Political Posturing - okay, not really

I'm supposed to be working, which always brings out my creative-distraction gene. And--gosh--since politics seem to be so up front and center these days, I thought I'd add my own political posturing to the mix. (okay, not really, read on with confidence).

What I've located, as I sit here inhaling a bag of Sun Chips (French Onion), is my (brace yourself) campaign speech from 1987. With these words, apparently I convinced you I'd be worthy of leadership and reunion-planning until the end of my days.

And I quote:

"My name is Jennifer Egge, you see

(that's Jennifer Egg with an E)

I'm here to convince you to vote for me

For your senior class treasurer/secretary.

You may not think I'm cracked up for the job,

But I think I can do it, don't think I'm a snob.

I'm egg-stremely egg-cited for our senior year,

But I must admit I'm egg-sperincing some fear.

I'm ready and willing to pick up the yoke [yolk, get it? heh . . heh . . never mind]

and do egg-actly what's needed for all of you folk.

My egg-stra small speech has now come to an end.

And voting is just around the bend.

So when you are choosing, please think again.

Remember me, and vote for Jenn."

Let it not be said I hid both my writing abilities (ahem) and my comedic chops under a bushel barrel as a youth. There you have both in flying colors. (Panther colors of course).

All kidding aside, I thought you might need a reprieve from all the talking heads.

And yes, I know I look like Sarah Palin.

And no, I have no idea how to put lipstick on a pitbull OR a pig.

I'm Ba-ack . . .

I think I'm finally recovered from all the festivities. Whew. As an F.Y.I., I wanted to let y'all know I'll be posting now and then here on the infamous Class of 88 Blog, adding more Classmate Connections as they continue to trickle into my e-inbox. Certainly not as religiously as before, since I'm not trying to lure you to a reunion via my clever witticisms and mullet musings. Uhm, ya.

For you local folks, there's going to be a mini-get-together at The Blazing Onion Restaurant in Snohomish this Wednesday evening at 7:00pm (August 20th), located in the new shopping center on Bickford Avenue (look for the gigantic rock wall and Fred Meyer). We'll be handing back borrowed memorabilia, discussing our collective committee brilliance, taking notes for the 30th (seriously, we're sick people), and knocking back a few greasy burgers. Any and all are welcome. Spouses too, if necessary.

In case you don't believe that Snohomish has an honest-to-gosh, real-life restaurant that stays open past 9:00pm, check out their website: http://www.blazingonion.com/. [neener neener neener]

Post Reunion Reflections

Wow.

(and I mean that in a good way)

No kidding, what an amazing weekend. I'm still recuperating from all the fun. Excellent turnout friday night at Buzz Inn; special thanks to Mark and Tammy Perry who were the hit of the evening. Saturday was absolutely wonderful - Kyri stole the show as our Emcee Extraordinaire. And God bless all you Washingtonians for showing up Sunday, rain galoshes and all. Kudos to Sarah Bohlke for (in a pure moment of genius, I swear) renting the picnic shelter.

(*light the campfire and cue background music, this is where I get all Kumbaya on ya)

I've been truly amazed and humbled by so many of our classmates through the reunion process. I've heard from several who were not able to make it for a variety of reasons, some pretty standard, some not (ie: I'm going through chemo; I'm still grieving over the loss of my only child; I just lost my job; My husband just found out he has cancer, etc.). Each and every one of these individuals remained upbeat, positive, but so thankful to be a part of the SHS class of 1988. If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times - we really do have a wonderfully unique class. It was a pleasure heading up the committee and I look forward to at least being a part of planning for the 30th (egads, that sounds so . . . . old). Many have already suggested a casual get-together for the 25th, possibly at Buzz Inn, which cracks me up.

I've also had requests [insert modest grin] that I keep adding to the blog. If anyone else has Classmate Catch Up stuff to send in, keep it coming and I'll be happy to publish it for you on the blog. And I'll probably check in from time to time with any other relevant info I discover along the way.

Dane and I both performed Sunday night at Giggles in the U-District amidst a die hard group of classmates and friends/family in the area. Lots of fun - we both thank you all for your support, laughter, and applause!

