From Friday through Sunday, nearly 60 members of the Hillsborough Junior High School graduating Class of 1964 gathered to celebrate the journey they had taken together at Hillsborough Elementary/Junior High School.
The weekend’s highlight was the official reunion held in the building where this group of students spent ten years of their academic career — Hillsborough Elementary School.
The Class of 1964 of 147 students was the first to graduate from Hillsborough Junior High School (what is now Hillsborough Elementary School) as eighth graders and not directly enter Somerville High School as freshman. This class of students spent their freshman year in Hillsborough Elementary/Junior High School, the same school they attended for their kindergarten through 8th grade years.
"Good friendships and lasting memories take root early in life," said Ron Czajkowski. "Our Hillsborough years were where those connections were planted and took hold."
Returning members represented a cross-section of careers, from college deans and corporate mavens to visual artists and pilots. They came this weekend from as far away as France and Alaska.
"Coming into the building and discovering three giant murals created by second graders really helped us to feel re-connected to the district," said Reunion Co-Chair Jo-Ann Onka Delasko.
Here are some remembrances of attendees:
Bob Jensen, dean of fine arts, Fullerton College in California: "The seeming improbability of a 50th Junior High Reunion was answered by a heart-warming and comfortable night of remembrance. One of the high points of the weekend was time with the ‘Dead Poets Society’ teacher of my life, Don Veix. (Editor’s note: The teacher broke into a spontaneous recitation of the poem "Ensign of the French Corps" at a reception at Petrock’s on Friday night.)
Jane Blue, retired from Merck Pharmaceutical: "It was amazing how last night everyone just came together. Even though I hadn’t seen people in 45 years, I felt so much at home."
Adrien Tepper, dental hygenist: "I think anyone who doesn’t come to a reunion is a fool. It was the greatest. The weekend brought back all these great childhood memories. We realized that things change but your friends never change."
John Bennett, union electrician and professional musician (his band Due South played at Saturday night’s reunion party): "It was great to see everyone and reconnect. Everyone was as good and mellow as they were 50 years ago."
Gene Allen, retired pilot, U.S. Air Force Reserve and American Airlines: "What most impressed me was the virtually universal warmth that we felt for each other when most of us have not been in contact for 47 years."
Claire Philipsheck, retired IT professional: "It felt like ‘yesterday.’ When I looked at everyone, I didn’t see them as they are today but as they were 50 years ago."

