The great EA Class Reunion of 2008 held in Washington D.C. was a roaring success.
From Paul Wheeler
The 2008 July D.C. reunion just ended. We stayed up til the wee hours of dawn every night because I think none of us wanted it to end. It was an extraordinary weekend - and such a delight to see so many important friends from the past slip into a comfortable re-connection.
Tom Mackel and I want to especially thank Brian "Babes" Paren, Susie Creane, Pearl Gorter, Suelnea Bastos and Dr. Brown for helping, attending and making it such a special reunion. Also, a special nod to our inspiring English Teacher, Terry Davis, for making the trip and gracing us with his presence. People from all points on the compass attended, Europe, Brasil, and all over the states. I think we had over 130 people attend the dinner on Saturday night. It was controlled mayhem and pandemonium and as such infused with great energy and pathos and of course, caipirinhas...
A great time was had by all - and we look forward to the California chapter to raise the bar in 5 years.
Musto, thanks for the music, David "Che Guevera" Presas, thanks for never changing, Brosts, thanks for being the prettiest bookends I've ever known, Angi - thanks for bringing the letters and Tom's poem - I will never let him forget it (and pictures of little Paulozinho!) Heff -thanks for the great book and making the trip, Wendy, thanks for being in the class of '74 really, Renet the hat and shirt are great - but re-connecting was really the present, Carmen V. you are so animated and positive, Elyse we need you on night two, Susan - those baby blue eyes are beguiling, David B. it was really nice to re-connect and your family looks beautiful, Regina, you are as lovely as ever and you were amazing to come all that way, see you in Rio next year and the list goes on....Tom "Rosey" Mackell, co-host and good friend, thanks for helping pull this off big time. It was a gas...and I think the hair transplant looks great! Tom Hamel - i think you should create a sculpture celebrating the binding curve of energy of the 2008 reunion.
Sadly, we learned of the passing of Pat McAndrew, teacher, friend and brilliant musician- we missed him and also the recent passing of our classmate Roger Slothhower who was a robust and vigorous man full of life and love and limitless enthusiasm.
From Gayane Palian
My years at EA were probably the best in my life too. I belonged, I thrived. Every day reflects my experience in Rio, e todo dia tambem refleta minha saudade. Our EA nurtures such a very special group of people, all of whom are part of that experience and we see it at every Reunion. Com um abraco muito carinhoso para todos!
From Toni Stanin
What a blast from the past! It was great to see all of you and to re-connect. This was a wonderful reunion! Thanks Tom and Paul for all your hard work in organizing a great time. I am so glad I made the decision to attend.
From Mike Donohoe
14Jul2008. I just had the opportunity to attend the EA reunion in Washington DC for Class of 74 +-. It was fabulous. It was soooo much fun to see and visit with my most excellent friends from my time in Rio. I attended EA from 1968-1971...left after the last year in the "old school" before EA moved to Gavea. Well, thanks to those who hosted the reunion, to Brian who made so much possible through his techno-skills, and to everyone who attended and made this so very, very special.
From Patricia Calvo
It was great to see all after more than 30 years! I had a fabulous time.
From Monica Georgiadis
Firstly, Thank you!!! Thank you!!! Thank you !!! to Tom, Paul and Brian for this magnificent Reunion. It was just perfect. Melhor que isso nao existe!!! A familia EA continua firme e forte!!!
From Carmen Valle Patel
What a close-knit and caring bond we all have! I LOVED seeing you guys again and connecting this big part of our lives so comfortably with the present. Paul, Tom, Susie, and Brian - you guys were wonderful to us.
It was a thrill to be there with you all. Thanks to Paul, Tom M. and Tom H. for thinking of me.
Throughout my life I have crossed many paths with many people, at schools, Air Force, Sheriff's and all. Those paths introduced me to many outstanding individuals and led me to many great events. However, none of those compare to the magic that Rio and all of you have brought to my life. This past reunion, as have the others I attended, took me briefly back to that magical period. The time, the place and all of us living through it together made that era near perfect. It was the combination of personalities that made those years so wonderful and special, so I truly thank each one of you that attended for bringing your part of that era back together.
Until we cross our paths again I hope your lives continue to be blessed. Please take good care of yourselves so that hopefully we can reunite again some time in the future.
God bless all of you, and again, my most sincere thanks for what you have all done for me. I love all you guys...Andy Zahorecz...aka, Morey
From Angela Mueller
Okay, I've written already about my fabulous time at the reunion, but I need to add that all of you made it so special! Since we all share memories of Rio and our very previledged experience of having attended such a great school, you made me feel that I had a part in this wonderful experience. Thanks to Tom, Paul and Brian. And, Pearl, you really made it special for me!