Thanks again for all the help from my stellar committee (okay and for the flowers and gift certificates - so unnecessary, yet so appreciated). So, fourth weekend in July, 2013 at Buzz Inn anyone???

Classmate Catch Up for Dummies

Okay, it's not that I think you're dummies, it was just a really catchy title.

If you haven't submitted anything for the Memory Books yet, you're definitely too late for the published version. However, if you'd still like to submit your info for the blog, I'll be happy to post it for you. Here's what ya gotta do:

1. Answer the following questions: (or as many as you want)

Name:

Occupation:

Spouse:

Spouse Occupation:

Children:

Favorite Hobbies:

What would you like to accomplish/do in the next ten years?

Who most inspired you as a teen or young adult?

What piece of advice would you give to high school students today?

2. Send me the answers (jenn at jenndoucette dot com).

3. Attach a photo (optional, jpeg preferable).

4. Send me a Starbucks card at the following address . . . .kidding.

And voila! - we're in business.

And now comes something I never thought I'd ever say during the span of my lifetime: See you all tonight at The Snohomish Buzz Inn - it's going to be great!

UPDATE - Saturday Night

If you're planning on attending Saturday and/or Friday, you still can, but here's the updated information from the RWC website:

***Reservations for this reunion are CLOSED. You can still attend the reunion, but you will need to register at the door with cash, Visa or MasterCard.

Saturday Night Event - GUEST LIST

T minus 48 hours and counting . . .

Saturday Night Event is almost upon us, so forget learning a new instrument, getting a tan, losing 20 pounds, or becoming a millionaire before your reunion . . . at this point, it is what it is, and it's all good.

Quick reminder on details:
Time: 6:30pm-12:00am
Place: Everett Events Center
If you haven't yet registered, it's not too late, but it helps to have a bit of a heads up for food and place settings purposes so check in with the RWC website (www.reunionswithclass.com). The guest list (for Saturday Night) is listed below, so please check for your name. If you don't see your name and thought you already registered, contact RWC right away (1-800-954-1044) and they'll get it cleared up stat.

Guest List:

Anderson, Neil
Anderson, Troy
Austin, David
Bailey, Kimberly
Bastian, Bryan
Belmore, Erin
Birks, Jennifer Wagner
Bohlke, Sarah Swanson
Bomar, Wendy
Brennis, Erik
Calozza, Michael
Cameron, Peter
Carpenter, Michael
Carpio, Aurora Nugent
Cavelero, Mark
Chonzena, Patrick
Coberly, Nina Sandoval
Curtis, Ben
Daniels, Betty Hall
Darwood, Charie Ford
Davis, Alan
Dolquist, Kristin Dzinich
Donohue, Chad
Eddleman, Roy
Egge, Jennifer Doucette
Ellison, Summer
Engeseth, Christa Skinner
Fagerlie, Sara
Ferguson, Michele Rodgers
Ford, Edward
Ford, Shanon
Friesen, Eric
Gable, Lisa
George, Malcolm
Gilchrist, Christopher
Gilpin, Kimberly Smith
Ginty, Kelley Lyday
Goosak, Ginger Donohue
Graves, Marigale Norman
Grieve, James Christopher
Griffith, Molly Burger
Haakenstad, Lisa
Harding, Melissa Mathewson
Harkins, Marianne Thompson
Harvey, Lance
Heckman, David
Hohenhaus, Yvonne
Holten, Herbert
Hood, Scot
Hord, Elise Evans
Jenney, Lisa Carlson
Johnson, Eric
Johnson, Michael
Jones, Pamela
Keel, Darcel Bradley
Kelly, Sean
Kester, Nick
Larsen, Derek
LaVelle, Jason
Marker, Craig
McDaniel, Bradley
Mills, Nicole McQuiston
Minnock, Kerry
Minogue, Bart
Moore, Danielle Erickson
Moss, Kelly Harris
Munding, Michelle Cash
Naas, Jill
Parker, Tammy Cooper
Petersen, Angela Sherbert
Pierce, Trella Reyes
Poier, Erika Lande
Posey, Sheri Plucker
Psaradelis, Joseph
Reid, Andrew
Ren, Kristen Stevens
Rice, Ellen Lewis
Rice, Scott
Riley, Darci Moreau
Roark, Constancia Daniels
Sanders, Kerri Rondona
Schoenfelder, Donald
Scott, Eric
Shelley, Robert
Sibley, Todd
Smith, Shawn
Stevens, Bradford
Surdyk, Gayleen George
Thompson, Molly Perry
Thompson, Sheryl
Tsircou, Kyriacos
Van De Casteele, Darrin
Van Duren, Kerry
VanAssche, Jason
Vos, Christine Berg
Waali, Darice
Walker, Wendy Malgesini
Warren, Douglas
Wegner, Timothy
West, Paul
Whitley, Sarah Carpenter
Whorton, Christopher
Wilson, Dane
Young, Rick

