Sarasota High School graduates come together for an all-classes reunion at Robarts Arena
By
Amanda Morales
| 3:52 p.m. April 14, 2015
Sarasota
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In 1983 Tammie Peal walked across Robarts Arena donning a cap and gown for her graduation from Sarasota High School. On Sunday, April 12 Peal joined former classmates from classes ranging from 1941 to 2014 for a Grand Reunion at Robarts Arena to catch up with old friends.
For many years the location served as the venue for the school’s graduation ceremonies and including her mother who graduated in 1962 and her three uncles as well in ’60,’61 and ’64.
“It’s kind of cool because I’ve only been in here for graduations,” Peal said.
Every five years since 1985 a group of dedicated alumni have help coordinate a reunion that is open to all prior graduating classes.
“It’s kind of fun to see the different generations come together,” Peal said.
Some made the trip from Canada while others only had to drive a few minutes as former students have spread across the country. Many classes have kept in contact over the years including the class of 1983 that meets regularly.
“There’s about 130 of us that keep in touch. We’re planning an Alaskan cruise,” Peal said.
Graduate of the class of 1947 Evelyn West looks for her photo in the yearbook.
1947Yearbook-A copy of the 1947 yearbook from Sarasota High School.
June Shanaberger spots long-lost friend Brian Chellas in the crowd.
Cheryl Hammond Paetsh looks through a photo album for the class of 1968.
Debra Adams made the trip from Pennsylvania to meet up with her high school pal Claudia Pratt at the Grand Reunion.
A photo of Evelyn Thomas West in the 1947 yearbook for Sarasota High School.
Gene Strickland with a photo of him as a student at Bay Haven School of Basics Plus.
Juanita Moxley Carr, JoAnne Pennock Walsh, Bill Martin, Evelyn Thomas West, Evy Huntington, Bubbles Green and Mildred Conley.
Juanita Smith Bryan sings along with the alma mater song.
Ken and Pam Anderson with Connie and Harold West
Kristen Frye, Mark Chapman and Nancy Clanton represented the class of 1999.
The Mighty Sailor Band and color guard performed for alumni at the Grand Reunion.
The Mighty Sailor Band and color guard performed “Anchors Aweigh.”
Copies of the Sarasota High School student newspaper the Sarasotoan
Pam Anderson and Connie West look for photos of their husbands who graduated from Sarasota High School.
Alumni brought memorabilia and scrapbooks full of memories to share with old friends.
Richard Bolam and Richard Powell class of 1962.
Robin Jaffe Sweeting and Julie Ryan Lohr class of 1977.
Suzette Jennings Blue and Charles Rice made scarves to represent their class of 1946.
Tammie Peal shows off her Sailor pride at the Grand Reunion.
