L to R: Alex Osteen, Allen Shearl, Erin Munger Estes, McKenzie Thompson, Angela Aspinwall Brown, and Kayla McCall Bryson. Members of Mrs. Gordon’s 1992 Preschool Graduation Class.
Time flies, and the Highlands High School Class of 2005 recently came together for their 20th reunion weekend – reminiscing, reconnecting, and sharing memories of growing up in Highlands.
Erin Munger Estesand Alex Osteen , 1992
For this close-knit group, the weekend wasn’t just about catching up; it was about celebrating the lifelong bond with people they still consider family.
Classmates Angela Aspinwall Brown, Kayla McCall Bryson, Alex Osteen, McKenzie Thompson, and Erin Munger Estes sat down for an interview.
1996
They all agreed that they were like family, having spent 15 school years together, beginning with Mrs. Wilma Gordon’s Preschool. They also shared that the Highlands Community was like family because everyone knew everyone and everyone watched out for you – and when necessary weren’t afraid to tattle on you – but we won’t go into that.
1991
They felt safe.
Stories of Mrs. Wilma’s brought smiles to all their faces and memories started flowing as they remembered the weekly walks to the Hudson Library to check out a book and the Halloween parades when they all dressed in their costumes and held a parade down Main Street. Their parents lined the street to watch, all the business owners came out to say hello, and all the passersby watched and waved. They felt 10 feet tall.
2005 Highlands High School Graduation Class
Some recalled that in later years at elementary school, Mrs. Gordon’s son, Dana, worked there and never let anyone go hungry. If someone’s lunch account ran short, he quietly covered the cost.
Allison Waller, Matt Keener, and McKenzie Thompson, 2004
Throughout their school years, many teachers left a lasting impact. Cathy McIntyre Ross was especially supportive and involved, even attending one of the reunion events with a poster board of class memories. Jane DeWolf helped them remember formulas and equations by turning them into songs — songs they still remember. Coach Mueller was funny and inspiring. Coach Smith always seemed like their number-one fan.
McKenzie Thompson, Allison Waller, and Angela Aspinwall Brown, 2004
Speaking of coaches, school sports were an important part of most of their lives and while they may have started out as rag tag teams in the beginning, they excelled by the end, dominating in both soccer and basketball – all with incredible community support.
They loved High School Band and are sad that Highlands School no longer has a band.
Kayla McCall Bryson and Angela Aspinwall Brown, 2004
When not in school they spent hours talking on corded phones. They hung out at the Rec Park, attended church and youth groups, and ate at their favorite spots – SweeTreats, Mountain Fresh, Hilltop Grill, Rib Country, Don Leon’s, Pescado’s, and The Pizza Place.
They felt loved, embraced, seen and valued in Highlands, and as they look back, they know that all children should be so lucky.
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