The HHS Class of 2003 had its 10-year reunion on December 1, 2013. The reunion was planned by the class cabinet board members: Heather Cornett, David Boyd, Sarah Matari, Bill Hook, Lauren Tilstra, and Katherine Anderson, and was a great time for the Class of 2003 to reflect on their years at HHS.
The class of 2003 will always be known as a group of social butterflies. Student Activities coordinator, Gus Schell, said, “They definitely had a positive influence in regards to the social aspect of the school.” For instance, the class had a themed Holiday Dance, “Under a Midnight Sky” and an almost record-breaking 300 people attended.
The alumni interviewed all agreed that Hawthorne High School was a place to have fun and be with friends, but also a place that prepared them for the future. Alum Katherine Anderson, 2003 Class Cabinet historian, responded to the question about her high school experiences saying: “…Be part of a ton of activities. It wasn’t necessarily what I was learning in class (which was super important) or what I was participating in but rather about understanding how to get the most out of whatever situation I happened to be in. This is something that I have taken with me through all my life since.”
Alum Lauren Tilstra, Class Cabinet recording secretary, also commented on her experiences at HHS saying, “SHARE [club] at HHS also instilled in me the power giving back has on the community and on your life. I am a better person because I participated and was an officer of that club. Lastly….The Clarion was huge in terms of prep. I’m a journalist now, and the school paper gave me a first glimpse into the world of journalism.” One memory Tilstra reminisced on at the reunion was painting the rainbow in Mott Haven, New York with the SHARE club: “It changed my perspective on the world we live in.”
Memories were made every day at HHS whether it was being with friends or teachers. Alum Stephanie Paletta, mentioned teacher Sean Van Winkle and how most of her favorite memories were made in his class. “Mr. Van Winkle was such a fun teacher that cared so much about us even though we always got on his last nerve,” said Paletta. She also recalled former Italian teacher the late Annette D’Amato as being a great educator as well.
Alum Sarah Matari, Class Cabinet treasurer, reminisced about the lasting friendships she made, noting, “My friends have not changed since high school. Something I’ve always been impressed by is how ‘real’ and genuine Hawthorne residents are. One of the hardest cultural differences I had to adjust to after high school was dealing with less-than-genuine people.”
What truly matters to the HHS Class of 2003? Some will say sports or school work while others, including Matari, will say food. “A friend brought copies of The Clarion from 2002 and 2003 and we talked about the articles. I was reminded of the “Tater Tot Scandal” [article in which she wrote about the school lunch not giving enough tater tots], which was a funny reminder of the issues that were among the most important to us in high school.”
Social events at HHS were very important to the Class of 2003, including the annual Homecoming football game and court. Homecoming King in 2003 was HHS’ Media Specialist Theresa DiGeronimo’s son Joseph DiGeronimo and Queen was Rachael Sweetman. King Joseph DiGeronimo, said, “What made our reunion so enjoyable for me was that our particular class got along very well during our time at HHS. Conversations, laughs and hugs came easy during our reunion because of the strong bond we had.”
Homecoming court Duke in 2003 was Joshua Kabrel, a current teacher at HHS. When asked about the seniors during his sophomore year of high school, Kabrel responded that, in general, the Class of 2003 was always very friendly and inviting towards everyone.
Fun Facts about this Class of 2003 include: “Your Life. Your World. Your Choices.” was the theme of the Senior Art 4 IV class mural, which is still located in the senior hallway today. Jess Reese and Allison Deming were editors of the yearbook. This class started up The Clarion again in their junior year. There was a group of girls that were in Girls Scouts until their senior year. At the time, there was a Ski and Skate Club, and a Science League including a Chemistry and Biology team. The Senior Superstars winning class period was Period 7. Lastly, the boys on the baseball team that year were a part of the 2002 Passaic County Baseball Championship team.
As everyone continues to move on up the high school food chain, it is comforting for others to know that other classes from years before are able to hold a reunion and feel like they were home again. Home is Hawthorne High School and once you are a student here, you are forever a Hawthorne Bear.
Also, from all of us here at The Clarion, we would like to thank the Class of 2003 for helping to start up The Clarion again!