Class of 1977 celebrates reunion in impressive style

Johnston Sun Rise ·

Members of Johnston High School’s Class of 1977 celebrated the 40th reunion of their graduation at Oceanside at the Pier in Narragansett last Saturday, June 17, the same exact day they had crossed the stage all those years ago.

“It’s surreal,” Donna Botelho Zarrella, chairman of the committee that organized the reunion, said. “Seeing how happy everybody is, and how far some people traveled to be here, it is really nice to see that people were that dedicated to the class that they wanted to make the trip and come. It’s awesome.”

In the beginning of the planning process, the committee would usually meet once a month to brainstorm ideas and more frequently as the date for the reunion got closer. Zarrella said that the most difficult task was getting in touch with as many people from the Class of ’77 as possible. Facebook and word of mouth ended up being the most reliable way to spread the word to former classmates.

Conversations brought up old memories and updates on people’s lives and families who haven’t seen each other in quite some time. Some people moved to neighboring states or other parts of the country completely. Many stayed and built their lives in Johnston or moved to different parts of Rhode Island. Though the class holds reunions every few years, some attendees had not heard from each other or crossed paths since the day they crossed the stage 40 years ago.

“It feels great; I never thought we’d make it!” Armand Desrochers said with a hearty laugh. “Some of the men have less hair, like myself. It’s always been a good class so I’m just happy to be here.”

“I’m so excited,” said Joanne Aurecchia Tolisano, who drove from Connecticut to see her classmates. “Everyone looks amazing and I’m having such a good time. This was a very tight-knit class and it feels just like old times. It’s like nothing has changed at all.”

“I feel old, but it feels good, though,” said Karen Barbato. “I’ve been to almost all of them so I didn’t want to miss this.”

“It feels great to see old friends that you haven’t seen in a long time,” Beverly Baffoni Keefe said. “I can’t believe 40 years have already gone by, it’s crazy. I hope to see everyone in another 40.”

With lots of laughter and good conversation to go around, Zarrella said she was happy to see a successful turnout and how much of a good time everybody was having reminiscing on the good old days.

“I want to thank everybody so much for coming out,” she said. “It’s great to see everybody again, so let’s have a good time and make the most of it.”