably curious as to what’s going on with TJ – the building, I mean, the one we exited on May 26, 1970. Ravaged by the October 2019 tornado (along with Cary Middle School and Walnut Hill Elementary), progress has been slow at best. But progress is being made. Students have been attending the old Thomas Edison campus in West Dallas for going on 2 ½ years now. I received this update from Missy Huber Hall, TJ ’72 and President of the TJ Alumni Association: The construction is moving along at a great pace. The school will open January 2023. I have walked the new school and it is beyond what I imagined in a great way. The feel is representative of a state of the art Junior College. I was touring with Craig Melde "69 who is an incredible architect, and he too, felt it was beyond our expectations. Craig noted the preservation of what we are calling the "iconic, historic TJ" and how it blends beautifully with the new construction. The historical area consists of our original entrance, the great THOMAS JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL BLUE LETTERS remaining in their original spot on the building, the auditorium in place but completely remodeled inside to meet UIL competition standards, and of course, the original staircase where many pictures were taken. There will be open a foyer area across from the auditorium with some history of TJ displayed. This entire area/wing is the Fine Arts Department. Tell everyone to stay tuned because the Alumni Association's Grand Opening will be one great reunion for ALL classes! Probably to be held in March of 2023. Additionally, Cary Jr. High (as we knew it) was levelled to make way for the new Walnut Hill International Learning Academy which will house grades K-8.
The program says we finish at 12:00am, but who knows when we might meet again. So, if you are still awake and not partied out yet, please feel free to hang around the ballroom. Bars will remain open until 1:30am or last call. So pull up a chair and keep those stories coming!
And finally, before we leave this evening, please let us observe a moment of silence in memory of the Fallen Rebels of the TJ Class of 1970. (silence) While we will not be recognizing these classmates individually during this program, please take a few moments to visit our Fallen Rebels commemorated on the posters next to this stage. Sadly, I received a message this morning that another classmate, Grant Jack, passed away in his sleep last night. My thanks to Richard Renfro for letting me know.
Once again, thanks for coming, hope you are having a wonderful evening and keep the party going! And now to close this program, please join me in singing our Alma Mater, “Hear Our Proud Voices.”
Good Evening.