Benedictine High Class of 1973

ANOTHER BONUS – Part 13 of 11:
“With Glowing Hearts…From Far and Wide”

THANK YOU!

How to simply encapsulate our BHS 50th reunion spirit and all-inclusiveness unity, for which we are very thankful, for having all of us coming together and traveling from both near and far, on October 7th and 8th, 2023? There are just too many adjectives tripping from the tongue and songs popping into my head to portray our 50th milestone experiences. Hey, we are from the Rock of Ages (Def Leppard), whereas “I’m Still Standing” (Elton John) and “Don’t Stop Believing”! (Journey).

Around 9:30 p.m. on reunion night, I turned off the world for a wee bit and visualized our shared relationships happening and, I saw and heard a sea of good-times and emotions spanning across the room. To say the least, there was friendship, laughter, nostalgia, spirit, celebration, confidence, love, optimism, achievement, more laughter, happiness, togetherness, connections, diversity, dancing, reflection, participation, stories, discovery, welcoming…. Camaraderie!

And, simply, it was “Nothin' but a Good Time” (Poison) (a)

Don't need nothin' but a good time
And it don't get better than this

Let us reflect on a year-long journey that brought us together for our Benedictine High School 50th reunion and show what happened that evening and during the next morning’s brunch.

We are grateful to our classmate, Lori Radovic Hohmann, for illustrating our high-school years’ benchmark on the reunion-announcement brochure. And acknowledge Don Calamia’s creativeness on compiling a video about our Benny yearbook – as you know, “Every Picture Tells a Story” (Rod Stewart)

Our Reunion Committee embodied togetherness with very positive and enjoyable teamwork, with a vision for bringing us all together on “I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas: (c)

I got a feeling
That tonight's gonna be a good night
I know that we'll have a ball
If we get down and go out, and just lose it all
Let's do it, let's do it, let's do it, let's do it
And do it, and do it, let's live it up

As 11 p. m. quickly approached, and when it was time for us to leave, we had difficulty getting most of us to depart, while the staff was making it clear they wanted to go home. (“We Go Together” (Movie - Grease) (d)

We go together like
Ra ma la ma la ma ka dinga kading a dong
Remember forever, as
Shoo wop shoo waddy waddy yippity boom de boom
Chang chang changity chang shoo bop
That's the way it should be
We'll always be together (chang chang changity chang shoo bop)
Wahoo, yeah

Although we may physically “have left the building” after the reunion, the Benedictine High School Class of 1973 well preserves our memories for you on our web site; Benedictine High Class of 1973 (bennyhigh73.com) and, Detroit Benedictine High School Class of 1973 | Groups | Facebook Also, we will distribute a class directory for our classmates to continue reaching out and connecting amongst us all.

Here are some remembrances from our class reunion weekend:

Simon and Garfunkel – Bookends (e)

Time it was
And what a time it was
It was a time of innocence
A time of confidences
Long ago, it must be
I have a photograph
Preserve your memories
They're all that's left you

Our Benedictine High School 1973 Class 50th Reunion is now but a memory:

“With Glowing Hearts…From far and wide” (f)

HAVE FUN! We will see you all again in 5 years!

In the meantime, “Keep your feet on the ground and, keep reaching for the stars!” (Casey Kasem)

REFERENCES / LINKS:
a. Songwriters: Bruce Anthony Johannesson, Bret Michaels, Bobby Dall, Rikki Rocket.
b. Songwriters: John Deacon.
c. Songwriters: Will Adams, Jaime Gomez, Allan Pineda, David Guetta, Frederic Riesterer, Stacy Ferguso
d. By John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John was written by Warren Casey & Jim Jacobs
e. Songwriters: Paul Simon.
f. Written in 1908 by Robert Stanley Weir, “Oh Canada”.

BONUS - Part 12 of 11: The B Side!

We understand that “life” seem to pass “time” more quickly as we get older, eh. And, those Reunion reservation deadlines just happened to have “Slip slidin' away, Slip slidin' away” (e).

Well, you know, there is still time to engage your Reunion’s - Plan B!

So, the key to slowing life’s pace (at least psychologically) is to, as much as practical, take advantage of new and unique experiences. Ok! When we go to the same places and do the same things, we avoid making different memories, and then time seems to fly by. (c) “Time” by Pink Floyd describes, “…our growing up and, suddenly we realize that time is going really, really fast,” (d) Are you… from “Time” (a)?
Ticking away the moments that make up a dull day…
Every year is getting shorter
Never seem to find the time
Plans that either come to naught
Or half a page of scribbled lines

Well, then, make some unforgettable and different memories or have new / unique experiences over a shorter time amongst us all by showing up as one of our Reunion’s Late Arrivals ($30; cash only at the door).