Classmate Catch Up with Herb Holten

Herb Holten
Occupation: Custom Cabinet Builder
Spouse: Tammy
Spouse Occupation: Investment Administration
Children: Ashley (14), Kourtney (11)
Favorite Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, golfing, and playing soccer. Watching my girls play sports and spending time with my family.
What would you like to accomplish/do in the next ten years? Raise great kids, return to Montana A.S.A.P., and live life to its fullest each day.
Who most inspired you as a teen or young adult? Knowing what I know now, my (step) father Bruce. He taught me hard work, determination, unconditional love, and how to provide for my family.
What piece of advice would you give to high school students today? Get a good education and get involved with good activities and kids. Have fun as it only lasts a short time.

SHS Facelift 2008

Times, they are a'changin'. If you haven't yet heard, there is another Snohomish High School in the works (Glacier Peak Grizzlies), location: Cathcart area. The old school is currently getting a facelift and undergoing some serious construction. I was told by our stellar reunion committee that it would be "nerdy" to suggest an actual tour of the high school (you gotta love people who just tell you how it is), so here is a virtual tour in lieu of the nerdy one:

The new tennis courts along 5th Street (new construction in the background).

More SHS Construction Photos - July 2008

The view from 5th Street (the Art building is gone, as is the Band room).

Sunday Family Picnic at Legion Park

Here's the info for the 2008 Picnic:

Place: Legion Park
Time: Noon
Cost: Free!

*Please bring your own lunch, lawn chairs, and outdoor equipment to share if you want (Wiffle ball is always a bit hit. Pun intended). This is a free event, so come and hang out even if you're not attending the rest of the reunion. We will have some pop, lemonade, etc. on hand, so come on out and bring the family!


Check out some of the pictures from the family picnic in 1998:

Evening Dressy Casual -- What???

Google the words "evening dressy casual." I dare you. Seriously. I'll wait. What you probably discovered is a veritable gamut of clothing options. And that, fellow reunion-goer, is the point: dress up as much as you'd like. Or not. (We're talking Saturday night here. Please don't dress up for Buzz Inn. Trust me, you'll feel more than a little awkward). For Saturday we'll be in a fairly nice facility (translation: white linens), so dress as you would for going out to a slightly upscale Seattle restaurant. For some, that may mean a clean pair of jeans and a freshly laundered dress shirt. The point is to have a great time, so wear something that makes you feel happy. Unless you belong to a nudist colony. Ahem.

20 Year Reunion Committee Members

Two weeks to go and counting . . . .

We've been hard at work and look forward to seeing you on July 25th!

Lisa (Jenney) Carlson
Melissa (Harding) Mathewson
Kerry Van Duren
Jenn (Egge) Doucette
Sarah (Bohlke) Swanson
Nick Kester
Lisa Gable
Wendy (Walker) Malgesini

Classmate Catch Up with Wendy (Walker) Malgesini

Wendy (Walker) Malgesini

Occupation: Director of Human Resources

Spouse: Tony Malgesini

Spouse Occupation: Truck Driver

Children: 2

Favorite Hobbies: Reading, singing, working in my yard, hanging out with my family and friends.

