2002 Update

Stranahan High School held its 3rd annual Alumni Night, 2002 on November 5. Because it was Election Day and the school lobby was a polling place, the gathering was held in the gym. This had its advantages and disadventages. There was lots of room for the band and cheerleaders to do their thing, but the acoustics and the seating left something to be desired. Once again refreshments were served, courtesy of Mrs. Tracy Marhefka's Culinary Arts Department and old yearbooks were available for inspection.

The best news was that there were six classmates from the Classes of '59 - '61. First-time attendee Mike Mucci ('60) and his wife Carol drove all the way from Stuart even though it took them 4 hours due to traffic problems. Two Graff sisters, Joyce ('59) and Carole ('60) were there as was Chip Wygant ('61). Mike Roland (aka Mike Walsh,'59), who has attended every one and was last year's speaker, made it again. And I - Bev Bryan Hoppe ('60) - was number 6.

We were welcomed by Principal Egle Gallagher, who was one of the finalists for this year's Broward County Principal of the Year.

Principal Gallagher then introduced the band and cheerleaders who gave a sample of their performance for the Homecoming game against the Flying L's.

One interesting note: the new band director Mr. A. Navarro is a 1997 SHS graduate! Loyalty to SHS is evident among the entire faculty, many of whom are alumni.

The guest speaker for the evening was Coach Jim Bratton who has been at SHS since 1961.

Each alumnus/a was invited to introduce him/herself, give their year of graduation, and if they had known Coach Bratton, to tell a brief story about him. All alumni in attendance received a "Fighting Dragon Alumni" tee shirt.

Once again, it was a fun evening. Joyce and Carole were glad they came, Mike said it had been worth the long drive, and we all enjoyed reminiscing. Hope more of you make it next year! SHS has really put the true spirit of homecoming back into their Homecoming Week! Yea Dragons!!

Bev Bryan Hoppe, Class of '60