What are you waiting for? Do it NOW!

Why?

It is the FINAL COUNTDOWN (Europe) (b)!
We're leaving together
But still it's farewell
And maybe we'll come back
To Earth, who can tell?
I guess there is no one to blame

Will things ever be the same again?
It's the final countdown
The final countdown

And still we stand tall
'Cause maybe they've seen us
And welcome us all, yeah

With so many light years to go
And things to be found (to be found)

If you are able to join us, Great!

Either way, we respect your personal reasons for missing you.

Yet, the Benedictine High School Class of 1973 well preserves our memories. For you…

Simon and Garfunkel – Bookends (e)
Time it was
And what a time it was
It was a time of innocence
A time of confidences
Long ago, it must be
I have a photograph
Preserve your memories
They're all that's left you

Catch “YOU” on the Flip Side! That is your B Side (Plan)…

And, as always, HAVE FUN!

References / Links:
a.Songwriters: Donald Dennis, Melbourne George Miller, Ingo Rheinbay, Paul Ellingston Crosdale, Raymond Wright, Mitchum Khan Ivanhoe Chin.
b.Songwriters: Joey Tempest
c.Why Time Goes Faster as You Get Older, Ronald E Riggio PhD
d.Source: Behind the Meaning of "Time" by Pink Floyd - American Songwriter
e.Songwriters: Paul Simon.

Part 11 of 11: Our Class Song… Finally, eh?

So: “Why should I come to our BHS Reunion,” you ask? Here is your “last” reason, # 11 of 11.

Remember? We chose “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin as our BHS Class ‘73 song! It is a classic-all-time rock song. These lyrics (A) foretold our possible life’s upcoming journey after high-school graduation. These lyrics offered foresight and philosophical guidance that connected all classmates together through music.

We envisioned a half-century ago, an encompassing theme about our life's grounding. The Meaning of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” (Chris Huber, 5/12/22) excerpts are briefed:

Our song’s lyrics began with a critique about an overly materialistic-society that offers us nothing in an afterlife.
There’s a lady who’s sure all that glitters is gold
And she’s buying a stairway to heaven
When she gets there she knows, if the stores are all closed
With a word she can get what she came for
Ooh, ooh, and she’s buying a stairway to heaven

There’s a sign on the wall, but she wants to be sure
‘Cause you know sometimes words have two meanings
In a tree by the brook, there’s a songbird who sings
Sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiven

These lyrics seem to reflect Parducci’s Benedict of Nuria statue, within our BHS courtyard. The words carved into its rock upon which he leans are: “Listen son (and daughter), to the words of your teachers… prefer noting to the love of Christ”

Our class-song lyrics then told us a story about our upcoming journey through life after graduation. We would search for meaning and understanding through it all, while facing upcoming challenges along the way.

There’s a feeling I get when I look to the west
And my spirit is crying for leaving
In my thoughts I have seen rings of smoke through the trees
And the voices of those who stand looking

Hopeful lyrics told us of possible new beginnings and foresight about confidently facing and overcoming our encounters, and we would find our simple-joy pleasures along the way.

And it’s whispered that soon, if we all call the tune
Then the piper will lead us to reason
And a new day will dawn for those who stand long
And the forests will echo with laughter

When approaching life’s difficulties, we would oftentimes see us going to new beginnings, opportunities, and understandings through this song’s next lyrics. Regardless of how we may unfortunately go down difficult paths, our song told us there is always time to make changes for the better by taking different life’s journeys.

If there’s a bustle in your hedgerow, don’t be alarmed now
It’s just a spring clean for the May queen
Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run
There’s still time to change the road you’re on

Upon graduation, the spirit within these next lyrics envisions your unique stairway ahead. We each would take different steps by following a calling that comes from within your own heart, towards those dreams.

Your head is humming and it won’t go
In case you don’t know
The piper’s calling you to join him
Dear lady, can you hear the wind blow?
And did you know
Your stairway lies on the whispering wind?

We saw, within these ensuing lyrics, 50 years into the future. These final lyrics appear to represent your present-life’s chapter as we continue climbing our stairway towards life’s fulfillments.