What would you like to accomplish/do in the next ten years? I want to run a marathon with my husband before I am too old to do it. I would like to buy vacation property somewhere, and travel more.

Who most inspired you as a teen or young adult? My parents were and still are a huge inspiration to me. They have always worked very hard which instilled a good work ethic in me.

What piece of advice would you give to high school students today? Enjoy High School! Make lots of good friends and memories so you can look back on them at your 20th reunion.

Classmate Catch Up with Chad Donahue

Chad Donahue

Occupation: English Teacher/Adjunct Professor

Spouse: Ginger

Spouse Occupation: Ex-teacher, current stay-at-home mom

Children: Madelynn and Lucas

Favorite Hobbies: I enjoy working out, making people laugh, reading, listening to podcasts, watching "The Office" with Ginger, overeating, arguing politics with my two brothers and dad, and more.

What would you like to do/accomplish in the next ten years? I'd like to get my Ph.D in ten years, continue teaching at SPU, and successfully raise both kids.

Who most inspired you as a teen or young adult? I was inspired by many people: Rocky Balboa, my Dad, my Mom, Coach Armstrong, Mr. Svilar, Ray Johnson, Mr. Boling, and too many more to name.

What piece of advice would you give to high school students today? Learn all you can and don't ever stop laughing.

Classmate Catch Up with Kris (Dolquist) Dzinich

Kris (Dolquist) Dzinich

Occupation: Auditor

Spouse: Kurt

Spouse Occupation: Teacher

Children: Cass and Rain

Favorite Hobbies: Playing ball, hiking, reading, listening to music, seeing friends.

What would you like to accomplish/do in the next ten years? Visit Europe, watch kids graduate, live next to the ocean.

Who most inspired you as a teen or young adult? Coaches and brother.

What piece of advice would you give to high school students today? No other three years will seem to last so long and mean so much. Enjoy every minute. Try and stay in touch with those people that touch your life.

Classmate Catch Up with Kimberly Helm

Kimberly Helm
Occupation: Mom
Spouse: Jerrell Neal (fiance)
Spouse Occupation: Political
Children: Jacob (4), Ashley (3)
Favorite Hobbies: Traveling, reading, and playing with my kids.
What would you like to accomplish/do in the next ten years? I just want to be a great mom and soon-to-be wife.
What piece of advice would you give to high school students today? Be yourself . . . Don't listen to others just to be "cool," do your own thing and be you.

Classmate Catch Up with Robert Shelley

Robert Shelley

Occupation: Firefighter
Spouse: Tamara

Spouse Occupation: Medical Transcription
Children: Aylia, Nik, Kara and Liam
Favorite Hobbies: hunting, baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, hockey, yard work, camping,walking on the beach, anything and everything with my family.
What would you like to accomplish/do in the next 10 years? Compete in a Natural Body-building Competition Masters division. Have all of my children graduated and off to college or work.
Who most inspired you as a teen or young adult? My dad always instilled in me hard work. Mom always made do with what she had.
What piece of advice would you give to high school students today? Work hard, stay away from video games, ignore people that are mean to you. Always strive to do your best, do not fall short. Remember there is always somebody out there practicing to be better than you.

Today's Post Brought to You by the Number 8

I came to a startling conclusion recently: I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, the brightest crayon in the box, nor the fastest ship in the fleet. Ahem. I hate to even bring it up, but I have this compulsion to admit something that's been truly causing me committee-head angst lately:

We could have had our reunion on August 8, 2008, a.k.a. 8/8/08.

I know. Talk about a missed opportunity. Sigh. I'm consolling myself with the thought that every single member of the class of 88 is busy on August 8, 2008. If, perchance, you've got absolutely nothing going on that day, I don't want to know.

Keep in mind our actual reunion dates: July 25-27, 2008 (it just doesn't have quite the same ring, does it. Oh well . . . .).

Got Links?

More Classmate Catch Ups are on the way. . . just a quick shout out for links. Have a personal blog? A website for your business? How about a myspace or facebook account? If so, shoot me an e-mail (jenn at jenndoucette dot com) or reply below with your info and I'll be happy to post it on the right sidebar under the nifty category of "Got Link?"

