At first glance, it doesn’t appear that Thomas Whitt and his former classmates graduated from high school four decades ago.

Some of the best advice Thomas ever received came from his former English teacher, Mr. Robinson.

“I was taught to cherish relationships and always make time for your friends. That helps keep you young,” Whitt said.

“Chuck Stephenson, Kime Patsel, Brack Fore, Teresa Graham and Gail Gregory are just some childhood friends that I’ve stayed in close contact with over the years. I started dating my wife Teresa in high school and we’ve been married for 37 years now.”

In addition to gathering at Mac & Bob’s to share stories and catch up, members of the Salem High School Class of 1978 also participated in a themed style dinner and dance at the Hidden Valley Country Club last weekend.

The key to a class reunion, according to Alisa (Eychaner) Van Dorn, is being willing to share and listen to stories. “It never ceases to amaze me that when we get together at our reunions, it’s as if the years and miles that separate us just melt away and we pick up almost right where we left off,” Van Dorn said.

“After dinner at the country club, we enjoyed an evening of dancing and reminiscing. Our classmate, Fred Campbell, served as emcee and kept us all entertained throughout the evening. We sadly recognized all 25 of our classmates who are no longer with us. They may be gone, but they will never be forgotten.” Just seeing his former classmates was enough of a reason for Mike Ashley to make the three-and-a-half hour drive from Fairfax, Virginia, to attend his class reunion. Having the opportunity to spend time with Dr. Bayes Wilson and Steve Hyer, his former principal and vice principal respectively, made it that much better. “Our organizing committee did an awesome job.

I can’t stress enough that we are not a normal class. Our arch rivals Glenvar High and Andrew Lewis High merged to form one school. Many of us only met as seniors, and that has made endeavors such as this tougher,” Ashley said. “If our class hadn’t found common ground and coexisted so well, the whole Salem High School thing could have been a much different and worse experience for all with detrimental aftershocks down the line. We persevered and, in truth, thrived. I don’t think I’d change a thing.” Alisa’s fondest high school memories include being on the cheerleading team and volunteering in the administration office. She often sums up her high school experience with 11 words: “a lot of hard work but a lot of fun also.” Carl Colley, Mike Ashley’s favorite high school teacher, gave him the confidence to pursue a career as a writer when he was a teenager. Today, Mike covers the University of Maryland for Terrapin Times and writes for several national publications.

“Mr. Colley often treated us as peers and had a deft touch at doling out work to give us confidence and a sense of responsibility back when we needed it most,” Ashley said. “He had a great sense of humor and really encouraged me to find my way as a writer.” Last weekend gave Thomas Whitt an opportunity to hang out with dozens of childhood friends, something he hasn’t been able to do in years.

“I think I speak for practically all of us when I say Salem High School properly prepared us for life,” he said. “Because of the reunion, we’ve been able to re-establish relationships with those friends from high school. These events aren’t just for the moment, but can continue through our lives.”