And as we wind on down the road
Our shadows taller than our soul
There walks a lady we all know
Who shines white light and wants to show

How everything still turns to gold
And if you listen very hard
The tune will come to you at last
When all are one, and one is all
To be a rock and not to roll

Finally, what about this famous-last lyric: “To be a rock and not to roll.”? (A) This embodied our life’s rock.

We all started our stairway’s journey when we received our diplomas at St. Scholastica Church on June 3, 1973. Back then, we each stood, well-grounded and ready to roll into whatever situations that may come our way.

One specific lyric reflects unity among all our classmates, “When as all one and one is all.” (A) Our Benedictine High School Coat of Arms scripts our common bond that embraces us within the BHS motto “Ora et labora” and “Pax et veritas”. Pray, Work, Peace and Truth.

YOUR amazing foresight choose this masterpiece/classic rock song about messaging our life’s grounding and anticipations after graduation. Your reason to come to our 50th Class Reunion is that we are all well connected and, you are bonded to our collective “Stairway to Heaven”!

Listen to your class song’s words. Enjoy!

Finally, we’ve answered, with 11 weekly reasons and benefits, through songs and lyric references, your question: “Why should I come to our 50th Class Reunion?” Right!

From the above Led Zeplin’s lyrics, “The tune will come to you at last” (A), for you to join us. because;

-“We May Never Pass This Way Again” (Seals & Crofts);

-October 7th is your specific day that “Someday We’ll Be Together” (The Supremes);

-Our 50th Reunion is your time to reminisce about “Yesterday Once More” (Carpenters);

-Come back home to the “Motown Song” (Rod Stewart) where, ‘There’s a soul in the city’ – Detroit;

-“Won’t You Come See About Me”? (Simple Minds) You are already among friends;

-Relive your days to “Hold on to Sixteen as Long as You Can” (John Mellencamp);

-“Welcome Back” to share your memories and foster relationships from the past, present, and future;

-“Every Picture Tells a Story” (Rod Stewart) about your “Glory Days” (Bruce Springsteen) images;

-Recall and retell your teenage “Wasted On The Way” (CSNY) fun moments among classmates;

-Embrace fifty expected experiences at your 50th-year class reunion since being “Eighteen” and, “School’s Out Forever” (Alice Cooper)

-And, you are always collectively bonded with all your BHS classmates on our “Stairway to Heaven” life’s journey.

Have we NOW convinced you to come and celebrate your 50th Benedictine High Class Reunion on October 7th? Please buy your tickets NOW and join us all, please.

Catch “YOU” on the Flip Side!
Alrighty then.
And as always, HAVE FUN!

References / Links:
a. Songwriters: Jimmy Page, Robert Anthony Plant.

Part #10 of 11: 'Expect' that you can do just all of that!

So: “Why should I come to our BHS Reunion,” you ask? Here is your reason # 10 of 11.

This week’s songs are about ‘expectations.’ They are from our native-son, Detroiter Vincent Damon Furnier. Who? Oh, duh, Alice Cooper. “School’s Out” (a) is a gimmie, eh. And it is when you were: “Eighteen, and I don't know what I want, I gotta get away, I gotta get out of this place ... (c)

“School’s Out” was timely released in 1972. So it was specifically predestined for commemorating our special 1973 Class graduation! Yeah, right? That is a wee bit of a stretch, eh. Enjoy!

Our 50th Reunion is celebrating “School's out!” (a) Embrace your life’s milestone.

So that deserves about 50 more expectations (Ha! One for each year since graduation!) for participating in your upcoming life-journey event on October 7th. (b)

Alice Cooper’s first-song lyric from “School’s Out” says, “Well, we got no choice, all the girls and boys…” (a) are coming to our 50th Reunion, since when we were once “Eighteen” (c).

So, EXPECT: (b)
-You will realize your classmates, who you grew up with are damn cool to this day.

-It is hard to believe that you made it through either those tumultuous or easier high school years - when you were “…in the middle, the middle of life, I'm a boy / (girl) and I'm a man / (woman)“ (c)

-You look at old pictures of yourself and cannot believe you were ever that young. Remember seeing Don’s fantastic video on Week #8’s Catch You On The Flip Side?

-You think about your family and what it was like for your parents and grandparents.

-You appreciate “reconnecting” is good, powerful and especially wonderful.

-One or more of your high school teachers comes to the reunion. Yup, a few teachers plan to attend!

-You realize unbelievably how many classmates of yours have unfortunately passed away, and you ask why, how and when. You miss that good classmate or friend of yours who left us way too early. We will recognize 20-plus of our fellow classmates who have passed.

