The official website of the 

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 30, 2009

Gaithersburg High School 

Class of 1981
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We're on Facebook!

We have a new page on Facebook, posted under Gaithersburg High School Class of 1981 - yet another way to find out about class news and events.  Click here to join the group today!

 
 

2009 Sonny's Kids Golf Tournament

The 8th Annual James "Sonny" Buchanan Memorial Golf Tournament was held on Monday, September 28, 2009 at the Montgomery Village Golf Club.  This annual golf tournament is a fundraising event, held in memory of our classmate, Sonny Buchanan, who was the second victim in the series of sniper attacks that terrorized the Washington, DC area in 2002.  

 

The tournament benefits Sonny's Kids Foundation, which was formed by his family in his memory, to further his dedicated work with the Montgomery County Boys and Girls Clubs.  The golf tournament is the organization's biggest fundraising event each year.  Sponsors, foursomes and volunteers are needed.  

To date, the golf tournaments held since 2002 have brought approximately $90,000 in donations to The Sonny’s Kids Foundation, Inc.  We encourage you to participate in this worthy cause.  Not only does it raise money for a worthwhile organization, it's a great way to catch up with old friends.  Even if you can't participate, you can make give with your heart through a sponsorship donation.  And if you don't like golf, there are other ways you can participate to help with this event.

For more information on Sonny's Kids Foundation, or to make a donation, visit their main website at www.sonnyskids.org.

Click here for photos of the 2009 Tournament on Facebook, courtesy of Jodi (Tiglio) Fabrizio-Clontz. (Login Required).
 

Summer Reunion Events

We had perfect weather and a great time with old friends at our mixer and picnic events on July 17 and 18, 2009.  Special thanks to Sandra (Espin) Jones for all of her hard work in organizing these events.  If you couldn't be there, you can still enjoy lots of pictures.  See links below.  

If you have photos to share from either of these events, please send a link and we'll post it here.  

You can also post photos on our Yahoo group page at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GaithersburgHS1981

GHS Happy Hour - Friday, July 17, 2009

We had a great turnout at the Greene Turtle in Mount Airy, MD on July 17, with lots of folks from the Class of '81 and classes.  As promised, Lisa (Wiesman) Kayser came from Hawaii with her husband and kids in tow, as well as her mom and some Hawaiian treats for even more fun.  Click on the following links for photos.  

Mike Ferrell's Greene Turtle photos on Facebook  (login required)
Mary Della Torre Soghomonian's Greene Turtle and Picnic photos on Facebook  (login required)

Class of '81 Summer Reunion Party - Saturday, July 18, 2009

The next day, we had our Class of '81 picnic at Ballenger Creek Park in Frederick, MD.  The weather couldn't have been more perfect, and we had lots of hot dogs, hamburgers, tropical chicken, and of course, fun!  There were a few surprises as some familiar faces we haven't seen in a long time showed up for both events to spend time with us.  We also had an impromptu surprise celebration of Dana (Trageser) Cesler's birthday.  Special thanks to John Shreve for helping obtain the permits for this event, and to Dave Moretti and Sandra (Espin) Jones for supplying food and supplies, and to everyone who brought food and drink to share.  Click on the following links for photos.  

Mike Ferrell's Picnic photos on Facebook (login required)
Dana (Trageser) Cesler's Greene Turtle and Picnic photos on Facebook (login required)
Kim Thompson's Picnic photos on Facebook (login required)


GHS/SVHS '81-'85 Summer Get Together - Saturday, August 7, 2009

A group of Gaithersburg and Seneca Valley High school alumni sponsored a multi-year, multi-school reunion on Saturday, August 7, 2009 at the Golden Bull Restaurant.   

A recap of the event, and links to pictures are available on Facebook by clicking here.  (Login required).

 

Thomas John McHale

February 25, 1963

 - 

May 25, 2008

 

We are sad to report the untimely death of our classmate, Tom McHale, who was found dead in a friend's apartment in Florida on Sunday, May 25.  Here is an excerpt from the Tampa Bay Tribune, May 26, 2008.  The complete article can be found by clicking here:

Tom McHale was smart, dependable - an overachiever, friends said.  The former Tampa Bay Buccaneer was born to be an offensive lineman, and when his Sundays as a professional football player ended, he opened several restaurants in the Tampa area.

"Tom was very highly educated - a good businessman and a good guy," said former Bucs linebacker Scot Brantley, who played with McHale in 1987.  "He's a guy who was going to live to be 100."

McHale, 45, was found dead Sunday morning at a friend's apartment in Wesley Chapel, Fl, according to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office.  Deputies said they had ruled out foul play.