Only 28 days til the reunion . . . if you haven't done so already, SIGN UP!

Classmate Catch Up with Raechelle Stier Bellus

Raechelle Stier Bellus
Occupation: stay-at-home mom
Spouse: Ken Bellus
Spouse Occupation: Operations Manager for a lumber company
Children: Kara (17), Meghan (17), Skylar (12), and Ashlyn (8)
Favorite Hobbies: Scrapbooking, reading, hanging out with my kids, gardening.
What would you like to accomplish/do in the next ten years? Finish college and raise happy kids.
What piece of advice would you give to high school students today? Having two girls in high school this is easy... enjoy the ride and take advantage of everything that comes your way. Live in the moment and don't put to much emphasis on the future, you'll be a grown up soon enough (things I should have done).

Emerson Elementary - 5th Grade

Taking a quick break from the Classmate Catch Ups (keep sending 'em in, people!), here we have Emerson's 5th grade picture sent in by Michelle Munding Cash.

Grads to look for: Shawn Jellison, Darrin Billings, Sara Fagerlie, Dena Thompson, Zach Torre, Roberta Long, Paul Golitzen, Michelle Munding . . . . .

Classmate Catch Up with Shalini Patel Darji

Shalini Patel Darji

Occupation: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (stay at home mom right now)

Spouse: Vinesh Darji (UK)

Spouse Occupation: Pharmacist

Children: Darshan (3)

Favorite Hobbies: Spending time with family, singing, dancing, doing volunteer work in our temple, working with teenagers, watching TV, playing board games (Cranium), and painting.

What would you like to accomplish/do in the next ten years? Become the coordinator of our teen and college age youth group. Be financially sound enough to go back to India and travel there for a month, and to send my in-laws to India so that they can live a life of peace, working in the temple in New Delhi and loving life.

Who most inspired you as a teen or young adult? My guru . . . .he inspired me to be a better teen and young adult by appreciating my parents and doing work in the temple or anywhere without looking for someone to praise what I have done . . .and for giving me my faith in God which has steered my life in the right direction.

What piece of advice would you give to high school students today? Always strive to be better than you are . . . never let someone tell you that you can't do it . . . accept praise with humility and learn from your mistakes. Remember than in the joy of others, lies our own. When we help others, we help ourselves and we are pleasing God.

Classmate Catch Up with Tim, Christine, and Kelley

Tim Wegner
Occupation: Software Engineering
Spouse: Judy Bailey
Spouse Occupation: Marketing
Children: Adler (8), Auden (6), Amory (4)
Favorite Hobbies: Outside of my work and family my interests include skiing, hunting, mountain biking, and woodworking.
What piece of advice would you give to high school students today? Work to improve weaknesses but ensure it is not at the expense of enhancing strengths.

Christine Vos Berg
Occupation: Simple Working Girl
Spouse: Ryan
Spouse Occupation: Shop Manager
Children: Matt (16), Kelsi (10)
Favorite hobbies: Who has time for hobbies?
What would you like to accomplish/do in the next ten years? Move to a tropical locale, off the map (Lost style), and do nothing for awhile.
What piece of advice would you give to high school students today? Listen to your parents. They really do know what they are talking about.

Kelley Ginty Lyday
Occupation: Piano Teacher
Spouse: Gregg Lyday
Spouse Occupation: Owns Clearview Gutters
Children: George and Emma
Favorite Hobbies: Music, Farm Animals and Pets, Camping, Biking, Church Events, and Movies.
What would you like to accomplish/do in the next ten years? Provide a good career start for both of my children and keep my family healthy.
Who most inspired you as a teen or young adult? Christian Worship Artists, and Mr. Pat Castro - SHS Choral Director.
What piece of advice would you give to high school students today? Focus on your passion and your abilities and be the very best at what YOU DO

Classmate Catch Up with Ginger (Goosak) Donahue

Ginger Goosak Donahue
Occupation: Ginger - stay at home mom; Chad - Teacher
Children: Madelynn (9 yrs), Lucas (5 yrs)
Favorite hobbies: Cooking, reading with our children, falling asleep at 9:00pm
What would you like to accomplish/do in the next ten years? Continue to be happily married to Chad, lovingly parent our children, and possibly return to teaching part-time. Who knows?
Who most inspired you as a teen or young adult? One person who inspired me was my piano teacher, John Sinkevitch. His passion for and commitment to music and ministry increased with age.
What piece of advice would you give to high school students today? I would encourage them to always Hope and have Faith in their futures . . . You really do get out of life what you pour into other people.

