Our 35 Year Class Reunion was held on August 18^th, 2007 at The Del Amo Room.  Amazingly, this was the first time we have ever had an event within the City of Torrance.  It may have been one of the better reunions we’ve ever had!

The reunion experience actually began the day before with a golf tournament in Fallbrook organized by Monte Robold.  The competition was fierce for a German jug of beer called The Tartar Cup, and good fun was had by all who played.  After golfing, the Robolds opened up their home for “The 19^th Hole” where hackers and others who live in the area continued the good times.   To see who played and a recap of the day go to http://www.1972tartars.com/35year_golftournament.php.  Pictures should be on the web site by the end of the week.

The actual reunion was attended by 106 people, including 73 classmates, a dozen or so alumni from other class years, and some very special guests.  One of our favorite teachers, Mr. Woody Griggs, kept our grammar in order.  Coaches Holland, Williams, and Piligian hung with the runners.  Gail S. Morgan, the President of the THS Alumni Association, attended to promote membership in the THSAA and to explain the particulars of the 3^rd Annual THS Classic and Custom and Motorcycle Show on October 13^th, 2007.  This will be followed later that night by the 36^th Annual All Alumni Dinner Dance. Lastly, the son of John and Linda Gillette, Matt Gillette, was there with his fiancé, Margarita.  He told me later how wonderful it was to hear all of the stories about his father and to relay his heartfelt thanks for the warmth our class gave to him.

Everyone enjoyed a quiet atmosphere where they were allowed the chance to just get together and reminisce.  Diane Greene did an excellent job photographing our group.  Scott Schneider put together an excellent slideshow of every photo presently on our website which played along with some great music from our era.  Had there been any type of program or awards, the farthest traveled would have undoubtedly gone to Kathleen McGartland, who came all the way from her home in Europe to be with her old friends.  The only presentation given was of The Tartar Cup, which was ceremoniously presented by Monte to the winning team from play the previous day.  As always, there was a time in the night when different elementary school groups assembled for a photo op.   Although not official, Hickory seems to have had the best representation.

In traditional fashion, our reunion did not end just because The Del Amo Room finally kicked us out.  A group of around 16 of us decided to keep the party going by searching out another social establishment within walking distance.  We wound up at one of the worst bars in Torrance, The Zebra Room.  When it was all too obvious we were out of our element there, we walked up the street to Mr Lucky’s Pub and Billards.   Our new reunion historian, Rick Boal, has written a good summary of the night at http://www.1972tartars.com/35year_afterglow.php.

Speaking for the THS Class of 72 Reunion Committee, I want to relay our thanks for all of you who stay involved in the activities of our great class.  If only for a couple of nights each decade, let's always be there for one another to bounce the ball around that holds our youthful memories and hoist our glasses high above our heads in a toast to the wonderful past that we have shared at Torrance High School.

Be sure to keep your contact info current with the committee by completing the Information Update Form.  Pictures of our event should be posted on our site within the week.

If you didn’t have a chance to make the 35^th, we hope to see you at the 40^th.  We on the committee are already starting to talk about planning it!

John Dickson
THS Class of 72 Reunion Chairman
chairman@1972tartars.com
(208) 699-5909