-You look back and think about some of the foolish things you did or said, and ask "WTF?" Oh well.

-You look back and think about some of the good decisions you made, even though you were just a "high school kid." When, “I’m in the middle without any plans” (c)

-You talk to a classmate who served in the service and ask about their experiences; and thank them.

-You talk to a classmate who had a tough time growing up, and you knew nothing about it; and with no idea, comfort them.

-You miss classmates who are not attending but are still around, and you wonder where or how they are doing. We will miss you! So, come to your 50th Class Reunion! Problem solved!

-You see old classmates or school acquaintances and see them in a new light, a wiser light.

-You look at some folks and realize you did not connect with them back then, and yet, you luckily can still connect with them now.

-You talk about old times, classmates and/or, partners. Check out your classmates’ memories from our 40th Class Reunion. https://myevent.com/bennyhigh73/miscellaneous4

-You visit your old neighborhoods, high school, grade school, church, sport fields and the parking lots (whatever went on out there, eh?) and believe how wonderful it was; you relive it and reminisce.

-You talk about what you did that you were not supposed to do.

-You realize how much wiser you are today.

-You will laugh a lot! And a lot more! Have Fun! “Hey, hey, hey, hey, ooh, woah, la, la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la” (d)

-Your emotions will surprise you!

-You are happily exhausted from all the energy it takes to see and talk with everyone.

-You wonder about your own driving force in high school. What motivated you? What bothered you? When “I got a baby's brain and an old man's / (women’s) heart, Took eighteen years to get this far, Don't always know what I'm talkin' about, Feels like I'm livin' in the middle of doubt” (c)

-You relive some of those precious moments.

-You think about some of your uncomfortable moments and how you got past them. At that time, “Cause I'm eighteen, I get confused every day, Eighteen, I just don't know what to say” (c) Been there, done that, got those T-shirts along the way and then moved on. Being 68, you still get confused every day; coming around full circle! Ha!

-That beautiful classmate of yours is still beautiful in mind and soul.

-That classmate of yours who was somewhat of a nerd and, from your curiosity, you learn and are subsequently surprised by and impressed with their journey.

-You see a classmate as the kindest, with such love and warmth.

-Those groups and peer pressures are gone!!!!

-You see your classmates now as you saw them years ago. They do not look 67/68. You still see them as 18. “I'm eighteen and I like it, Yes, I like it, Oh, I like it, Love it, like it, love it, Eighteen, eighteen, and I like it” (c)

-You realize life is short. Enjoy these moments now.

-You can be yourself. You do not have to prove anything.

-Remember when you thought you were invincible?

-You get to share pictures of your life’s adventures, your family, and talk about your journeys.

-You wonder, "Will I ever see some of these people again?"

-You get to hear the great music that you loved, and you remember what those special songs meant to you. And, you may even dance!

-You rekindle old friendships and vow to stay connected. Help us, help you. Update your contact information for our Class Directory and tell us about your life’s journey:

-You learn about or watch as flirtations and/or relationships developed or later evolved. What a kick!

-You recall all sorts of anecdotes and adventures. You may remember some that your classmates do not. Or they remember and you may not. Oh my!

-You see that boy or girl who was your first crush.

-You become Facebook (or other social media) friends, and you can now really keep up with each other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DetroitBennyHigh73

-You recall the cultural environment of the time and what you were doing on specific historical day(s).

-You see that people are real. Who cares about the frills?

-You learn how to share more than your gum (or whatever); you enjoy reaching out to others and welcome their company.

-You reflect on your moments at hand and are mindful of life's grounding since graduation. This relates to our Class Song… wait for the next and last ‘Catch You on the Flip Side’ - Week 11! (Ah, just another tease again, eh?)
EXPECT, all of this with YOU, being part of your 1973 Benny 50th Class Reunion

You can do all of that!

Since when you were Eighteen! (c)

And “EXPECT the unexpected” Have Fun!

References / Links:
a.Songwriters: Alice Cooper, Dennis Dunaway, Glen Buxton, Neal A. Smith, Michael O. Bruce.
b.“50 Reasons Why You Need To Go To Your 50th High School Reunion” by Leslie Zinberg & Kay Ziplow, Contributor, Dec 6, 2017
c.“I'm Eighteen” Songwriters: Alice Cooper, Dennis Dunaway, Glen Buxton, Neal A. Smith, Michael O. Bruce.
d.Songwriters: Steve W. Schiff, Keith Forsey.