Classmate Catch Up with Chris, Chris, Marcie, and Kerry

Chris Grieve
Occupation: Aircraft Engineer and Fly Fishing Guide
Spouse: Julie Posch
Spouse Occupation: Vet Technician Manager
Children: Kyra, Kip, Tim
Favorite Hobbies: Fly Fishing, Skiing, Mountain Biking, Sailing
What would you like to accomplish/do in the next ten years? Make a million dollars, quit my job, and travel around the world. Maybe get a little fishing in along the way.
Who most inspired you as a teen or young adult? Mrs. Cedergreen and Coach Armstrong
What piece of advice would you give to high school students today? Learn as much as you can. The more you learn, the more you realize how much you don't know. Take care of your body. You will appreciate it later in life.






Chris Gilchrist
Favorite Hobbies: Fishing, Sailing, Hiking
What would you like to accomplish/do in the next ten years? Live on a sailboat
What piece of advice would you give to high school students today? Enjoy life and the people around you, be happy, follow your heart, go where the wind takes you and have as much fun as you can.









Marcie Matthias Cameron
Occupation: Cake Decorator
Spouse: Dean Cameron
Spouse Occupation: Casino
Children: Monica (16), Laval (8)
Favorite Hobbies: Camping, Reading
What would you like to accomplish/do in the next ten years? Job advancement, buy a bigger home.
What piece of advice would you give to high school students today? Graduate and have fun in high school - make the most of it all!




Kerry Van Duren
Occupation: Bookkeeper
Children: Austin (17), Stephanie (15)
Hobbies: Reading, watching movies, spending time with my children, and catching up with family I haven't seen since I was a little girl.
What would you like to accomplish/do in the next ten years? Write my story and finish my degree (If I ever figure out what I want to be when I grow up).
Who most inspired you as a teen or young adult? As wierd as it may sound, the mother I never knew inspired me the most as a young adult.
What piece of advice would you give to high school students today? Follow your dreams no matter how impossible they may seem. You are only given one life, so live it to the fullest.

Classmate Catch Up with Shawn, Tammy, Kerry, and Mary

Shawn Smith

Occupation: Civil Engineer

Spouse: Lynnette

Spouse Occupation: Household Engineer

Children: Ivy

Favorite Hobbies: Golf, Basketball, Skiing, Biking, Playing.

What would you like to do/accomplish in the next ten years? I want to travel more, get more toys, pay off my house, buy another house, and find the wash board abs I know are under there somewhere.

Who most inspired you as a teen or young adult? Some guy sitting in an office when I was outside in the rain and mud weeding the flower beds.

What piece of advice would you give to high school students today? Watch "Little Miss Sunshine" and listen to the Grandpa.

Tammy Parker Cooper

Occupation: Management

Spouse: Tom Cooper

Spouse Occupation: Cement Mason

Children: Trevor (13), Tori (5), Tatum (5 months)

Favorite Hobbies: Softball, games with the kids, snowboarding, vacations, cooking and decorating home.

What would you like to accomplish/do in the next ten years? I would like to spend more time doing things with my children and work less.

Who most inspired you as a teen or young adult? JON BON JOVI of course.

What piece of advice would you give to high school students today? Don't do drugs and stay in school. Enjoy being a kid and appreciate your friends.

Kerry Minnock

Occupation: Store Manager

Spouse: Jaime Minnock

Spouse Occupation: Finance

Favorite Hobbies: Reading, golf, biking.

What would you like to accomplish/do in the next ten years? To continue to travel.

