Last night I drove over to Aurora--only about twenty minutes away--to join the latest celebration sponsored by the Aurora Alumni Association,* the group that has in recent years revived not only itself but also its annual tributes to notable alumni and alumnae (yes, I took Latin I) and former faculty and staff members. The group has established three "Halls of Fame"--for athletes, distinguished alumni, and honored educators and staff members. Honorees have their plaques mounted on the wall in a prominent place at Aurora High School.
Anyway, last night they were honoring a couple of alums I didn't know (one had graduated the year before I began my career (the 1966-67 school year); another had come along after I had retired (January 1997)). (Love that double parenthesis!)
But Judie Byrum, the honored teacher, is someone I have known since she began her career as a first-grade teacher (1984)--not just as a talented colleague but also as the mother of three fine young students, John, Jeff, and Jayme (who now teaches in Aurora, as well; I was alarmed when she told me last night that this is her 19th year!).
The celebration was at the Aurora Inn, a place my family first patronized when we moved to the area in the summer of 1956, a place I know well from my years as a teacher in the community. From my first classroom (Room 116 in the "old" middle school), I could see the Inn, and I ate there often ... and, okay, visited the, you know, bar. (Nuff said.)
Last night I was in Time's whirl the entire evening. I got to meet with former middle school students--some of whom I've not seen in decades; I got to sit and talk with former colleagues, including the peerless Eileen Kutinsky (Mrs. K), who was a great example for me when I began and has remained a treasured friend, and Gary and Barb Brookhart, dear friends and musicians who helped me with my stage productions over the years. I say "helped"; perhaps I should have said "adorned" (or "saved"?). Their son, Brian (a former student--and a great one), is now the assistant principal at Aurora High.
And, of course, I got to witness the honoring of folks who so manifestly deserved it: Drew Troy (a great hockey player, unable to attend), Jean D. Harris (a successful businesswoman and humanitarian), and Judie, who spoke with great modesty and gratitude--not just for the award but for the chance to work with wonderful colleagues and students in a most supportive community.
When it all ended--a bit after 9--I headed out to the car, got halfway there and realized I'd forgotten my umbrella (dotage), went back for it, found it, and, on the way back out, nabbed from the buffet table two additional brownies. Hey, both were for my wife!
*Matt Shanholtzer (1990 grad) is President; the Hall of Fame Core Committee: Brian Brookhart, Jennifer Shanholtzer, Barb Kudley (Aurora grads all--former students of mine, as well--including Matt), and Paul Powers, Athletic Director for the Aurora City Schools.
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