Page 6 - NJC Newsletter 2014-Spring

HOMECOMING
2013
Old Friends, New Memories and a Ping Pong Tourney!
NJC’s annual Homecoming Celebration in was spectacular. Ultimately, a very respectable Neuchâtel is open to all alumni of any graduating number answered the call for Homecoming 2013,
It was a great weekend full of fun, memories, and
a chance to create new memories! We were so young 25 years ago, and while we experienced so much during our time in Neuchâtel, it was wonderful to go back and see everything with new eyes. I am so glad
I was able to be part of the 87/88 Class’s 25th reunion. Krista Leaver Cobbold NJC ‘88
year, but when a class is celebrating a particular milestone, the lure of attending becomes all the more intense. September 2013 would mark the 25th anniversary of the Class of 1987/88’s departure for Neuchâtel, and I was hopeful that some of us would be able to retrace that transformative journey together. I have had the good fortune of serving as Vice Chair and Chair of NJC’s Canadian Advisory Committee for the last 8 years, and, as a result, I’ve happily returned to Neuchâtel and Zermatt several times with my wife and recent past parents. Despite having been back since graduation, I still felt the need to mark this important milestone together with members of my class...that is the power of this magical school. A few months in advance, I began encouraging my classmates to pay an anniversary visit to Neuchâtel with me.
I must say that when I arrived at Pearson, I had some level of trepidation since my best Neuch buddies weren’t able to make it, and I hadn’t seen many of those who were attending very much over the last 10-15 years. As soon as we started congregating at YYZ for the journey, my nerves gave way to one of the best weekends I can recall in a very long time. The bonds of friendship were still very evident, and the trust, co- operation and general willingness of everyone to enjoy each other’s company while we reminisced
including ten of my classmates and three spouses. In total, 25 alumni and their guests, representing the Classes of 1964, 1965, 1975, 1988, 1994 and 1999 celebrated Homecoming in Neuch!
I loved visiting the school and spending time with my classmates, Mr. Boyer, Lyn Perrenoud, alumni from other years and the people of Neuchâtel. While there, I also thought a lot about my parents who had the fortitude to let me go and grow 25 years earlier. I only wish more of us could have made the pilgrimage, but, alas, life gets in the way!
May my class’s experience shatter any reservations other classes might have about the stereotypical high school reunion. Like everything NJC, our high school experience is unique, and so are our reunions! It just felt so natural to be back together, like time had stood still. I hope some are inspired to consider returning to Neuchâtel, to experience the school and ville through a different lens— one of perspective, appreciation and enduring friendships.
Malcolm Thompson NJC ‘88 Past Chair, Canadian Advisory Committee
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Neuchâtel Junior College Magazine
Krista Lever ‘88 and Ja-Neen Simmie ‘88 at the Alumni Dinner, Hôtel DuPeyrou
La Fête des Vendanges!
Homecoming 2013 attendees