Published November 30. 2021 10:16AM
On Nov., 3 a small gathering of Liberty High School and Bethlehem Technical School members of the class of 1945 gathered at the Green Pond Country Club for their COVID delayed 75th anniversary reunion. A dozen members and their numerous guests were joined by Liberty principal Dr. Harrison Bailey III for reminiscing, a luncheon, and entertainment by the Liberty A Capella Singers. At the time of their graduation World war II was half over after Germany’s unconditional surrender in May and several months remained of the war with Japan in the Pacific theater. Class secretary Marie Lucente Scattene recalled, “It was a bad time, but everybody was upbeat. It was all for the war effort.” Memorabilia and photos were on display and triggered many memories for the graduates able to attend. The Class of 1945 had 409 members based on the Cauldron yearbook on display. Richard Stiles emceed the reunion and announced that this would be their final reunion. Principal Harrison noted that in the year of Liberty’s 100th anniversary it was an honor to be serving in that capacity and he thanked graduates present “for the foundation you established as a class.” The Liberty A Capella Singers performed some songs from the 1940s which had class members singing along and their feet moving to the beat. They finished by performing the Alma Mater, Auld Lang Syne and God Bless America, sending everyone home with even more memories of a lifetime.
Several signs welcomed the class of 1945 along the driveway leading to the Green Pond Country Club event center.
The Liberty HS Class of 1945's reunion was delayed for a year because of the COVID pandemic
Class member Marie Lucente Scattene is accompanied by her friend Kathryn Klein, as well as her three children Frank Scattene, Diane Johnson and Cindy Goffredo.
Marie Scattene added her varsity cheerleading letter sweater and pom-poms to the class of 1945 memorabilia on display. She also served as class secretary.
Doris Serfass Dimmick points out her photo in a 50th reunion booklet to Frank Scattene. She said her fondest memory from high school was meeting her future husband Richard and they would be married in June 1949.
Newspaper articles on display highlighted the news of 1945 including the famous flag raising on Iwo Jima and the sudden death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Aurelia Transue Smock checks in at the registration table staffed by classmates Cornelia Miller and Audrey Kirchman Tostevin. Miller's son Paul and Tostevin's daughter Cynthia Sarver assist.
Aurelia Smock and Jean Geissinger Achey said they recognized each others' names, but not their faces as they chatted prior to the reunion luncheon.
PRESS P[HOTOS BY DANA GRUBB Members of the Liberty HS and Bethlehem Technical School class of 1945. Our photocoverage continues on A16.
Liberty HS Principal Dr. Harrison Bailey III tells the attendees, “It is always amazing to meet our alumni and hear your stories.”
The Class of 1945 Cauldron yearbook was on display and a quick count of graduates' photos indicated that there were 409 graduates.
The Liberty HS A Capella Singers attended and performed current and 1940s songs for attendees including “Chattanooga Choo Choo” and “Swing on a Star.” The group is directed by Julie Wydrzynzki