Part 9 of 11: We’re All Wasted? – Seriously.
So: “Why should I come to our BHS Reunion,” you ask? Here is your reason # 9 of 11.

This week’s song is Wasted On The Way” (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young) (a) … Oh, #@$%&!!! WTF? Hold on one-minute here. What were you thinking? “It's only a "teenage wasteland" (The Who) (c)

I will take a serious moment to explain these two “Wasted” songs. Then we will get on to the two serious reasons for you to seriously consider coming to our 50th class reunion. Seriously!

Sorry. Shall we get a wee bit more serious, eh?

Peter Townshend’s interview with Billboard magazine (February 2010) discussed how he felt about this Who song, Baba O'Riley, with the lyric “Teenage Wasteland” as having a present-day deeper meaning. He explained that when he wrote this band's classic, "The music then was about living in the present and losing yourself in the moment.” Now, we kind of hang on to that as a memory. Today, its significant meaning is about us, missing an opportunity. (b)

So, your first serious reason for coming to our 50th Class Reunion is to ensure your “once-in-a-lifetime” occasion does not just slip away. From Baba O’Riley, “The exodus is here, The happy ones are near. Let's get home, before we get much older.” (c) Ok, got it!

Now, on to your second serious reason, from Graham Nash’s “Wasted On The Way.”

Are you remembering some of your Benny parties, foolishness, or creative adventures (in a good way!)? Well, that is a good reason to talk about and relive those fun moments with our classmates.

Within this CSNY song is a reflection about joyful moments and what we shared together among our classmates. (a) Oh, that reason:

Look around me
I can see my life before me
Running rings around the way
It used to be
Oh when you were young
Did you question all the answers…

So, at our 50th Class Reunion, expect a very warm and friendly welcome to all:

And there's so much love to make up
Everywhere you turn
So much water moving
Underneath the bridge
Let the water come and carry us away… (to our 50th Class Reunion)

So, have a serious listen, reflect, and enjoy:

You have a homework assignment! Really? Seriously!

“I am your substitute teacher, Sister Mary Elephant.
Class, attention. Attention, class! Class? SHUT UP! Thank you.

Now class, Sister Rosetta has informed me that your assignment for the last two months has been to write an essay entitled, “What I've been up to since 1973”.

Now class, you all know who I am, so let's find out who you are.

Class? Class!? Cla-- SHUT UP! Thank you!

I gotta go to the can, man! (d)

Your homework is to seriously write and share your story onto our Class Directory by September 16th

And seriously, Have Fun!

References / Links:
a.Wasted On The Way by Crosby, Stills & Nash - Songfacts Songwriters: Graham Nash.
b.Baba O'Riley by The Who - Songfacts
c.Songwriters: Pete Townshend
d.Songwriters: Thomas Chong, Richard Marin.

Part 8 of 11: Ready to have a “Ball”? “Puck” Yeah!
So: “Why should I come to our BHS Reunion,” you ask? Here is your reason # 8 of 11.

In this song “Glory Days,” Bruce Springsteen sings about a chance counter with an old friend who was a star-baseball player at his high school and, it really did happen. (a)

Our 50th Class Reunion is your reason to join us, and:
“Yeah, just sitting back trying to recapture, A little of the glory of, well time slips away … just sit around talking about the old times … Glory days, glory days” (b)

Have a listen to Bruce’s words. Enjoy!

Our BHS yearbooks captured our “glory days” and now serve as our photographic memories. "Every picture tells a story, don't it?" These Rod Stewart lyrics depict a nostalgic and reflective concept about the importance of getting together. (c)

Remember your images of playing sports, building creative floats, gathering in our home/classrooms and hallways, having lunch, going to proms/homecomings, acting/singing, and attending many plays/acts/coral groups, maybe spending some time in detention (sorry, lol), participating in school clubs, just doing stuff or, watching various Benny games – and especially sharing or learning from our high school experiences.

I hope you’re sitting down for this next video. Buckle your seat belt and enjoy this ride as we rewind our memories back 50 years. Our Don Calamia “… got a Nikon camera, I love to take a photograph, So mama don't take my Kodachrome away” (e) His very creative and brilliant video portrays our Benny’s “Glory Days” through your yearbook’s pictures and, you know, “Every picture tells a story, don't it?” (d)

Take your pictures on October 7th during our 50th Reunion and/or on October 8th at our Sunday Brunch. Tell your story.

And, of course, Have Fun!

