Sprawling GCHS, and Opportunities Missed
Being a student of GCHS from fall of '76 through summer of '80, I remember being thankful to dodge the bullet of morning vs. afternoon sessions. No worry about having to get up before the roosters, or hoping to get home in time for dinner. My teenaged children had the chance to visit Rochester when I came up for the 25th reunion (2005), and I wanted to show them just how sprawling the old gal was...
It was really quite embarrassing; I had a hard time locating anything. It seemed nothing was where it was supposed to be. At one point I had to ask a teacher (who had graduated several years after my class) where I was. My kids thought that was hysterical -- Dad got lost in his own school! It's been two years, and I still can't believe there's no longer a main courtyard.
I still enjoy the surprised looks from local friends when they see my senior yearbook. Most comments center around two subjects: the number of students that were crammed into a single story school; and, the number of "ethnic" names.
It never occurred to me at the time, but I wish I had snapped more pictures of the school when I was there. I guess I was too focused on graduating and getting out. I remember a couple of teachers saying we would miss the school in a few years. They were right. It would be dishonest for me to say I had the good times that so many others had. But, that was my own fault. The school, the students, the faculty, and even the administration, were all great. I've been a youth counselor with a couple of churches and I always tell the kids the same thing I've told my own children, "You get out of your school experience what you put into it."
In retrospect; Gates-Chili was a great school. I learned a lot, but could've learned so much more. There were good times... but so many more to be had, if I had looked for them.
For the record -- the 25th reunion was great. I wasn't sure what to expect, and wasn't sure whether I would be glad I went. Well, I was very glad I went, and hope to be able to get to the next reunion. Thanks to all those that put so much of themselves into the 25th, it was very worthwhile. Thanks so much!