McHale played six years for the Bucs, from 1987 to 1992.  Following stints with other teams (Philadelpha Eagles and Miami Dolphins), McHale retired after the 1995 season.  McHale then opened and sold a couple of eateries in the Tampa Bay area before going into real estate. He opened McHale's Chop House in Tampa, FL in 2000 and a second Chop House in Brandon, FL in 2002.  McHale also was the owner of Mac's Sports Pub in South Tampa.

He earned a degree in hotel administration at Cornell University, where he was a defensive lineman. McHale switched to the offensive line in 1988, a year after signing with the Bucs as a free agent.

After leaving the restaurant business, Tom had more recently worked in the real estate business, including, at one point, a franchise that he ran with GHS alumnus, Chris Marino.  In his e-mail messages, he always included the quote:  "With God, all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26).  The GHS Class of 1981 extends our sympathies to his family.

 
 

Reunion Picture

The Photo Gallery now has a full-sized image of the 25-Year Reunion.  Click here or on Photo Gallery above to view all of our class pictures.

 
 

Ernest James Cross, Jr.

November 4, 1962

 - 

November 28, 2006

 

It is with regret that we report that one of our classmates, Ernie Cross, passed away on November 28, 2006.  We express our sympathy to his family, and to his former wife, Tammy Waters, who is also a Class of '81 graduate, and their children and grandchildren.  More information, and his obituary can be found on our Yahoo group page at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GaithersburgHS1981 

 
 

25-Year Reunion - October 2006

Well, the reunion is over, and we had a great time.  It's still hard to believe it's been 25 years since we graduated!

The Reunion Committee would like to thank everyone who participated, especially those who took the time to travel great distances to return to Gaithersburg spend time with old friends.  Special thanks to the classmates and guests who helped with set-up, organizing and cleaning up afterwards.  And of course, to the people who were not able to attend, we missed you, and hope you will be able to make it next time.

 Friday, we met at the Holiday Inn, and closed the place.  A few people showed up at the Hilton, our original location for the Friday mixer, and we hear they had fun too.  After the Holiday Inn bar closed, some of the classmates went to the Hilton so whoever was left partied together!  On Saturday, we had a great group at the Golden Bull for drinks, dinner and dancing.  It was amazing - at one point, nearly everyone in the room - guests and all - were dancing at the same time! 

 Sunday's picnic was a laid-back event, with glorious weather, at Bohrer Park next to the high school.  The Class of '86 was celebrating there, too, so there was LOTS of Blue and Gold.  A few parents showed up and kept us company as we spent time eating great food, reminiscing through old yearbooks and watching the kids play.  

 All of the events had surprises, as we saw quite a few classmates we weren't expecting to see - everyone is always welcome!

 REUNION PICTURES & YAHOO GROUP PAGE

Our photographer, Paul, took a class reunion picture, and a lot of candid photos.  You can view and purchase copies at http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0ActmTly4as2Lm4.  More information on how to obtain a class picture coming soon!

We now have a Class of '81 Yahoo group page.  It includes the ability to post messages to members who join, as well as the ability to upload and view pictures submitted by classmates.  You must be a member of the GHS Class of '81 to join.  We will also use this as another means of getting information out to the class. 
Sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GaithersburgHS1981  Thanks Mary Della Torre Soghomonian for setting up the Yahoo page, and to her husband, John (class of '80) for working so hard to include as many people as possible in the pictures he took. Also thanks to Rich Roby for sharing additional reunion pics!  Have fun! 

NEXT REUNION?

Of course, one of the biggest questions we've been getting is "When is the next one?"  We haven't worked that out yet, but we have been toying with a couple of ideas.  At the 20-year reunion, people complained that 10 years is too long to wait.  At the same time, it seems that 5 years might be too short a time period.  We are toying with the idea of a 33 1/3 year reunion, which would put us about this time of year in 2014.  We are also toying with the idea of a smaller, annual event on a standing date, where people can just show up if they're in town, possibly in conjunction with other classes.  Of course, these are just ideas - we'd love to hear yours.  Please let us know what you think.

Also remember, for any of these events:  We can't tell you about them if we don't know where you are.  If you move, or change e-mail or phone numbers, please remember to include us in your updates. 

Of course, to get hold of us, it's 8 easy letters: ghs81.org!  This website will continue to have the most up-to-date information on events, classmate status and how to update us on your current info.  If you know how to get hold of someone listed as "missing", through their parents, through mutual friends, or any other means, please let us know so we can spread the word.  The more help we get from each of you, the more successful future events will be.

 

Questions about volunteering or reunion events:  click here (e-mail to Carol Sellers Shortt)

Contact information updates:  click here (Mark Stein)

Thanks for being part of the Class of '81 - see you soon!

                                                                                         Your Reunion Committee,

                                                                                          Carol, Dave, Mark, Sandi and Scott

 

 

We always can use your help finding Missing Classmates. 

Click here to see the Class list.

 
 

 

 

© 2009 Gaithersburg High School Class of 1981 Reunion Committee