BTW: Celebrate our Class Spirit with Benny '73 Merchandise! Yes, our 50 years since graduation is something to be very proud of. So show your high school spirit with a cool hat, mug or visor that is branded with our BHS Coat of Arms!

Details at https://bennyhigh73.com/3/miscellaneous5.htm

References/Links:
a.Glory Days by Bruce Springsteen - Songfacts
b.Songwriters: Bruce Springsteen.
c.Meaning of Every Picture Tells a Story by Rod Stewart (songtell.com)
d.Songwriters: Ronald David Wood, Rod Stewart
e.Songwriters: Paul Simon

Part 7 of 11: This is our time to welcome us all back!

“This is the Time” (Billy Joel) (a) is a song about, perhaps, moments when we spent time together with classmates, friends and acquaintances – regardless if that time was good, indifferent or questionable. Trust me: The latter is most unimportant at our 50th Reunion.

Billy Joel’s chorus gives us a reason for looking back on our appreciative times with gratitude: (b)

This is the time to remember
'Cause it will not last forever
These are the days to hold on to
'Cause we won't, although we'll want to

Our upcoming reunion is that special occasion. Memories from 50 years ago are shared, and relationships continue or begin among our classmates. Who knows what is unknown among us, unless you are there at this unique opportunity. After all, we have all changed in some way since high school, and there is much to share with one another. “Time may change me, but you can't trace time.” (David Bowie) (d)

Believe me: You will discover commonality and openness among our classmates.

Oh, I could not stop myself from dropping this lyric:
“Don't stop believin'
Hold on to that feelin'
Streetlights, people” (Journey) (e)

Although our high-school yesteryears are long gone, we are asking you to consider joining us at our 50th Reunion, and:
Open your eyes and look at the day
You'll see things in a different way
Don't stop thinking about tomorrow
Don't stop, it'll soon be here
It'll be better than before
Yesterday's gone, yesterday's gone (Fleetwood Mac) (f)

So, at our 50th Reunion on Saturday, October 7, 2023, Welcome Back! (c)
Welcome back
Your dreams were your ticket out
Welcome back
To that same old place that you laughed about

Well the names have all changed since you hung around
But those dreams have remained and they've turned around
Who'd have thought they'd lead ya
Back here where we need ya

Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back!

Have a listen. Enjoy! And, Have Fun:

References/Links:
a.Songwriters: Billy Joel
b.This Is The Time by Billy Joel - Songfacts
c.Songwriters: John Benson Sebastian, John Sebastian
d.Songwriters: David Bowie
e.Songwriters: Stephen Ray Perry, Neal Joseph Schon, Jonathan Cain - Changes
f.Songwriters: Christine Mcvie - Don’t Stop

Part 6 of 11: Your #, Only #, Sweet Little #, Happy Birthday Sweet #, and # Candles
So: “Why should I come to our BHS Reunion,” you ask? Here is your reason # 6 of 11: “Hold on to sixteen as long as you can.” (b) This lyric says it all, eh?

John Mellencamp’s “little ditty” is about Jack & Diane, two young lovers who look back with a reverent eye toward their younger days. (a)

Remember during our senior year when we would contemplate, “How soon till I get out of Benny High?” Yet, a later song’s lyric is, “Changes come around real soon, make us women and men.”

Oh, that stuff! It was us growing-up, going off to wherever, and beginning life’s upcoming journey after high-school graduation.

Our reason for you to come to our reunion is within this song: It may reflect a desire to go back in time when the whole world once laid in wait for all of us, each ending up in a different place and with unique life experiences. (a)

Yet together, we all collectively started our adult beginnings at that same place and time: Benedictine High School, 1973. That’s our common bond! And that counts for something! Enjoy!

The 50th reunion is our shared, collective bond – to reflect about past times among our classmates, for just a wee bit, and again have a feeling to “Hold on to sixteen as long as you can.” (b)

So have fun on October 7th!

PS: The number “16” relates to each song within this email title! (c)

References / Links:
a.10 Essential High School Reunion Songs | Treble (treblezine.com)
b.Songwriters: John Mellencamp.
c.16 Songs with the Number Sixteen in the Title - Everywhere (weekendnotes.com)

Part 5 of 11: Come See About Me? Please and Thank You.

So, “Why should I come to our BHS Reunion,” you ask? Here’s reason # 5: You are already among friends! Trust me, our 50th Reunion will be very welcoming for you.

