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Principia School
Upper School Reunion: Together Again!

 

Together, Again!

This fall’s Upper School Reunion brought more than 300 alumni and guests to campus for a memorable celebration spanning the generations.

Over the course of the extended weekend, alums met with friends and classmates, explored every corner of campus (both old and new), gathered for classes and talks, cheered on the Panthers, and shared plenty of hugs and high fives! 

From perfect weather to a warm welcome from current students, Upper School alumni soaked in the joy of being back on campus together.

50th Reunion: The Powerhouse Classes 1973 and 1974

It was an extra special weekend for the Upper School Classes of 1973 and 1974, who came together to celebrate their 50th Reunion. From their “Share and Reflect” gatherings to a celebratory lunch at the new Bill Simon Field House, the weekend was full of reconnection, meaningful conversations, love, and laughter. “That bond, that shared experience, transcends time and space,” recalls Scott Covell (US’74), who traveled from Simi Valley, California, to attend.

50th reunion classes not only come together to reminisce and celebrate but also to pay it forward, and these two classes did just that by raising money for their class gift—The Margie & Hank Hamlin Endowed Fund for International Student Support, which helps ensure that Principia remains a beacon for young Christian Scientists around the world. The fund provides long-term support for international students’ non-tuition needs while enrolled at Principia School.

One anonymous 50th reunioner taken with the love on display at Reunion made a single gift doubling the amount that had been donated, bringing the total amount raised to over $253,000 . . . with additional contributions still coming in.

Reunion Weekend Highlights

There was no shortage of daytime events during Reunion Weekend—from campus tours and attending classes to a joy-filled chapel by Terry McNabb (US’71, C’75) and updates on Principia with Chief Executive Barbara Blackwell (HON’22), Head of School Dr. Merry Sorrells (C’79), and new College President Dr. Daniel Norton.

On Friday night, 600+ reunioners and current Principia families came together for a community tailgate dinner, pep rally, and football game, which included a halftime parade of class banners. Saturday’s activities kicked off with the Simon Fun Run—a friendly 5K that began and ended at Bill Simon Field House. On Saturday night, reunioners headed off campus for a banquet at the iconic Chase Park Plaza. The evening included class photos, dinner, dancing, presentation of the 50th Reunion Class Gift, awarding of honorary Principia alumni status to Senior Philanthropic Advisor Ned McCarty, and presentation of the 2023 David K. Andrews Distinguished Alumni awards to Dr. Shirley Paulson (US’66, C’70) and Roger Strelow (US’60, C’64)

Watch the video highlight from Upper School Reunion 2023 and check out more photos from the weekend at principiaalumni.org/events/us-reunion-2023.