What does it mean when a high school class reunites after 50 years? Reconnections and recollections of times spent together? In the case of the North Yarmouth Academy Class of 1961 it also means saying thank-you to a town that gave them so many memories. How to give a long-distance hug to the town for the wonderful times that were spent in Yarmouth so many years ago?

The life experiences that were shared then gave us the strength that we built upon to get us through many challenges in the ensuing years. When we were having our school adventures many beautiful elm trees lined Main Street and as a result, many of us were later in love with “Herbie” as a symbol of our youth and our own hopeful longevity.

How to say thank-you should seem like an easy task: a plaque, a tree or flowers added to a garden – these would all seem appropriate for some classes. But out class was special, as we were the last to graduate before Yarmouth High School was built. For that reason, it was decided that any gift should benefit any and all in our home town who, through no fault of their own, might need a little hand up, not a hand out.

As a result, the Class of ’61 is proud to contribute $775 to the First Parish Church Food Pantry. Hopefully this donation will in addition to providing meals for some, give a big long-distance hug and our best wishes for better days ahead.

Jane Small Plante
Spofford, N.H.

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