FEO, June 12, 2025, VOL. 6 ISSUE 20 

“Oh, What a Night!”

 On Saturday, May 24, 2025, the Fort Erie Secondary School (FESS) Class of 1985 celebrated its 40th high school reunion — our seventh reunion gathering since graduation!

This class has a long-standing tradition of coming together every five years, starting with our first reunion in 1990, followed by gatherings in 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and now 2025. Despite a temporary disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the spirit of our class remains strong and unwavering. Our reunions are a testament to the bond we’ve built over the years — a bond deeply rooted in friendship, community, and shared history.

Honouring the Past and Supporting the Future
 Each reunion has included a charitable element. We’ve consistently raised funds to provide a scholarship, bursary, or award to a graduating student, formerly at FESS and now at Greater Fort Erie Secondary School (GFESS). This award goes to the student most likely to carry forward the reunion spirit by organizing future gatherings.

This year, we proudly added a second bursary:
 “The Paul Fell & Class of ’85 Memorial Football Award” — created in memory of our much-loved Principal, coach and mentor, Paul Fell and our beloved classmates and to support a student who reflects their spirit and determination for the sport of football.

A Night to Remember
 The evening began with a warm meet and greet at the Fort Erie Legion, followed by welcoming remarks from Cheryl Athoe (née Nevinger), who thanked all attendees, the reunion committee, and the amazing contributors who helped bring the event to life, including:

• David Dorinzi’s GFESS culinary class, who prepared delicious purple and gold cupcakes (our school colours!)
  
  
  
• DJ Shawn Chesney, who expertly curated the perfect nostalgic playlist that kept the dance floor full all night
  
  
  

Rhonda Maracle-Gerritsen delivered a meaningful land acknowledgment, read a heartfelt message from retired teacher Mr. Dave Cowan, and introduced our 1985 “Head Boy and Head Girl” — Tom Reynolds and Alexandra Pike — who shared cherished memories from high school days.

The reunion committee was also called up and acknowledged for their tireless work in organizing this unforgettable evening.

A Message from Mr. Cowan:
 “Congratulations on your many accomplishments at the school and in the community. I will not be able to attend tomorrow’s reunion but would like to send my greetings to everyone. The Class of 1985 set the tone for FESS during the 1980s, and every reunion since has shown that same leadership and spirit. I count it a privilege to have played whatever part I did during those years. Please share my thoughts with the group.”

Celebration & Remembrance
 Following the introductions, guests enjoyed a delicious catered dinner and danced the night away. Tables were filled with gifts and generous donations from classmates and community members. A memorabilia table featured yearbooks and photos that brought back a flood of memories, with laughter, hugs, and even a few tears filling the room.

At the heart of the celebration was a touching memorial display: a tree adorned with gold ribbons and photos of classmates we’ve lost, accompanied by a tribute and heartfelt poem. This space offered a meaningful opportunity to remember those no longer with us — forever a part of our class, forever in our hearts.

Musical Highlights
 Among many crowd-pleasers, a few standout songs included:

• “Memories” – Maroon 5
  
  
  
• “The Road to Shambala” – Three Dog Night
  
  
  
• “Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey
  
  
  

A massive banner created by Maria Mckinnon at an earlier reunion — filled with personal messages from classmates — was on display, offering a trip down memory lane that brought plenty of laughter and reflection.

Reconnecting with Classmates
 We expect to celebrate again in five or ten years and once again to support more of the upcoming graduates of GFESS. So far, we’ve managed to reconnect with just over half of the 212 graduates from 1985 — and we’re eager to find the rest! If you are a graduate of Fort Erie Secondary School (Class of ’ ’85) or know someone who is, please help us reach more alumni by getting in touch:

📧 Email: fessclassof85@hotmail.com
 📘 Facebook: FESS Class of ’85 – 40 Year Reunion Group (search “FESS Class 85 – 40 Year Reunion”).