(October 25, 2006) More than 180 alumni and guests arrived at the 20 Year Reunion Reception on Saturday, July 1, 2006, ready to renew old acquaintances, reminisce about old times, and catch up on all that's happened since.

The evening did not disappoint.

Alumni and their guests were photographed as they entered the Irish-American Club by Charli Pretchel Slodov. Vintage music (or something like that) from 1980 to 1986 filled the hall as former classmates caught up.

"It was so awesome to see everyone and meet wives and husbands," said Lynn Mayle Yopko. "I am so glad to see everyone doing so well and looking so happy. Once you started talking it was like we never skipped a beat. I guess that is what real friends are able to do."

Others took turns flipping through elementary school class photos and year books from Central, Shore, and Forest Park. High school memorabilia was also on display, including year books, sports team scrapbooks, varsity jackets, spirit buttons, and other momentoes. Videos from prom night and commencement were projected on a wall, which the spouses and guests found especially entertaining.

It took a while for dinner to get served -- and not because the Irish-American Club staff weren't helpful. Alumni were enjoying the conversation (and open bar) so much that dinner seemed like a disruption.

Sonya Sezun Sugarman and Steve Cooney were tapped to emcee the awards portion of the evening. Sonya and Steve had worked together 20 years ago to deliver the morning announcements over the PA system at the high school, so it seemed fitting to let them have the mic.

Prizes for the alumni who traveled the furthest to get to the reunion went to Dean Sopko, who had flown in from Japan, and Bob Maher, who had been living in Thailand. Another prize went to Tom Cramer for "having produced the most offspring." (Anyone seeking to wrest that one from Tom has to surpass his current total of seven children.)

Other alumni won door prizes in a drawing. Lucky winners included Chris Drage, Tom Madden, Lisa Fraser Starling, Katie Brickman Hawkins, Nancy Holtz Suszek, Diana Gondeau-Guttu, Doreen Tracy Rhineberger, Slavko Medved, and Joe Scolaro. Prizes included Euclid High sweatshirts and gift certificates to such Euclid restaurants as Beach Club Bistro, Alexander's, Three Guy's Pizza, and Wojtilla Bakery.

At the end of the drawing, Cooney turned the mic back over to DJ Pat McLaughlin: "Pat, we need you and your hair back up here."

And it wasn't just Pat. It's a standard expectation at a reunion to see how everyone has faired. The 20 year reunion for the Class of '86 was no different, and Susan Laurenson Smith was one of many who commented on how good everyone looked. "I do think that the first freshman class at Euclid also happens to be the smartest, most talented and best looking class of all," she said.

Lynn Mayle Yopko echoed Susan. "It was weird; everyone looked the same - just a bit different," Lynn said. "A lot of beautiful people in our class."

The party continued well after dinner. While it wasn't intended as another touch of nostalgia, the reunion was broken up after midnight by Euclid's off-duty finest. ("Don't tazer me!" said Al Kucmanic as he was ushered out by the EPD.) Many classmates continued the party at a nearby bar.

It was a memorable evening, and the reunion attendees were quick to point out how much fun they had. "I can't say that I knew what to expect," said Tom Madden, "but the weekend was much more fun that I would have guessed."

John Bolsar agreed. "The reunion was a lot of fun, and it was very cool seeing everyone again after 20 years. It was well worth my flight up here [from Atlanta]."

Kim Kocjan was even more enthusiastic. "We shouldn't have to wait another 10 years to party. I think a yearly get-together around the holidays would be cool or how about the 86th day of the year - every year!"

That sentiment -- that we need to do it all over again soon -- was shared by many.

"Several of us pulled an all nighter on Saturday, which is so out of my scope of life these days," recalled Lynn Mayle Yopko. "But I would do it again tomorrow."