Who most inspired you as a teen or young adult? My mother.

What piece of advice would you give high school students today? Enjoy your friends and family everyday that you can.

Mary Harkins Thompson
Occupation: Occupational Therapist
Spouse: Kirk Thompson
Spouse Occupation: Media Specialist
Children: Emily, Anna, & Ruthie
Favorite Hobbies: Travel, hiking and camping.
What would you like to accomplish/do in the next ten years? I want to stay home with my kids, move closer to family and hike the Inca Trail.
Who most inspired you as a teen or young adult? My grandma - she lent a non-judgmental ear anytime I needed her.
What piece of advice would you give to high school students today? Listen to your parents . . . . they know more than you think!

Classmate Catch Up with Lissa Kelsey and Dane Wilson

Dane Wilson
Occupation: Comedian-Actor (code for waiter in Hollywood)
Favorite Hobbies:
Contemplating things that amuse me, like how cool it would be to make a citizen’s arrest just so you could tell people, “I made a citizen’s arrest...yeah, I fight crime.”
What would you like to accomplish/do in the next ten years? I’d like to transform into a part-time superhero, calling myself The Urban Hobo. I’d also like to be in more movies, perform stand up around the country, get my own tv show and lose 40 pounds without going on a reality tv show.
Who most inspired you as a teen or young adult? I thought Cameo McGraw was the prettiest girl I’d ever seen in my life so that was pretty inspiring. (Hi Cam!)
What piece of advice would you give high school students today?
Study as hard as you play...step away from the keyboard and go outside...and
don’t put anything on myspace or youtube that will embarrass you in a few years. Embrace who you are rather than trying to be like everyone else. And...don’t eat the worm.


Lissa Kelsey
Occupation: Administrative Assistant Student
Spouse: (fiance) Don Whitwam
Spouse Occupation: Longshoreman
Children: Kaitlyn 17, Brady 12, Willow 5 and Isabella 1
Favorite Hobbies: I love to garden and hang out with my kids.
What would you like to do/accomplish in the next ten years? I am going back to school to finish up my teaching credentials.
Who most inspired you as a teen or young adult? My 7th grade science teacher Lisa Berg.
What piece of advice would you give to high school students today? Don’t screw off until the last moment. Pay attention to your grades now before it’s too late!

Classmate Catch Up with David Austin

David Austin
Occupation: Repair technician (office machines) and Projectionist
Favorite Hobbies: Hobbies? I don't have time for hobbies! I put stars on the silver screen (see occupation).
What would you like to accomplish/do in the next ten years? Take a real vacation.
Who most inspired you as a teen or young adult? Top Dailey
What piece of advice would you give to high school students today? Pay attention!

Classmate Catch Up with Jenn Egge Doucette

Jenn Egge Doucette

Occupation: Writer, Comedian

Spouse: Ben

Spouse Occupation: Teacher

Children: JJ (13), Katie (12), Emma (9)

Favorite Hobbies: Reading, writing, retail therapy, gardening, watching movies, traveling, hanging out with my family, more reading, dinging around on the computer.

What would you like to accomplish/do in the next ten years? I'd love to get a few more published books under my belt, I'd also like to eventually headline some Clean Comedy Shows. If my son picks up his room by then, that will just be a bonus.

Who most inspired you as a teen or young adult? Teacher: Mr. Molinero, Musician: Michael Card, Comics: Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, Bill Cosby, Carol Burnett, Author: C.S. Lewis, Jane Austen.

What piece of advice would you give to high school students today? "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved." - Helen Keller

More Classmate Catch Ups with Troy, Craig, and Nick

Troy Anderson
Occupation: Real Estate
Spouse: Natalie
Spouse Occupation: Homemaker
Children: boy (1 year old), girl (3 years old)
Favorite Hobbies: Skiing, wine tasting, dining out, artsy fartsy stuff and travel.
What would you like to accomplish/do in the next ten years? Go on vacation for a month or more in Italy.
Who most inspired you as a teen or young adult? Budweiser or Schmidt? I cannot remember???
What piece of advice would you give to high school students today? Serve the Lord and take more risks, everything else is a waste . . .


