Media Release
Mangaluru, Jan 2: The much anticipated St Aloysius High School class of 1974 reunion was held from December 28 to 31, 2019. Over 60 classmates with their spouses from around the world got together for the reunion.
On December 28, class of 1974 students met at St Aloysius High School, after breakfast. They sat in their respective classrooms, attendance was taken by their respective class Leaders and a self-introduction was made by each classmate. Post this, all gathered at the school auditorium, where they were addressed by the headmaster Fr Gerald Furtado SJ and rector Fr Dyonisius Vaz. Both expressed their happiness to the classmates getting together after 45 years and the fact that such a big group could assemble. They said that St Aloysius Institutions planned to 'Go Green.'
On behalf of the classmates, Clarence Pereira spoke and committed to install a 30 kW solar plant on the roof of the auditorium as a contribution from the class of 1974. Thereafter, classmates were treated to refreshing sugarcane juice, charmuri and tender mango pachadi to relive their school days. St Aloysius High School class of 1974 T-shirts in school colours were distributed to all the classmates.
In the evening, all the classmates met-up again with their spouses for an informal dinner, sing-song with a live band and dance at the Thyme Restaurant. Everyone enjoyed a fabulous evening.
The following day, December 29, on behalf of class of 1974, Clarence Pereira met the old headmaster, Fr Denis Rasquinha and assistant headmaster, Fr Lawrence Pinto, at Fatima Retreat House. In the afternoon everyone assembled at the school wearing their 'St Aloysius High School Class of 1974 T-shirts', and after group pictures were transported to Kaup by two buses for the main St Aloysius High School class of 1974 reunion event. This was at a beach house belonging to one of the classmates who welcomed everyone with tender coconut water and fresh toddy. Snacks followed and all walked about on the beach till sundown. Clarence Pereira and Anil Noronha again welcomed the gathering. A minute's silence was observed remembering the deceased classmates - may their departed souls rest in peace. The school anthem was sung by all and then the festivities of fun, food and games began. There was a round of Housie, live band, DJ music, song and dance. Classmates mingled with each other reminiscing old times and sharing each other's journey over the past 45 years.
On December 30, a couple of students visited a sick classmate who could not make it to the reunion. In the evening everyone was treated to unlimited ice cream at Pabbas.
On December 31, a farewell breakfast was organized at Ocean Pearl. Anil Noronha expressed his thanks to everyone who had participated and to the students who had sponsored the various events/items.
Not only did the four-day St Aloysius High School class of 1974 reunion events bring classmates together after 45 years, it also brought spouses together - so much so, that spouses have formed their own 'Better Half of class of 1974' WhatsApp group.
With over 60 classmates and spouses coming together after 45 years and sharing memories over four days of most memorable fun-filled events, Dr Brian Pereira, one of the most illustrious classmates so aptly summed up 'St Aloysius High School class of 1974 established a gold standard for all reunions'.