This is truly said, coming from a classmate who was introvertly among our class’s shadows. I had apprehensions about going to my first-and-only Benny Reunion 10 years ago. And maybe you have hesitations too? That is understandably okay.

Afterwards, though, I had a very wonderful evening with all our classmates! We shared, had fun, and laughed about the good stuff! Past anxieties were forgotten as ancient history.

You will hear my testimonial later, in an upcoming video, about how I enjoyed reconnecting with past classmates from fifty-years ago, including newly partnering with our reunion committee. What a gift to grow life’s experiences by enthusiastically reaching out and fostering wonderful friendships, especially from being welcomed by whom we once or scarcely knew.

So, from my experience and per our ongoing messages, we are asking for your participation. Thank You!

From that mentioned stuff, this week’s song and movie analogy will help with your apprehensions and considerations. Then, plan to be with us all on October 7th.

There is a song in the movie The Breakfast Club, “Don’t You” (by Simple Minds). It has an epic lyric: “Won’t you come see about me.” (b) Throughout this movie, these characters are somewhat like our Benny classmates and from our past-school environment, who are:
Opening-up towards each another and forming unlikely friendships
Having commonality, and noting inaccurate stereotypes
Understanding everyone has the same problems and struggles
Accepting peers through exploring and engaging themselves in conversation
Learning something new about themselves and their classmates

This movie ends with a hopeful message: Regardless of who you are or where you come from, you will find understanding and acceptance among our classmates. (a)

Have a listen and enjoy:

We have Benny Class ’73 camaraderie! We are inspired and focused on bringing together as many of our classmates as we can locate, for our low-key, simple, and yet eventful 50th-reunion weekend. Come, listen, engage, converse, learn about each other and build or renew friendships.

That is our goal!

BTW: Music is pure inspiration that has an ability to influence emotion, ideas, creation, and energy. (c)

I recorded this video at Rogers Arena on 3/8/23 (Anaheim Ducks vs. Vancouver Canucks). This video stirred my incentive for writing this week’s personal message to you.

See you on October 7th, OK?

And, I say, Have… Hey, hey, hey, hey, ooh, woah, la, la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la, (b) FUN!

References / Links:
a.10 Essential High School Reunion Songs | Treble (treblezine.com)
b.Songwriters: Steve W. Schiff, Keith Forsey.
c.17 Examples of Inspiration - Simplicable

Part 4 of 11: ”Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam, circumspice” (e)
Our Reunion every five years gives us that chance to catch up, in person, and find out about our classmates’ experiences. Let us face it: We are curious, eh. While we may have made some predictions in high school about where our classmates would end up, be assured that most of us would be surprised about all our outcomes. (a)

So, share a little about yourself and what you have been up to since 1973 in our Class Directory at https://bennyhigh73.com.

Humbly, for example, those are our actual-truck plates since leaving Detroit during 1987. “We rolled across the high plains, Deep into the mountains, Felt so good to me (us)…” (Bob Segar; Roll Me Away) (b)

Ironically and numerically, our Class of ’73 has 73% of our classmates still living in Michigan! And several classmates are definitely within, “Twelve hours out of Mackinaw City” (b)

You’re local? That is enough of a reason for you to come and join our reunion, eh.

About 20% of us reside outside the Midwest, including a shout out to our 11 Floridian classmates and the some of us living on the left-best West Coast. (Yet, we are three hours behind civilization, as we know it).

Detroit is our roots. It is our connection, from birthplaces to relations with our family, friends and classmates. Wherever you are or, have been, our reunion is your time and reason for Coming Home!

"Michigan seems like a dream to me now" (Simon & Garfunkel; America) (d)
“It was just like southern Michigan summertime.” (Bob Seger) (h)

The Motown Song - Rod Stewart (g)

There's a soul in the city
Watching over us I swear
There's a soul in the city
There's a whole world waiting out there

WE ARE COMING!
Our Reunion: “It’ll Be Awesome, Baby!” (f)
And: Have Fun!

References/Links:
(a) 10 Essential High School Reunion Songs | Treble (treblezine.com)
(b) Bob Segar; Roll Me Away; Songwriters: Bob Seger.
(c) Songwriters: Christopher C. Cross.
(d) Songwriter: Paul Simon.
(e) Michigan State Motto - Latin for "if you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you”
(f) Dick Vitale, Basketball Coach - University of Detroit; 1973 – 1977 & HOF
(g) Written by: Larry John McNally
(h) Top Songs That Mention Michigan (awesomemitten.com)

Part 3 of 11: Oldies but Goodies

So: “Why should I come to our BHS Reunion,” you ask? Here’s reason # 3.