Craig Marker
Occupation: Project Manager
Spouse: Thomas Tomasevic
Spouse Occupation: Lead Program Manager
Favorite Hobbies: Wine tasting, hiking, camping, mountain biking, roadtrips and travel, podcasting, news junkie, canoeing and kayaking, playing with my cats, soon-to-be motorcyclist, cruises.
What would you like to accomplish/do in the next ten years? I'd like to become accomplished in fixing up homes and flipping them for profit.
Who most inspired you as a teen or young adult? I would say my mother inspired me the most growing up on a more personal level. She taught me that if you want it to last, take care of it.
What piece of advice would you give to high school students today? Stay in school and study hard. Run after your dreams in a focused manner with drive and determination.


Nick Kester
Occupation: Charter Fishing Guide
Favorite Hobbies: Still like to fish for fun. I also surf as much as I can, ride my bike, snowboard all winter; still live in Snohomish and run a Fishing Charter out of Everett and Seattle that puts me in the water about 200 days a year.
What would you like to accomplish/do in the next ten years? I can say that I have done almost everything that I have wanted to accomplish so far, maybe slow down and do nothing again. Sit in Mexico or some other third world country and chill, drink lots of beer and eat shrimp.
Who most inspired you as a teen or young adult? I would have to say my Grandparents for the most part. In all the silly things I have done, they were always there no matter what.
What piece of advice would you give to high school students today? Pick a dream, go after it with a mindset that who cares what everyone thinks about it or you. It's your life so have a good time with it and don't ever look back and say, "What if I did this?"

Graduation 2008

It's official. The SHS Graduation Class of 2008 will be celebrating tonight, making us 20-year alums. Here we are in the midst of the ubiquitous turning of the tassel. My only question is what the heck everyone on stage is looking at on the ground.

Any ideas? Does Mal have an overflowing pocket of pennies? Did someone play a prank? Or did someone step in doggy doo doo???? Inquiring minds want to know.

On another note: Registrations are coming in at a steady rate - thanks to all who've signed up for the Big Event. See you all in about 6 weeks!

We've Got Mullets Yes We Do, We've Got Mullets, How 'Bout You?

We've been getting more photos scanned and sent in (thank you!). More importantly, we've got MULLET pictures. Look carefully at this photo sent in by Kelley (Ginty) Lyday of the Senior Class Picnic. We've got Shawn Jellison, Scott Williams, Marc Wislen, Shanon Ford, Mark Cavelero, David Grove, (I think) Eric Scott. And . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mike Johnson - ta da! Oh ya. I think even Billy Ray would be proud.

Riverview Kindergarten Class - 1976

Mrs. Meiers Kindergarten class was submitted by Kerry Van Duren (she's the cutie in the 2nd row with the glasses). Besides the lovely plethora of plaid pants, the bells hanging from the sheet are my favorite part of this bicentennial beauty. We've identified a few grads (Sarah Bohlke, Tara Porembski, Kyriacos Tsircou, Jane Atherton), do you recognize anyone else? Although this was at Riverview, there were several Cathcart kiddos carted across town this year.

Tripping Down Memory Lane

Husband Ben and I finally wrestled my box 'o memories out from the shed today. All I can say is that I'm a genuine, bonified, packrat. I sit here surrounded by a pile of "treasures" like:

1. My driver's permit
2. Several Junior High yearbooks
3. A rock from Camp Wascowitz
4. A note dated June 12, 1980 that reads:
"Morgan G. Springer will kiss Jennifer Egge on the last day of school. Signed, Morgan S."
5. Every A.S.B. card ever issued in my name
6. My Outside Reading List for Sophomore Honors English (No kidding. Ahem.)

If you are a fellow packrat and can finagle someone into helping you lug your childhood memories back into the light of day, I'd love to hear what you've been holding onto. If you're like me, that could be your wisdom teeth, a 3rd place ribbon from the Cathcard Elementary School Broad Jump Competition in 1979, a Holly Hobby watch from 1977, a Sonics World Champs button from 1979 . . . .