Nearly 75 members of the LAHS Class of 1970 gathered last week for their 55-year reunion. Courtesy photo

Members of the Los Alamos High School Class of 1970 at their 55-year reunion celebration during the Summer Concert on Aug. 22 at Ashley Pond Park. Courtesy photo

By Nancy Thomas Hatfield and John Calvin
Class of 1970 LAHS Graduates

Commemorating 55 years since graduating from Los Alamos High School, nearly 75 members of the Class of 1970 recently gathered in town to celebrate. Kickoff to the weekend melded the meet-and-greet gathering with the lively Los Alamos Summer Concert Series event at Ashley Pond on Friday, Aug. 22.

Hosted by the Los Alamos Public Schools Foundation, the group toured the high school on Saturday afternoon. Nostalgia, awe, and disorientation were shared responses. Kudos for the improvement and additions to the science, music, and performing arts spaces. The culinary arts facilities impress and inspire.

Saturday’s reunion banquet featured a delicious dinner buffet at the Blue Window Bistro. Capping it off was an over-the-top dessert bar. The venue was perfect for continued conversation, reconnecting, and reminiscing.

Urban Park proved the ideal setting for the Sunday afternoon luncheon, and the shelter was much appreciated when the inevitable picnic rains arrived. Classmate Patrick Longmire and his jazz manouche quartet, Swing Soleil, brought toe-tapping musical entertainment.

Regarding reunions, the Class of 1970 has a storied past. Ten and 20 years came off without too many obstacles in 1980 and 1990, respectively. The devastation wrought by the Cerro Grande Fire severely impacted the 30-year reunion in 2000.

Challenges crept into planning a 40-year reunion, so the class opted for a “40 plus 1” gathering in 2011 – just in time for the Las Conchas Fire and its attendant evacuation. The year 2020 brought 50 years since graduation, and the worldwide pandemic. Zip. Nada. At 55 years old, the class seems to have kicked the habit. This reunion came off without a hitch!

The Class of 1970 is grateful to Los Alamos Public Schools Foundation Executive Director Jenny McCumber for the partnership in the reunion. Also, to Blue Window Bistro Owner Melissa Paternoster and her staff.