What was your favorite song(s) when you were attending Benny High School?

“Yesterday Once More” (Carpenters) is a song about nostalgia and reminiscing about our good old days. Our Reunion is like your past-favorite songs. It is our way to look back, rekindle and embrace our classmates while celebrating memories of yesteryear. (a)

“Just like before, it's yesterday once more.” (b)

“It’s not the song that makes you emotional, it’s the people and things that comes to your mind when you hear it.” – Kelly’s Treehouse.

Listen to this song’s words. Enjoy!

Remember your favorite Top Pop Songs from that special day when we graduated: June 3, 1973? Here – in only 11 minutes – are the Top 100 Songs of 1973. Enjoy a real feel-good trip down memory lane!

References/Links:
(a) “Yesterday Once More” by The Carpenters - Song Meanings and Facts
(b) Songwriters: Richard Lynn Carpenter, John Bettis.

Part 2 of 11: What’s Playing on WKNR / Keener 13 and CKLW / The Big 8?

So: “Why should I come to our BHS Reunion,” you ask? Here’s your reason # 2 of 11:

At Benny, we were listening to the Motown sound on WKNR and CKLW “back in the day” of AM radio. So, as Detroiters, how can our melody list be without citing this genre as a reason for coming to our reunion, eh?

Our reunion on October 7 is our “Someday,” right? “We’ll be together,” right? Now, start singing aloud! Join us. Enough said. (This song is going to be in your head all day too! Gotcha! LOL)

Listen to the words of this song. And enjoy!

Thought about finding any of your BHS classmates “Someday”? Are you curious, missing, wondering or wanting to connect with some of them again?

You can connect NOW, with many of your classmates, including before coming to our reunion! Join our private BHS Class if 1973 Facebook group, which includes at least 94 members, and send a note to your classmates through Facebook Messenger. Write to them – and plan to meet on October 7.
Detroit Benedictine High School Class of 1973.

We also seek your help in reaching out to and ensuring our class messaging is sent to all our classmates. Unfortunately, too many are among our “missing classmates.” So please visit our BHS 1973 Class List that includes everyone, whether they were with us for as little as a year or for all four at
https://myevent.com/bennyhigh73/miscellaneous1

Help update our contact information for any “Missing” classmates by sending us an email, attention Don, at bennyhigh73@att.net and we’ll add them to our distribution lists.

Here is a song for you to ponder about helping you connect with your classmates, because that ‘Someday’ can be ‘Today’! 2

reference/links:
1 Songwriters: Harvey Fuqua, Johnny Bristol, Jackey Beavers
2 Songwriter: Carole King

Part 1 of 11: Huh? Eh? What’s that?

So: “Why should I come to our BHS Reunion,” you ask?

We’ve selected 11 songs for giving you that answer. Their lyrics encompass your reasons or benefits as the “why” to join us.

"Up to Eleven" songs? 1 From a “This is Spinal Tap” movie analogy, we are taking our reunion endeavors to our utmost limits — or trying to exceed them. We are giving you reasons and benefits at our maximum volume for your attendance considerations!

I am Bill George. “Who are you? Who, who, who, who?” Of course,
I am mostly unremembered among our classmates as that quiet, shy, wee-bit nerdy, kid who sat in the back of class. And that’s, Ok! Kind of like many of us, eh?

Old pic, LOL! Yet, the lettuce still flows from under the bucket. Refed hockey for several years.

Anyway, we live in Washington State between Seattle and Vancouver, Canada.
So, why are we traveling to Detroit and helping bring us all together October 7, eh?
As for your - and my - first reason and benefit for coming to our reunion, let us kick it off with this initial song from our 11 upcoming weekly melodies list.

Our 50-Year Reunion is a unique and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Our reason is simply within the song, as titled, “We May Never Pass This Way Again” 3 Life is indeed finite and unpredictable, yet we have a chance, this October, to embrace a time from our lives and rekindle those past class relationships. 4

Listen to this song’s words. Enjoy!

References/Links:
1 Up to eleven - Wikipedia
2 Lyrics by Songwriter: Peter Townshend - The Who
3 Lyrics & song by Jimmy Seals, Darrell Crofts
4 “We May Never Pass This Way (Again)”
1 Songwriters: Harvey Fuqua, Johnny Bristol, Jackey Beavers
2 Songwriter: Carole King

Have a wonderful Holiday from the Benny ’73 High School Gang!