April 27, 2007

Dear Classmates of 1982,

Saint Gertrude High School changed our lives. Going to school with the unique group of women that was the graduating class of 1982 at Saint Gertrude has left a lasting impression on all of us. We loved the days spent on Stuart Avenue, loved SGHS because of the people, the memories we made together, and the lifelong bond that has existed between our fellow Gerties throughout our lives to date. We hope that many of you may say the same thing!

You will be happy to know that the Gerties are largely the same kids that we were in 1982. The teachers, building, athletic facilities are all better, but the Gertie is the same…and that’s a good thing. That being said, let’s not let the end of our senior year mare our other years spent at SGHS, the great memories and friends that we will have forever. Let’s show just how much the school has meant to us and that WE ARE BACK!

One significant change our alma mater faces daily is the competition for the prospective Gertie that we never faced in the past. Many of our old rivals like Collegiate and St. Catherine’s continue to attract their share of students. New programs like the Governor’s School, Godwin and James River High School, represent excellent educational alternatives. With that competition comes the pressure to attract students and still offer a competitive and affordable option for the area’s young women. Currently, tuition is $9,900 per year and 272 Gerties roam the halls today. Tuition alone does not cover the operating costs. Alumnae, parents and friends must help make up the difference through the Annual Fund, which provides unrestricted monetary support to bridge the difference between tuition and the actual cost of educating just one student. SGHS needs our help! Because of these changes and challenges, we have the opportunity to do something really special for Saint Gertrude; “25 for 25”!

As a group, our class is attempting to raise $25,000 for the school as a thank you gift for what SGHS has meant to us. If we can make this happen, we have a chance to change the way SGHS raises funds to support its operation. We would raise the bar for fundraising and issue similar challenges to classes as they reach their 25 year reunions. So we are asking each of you to join in and help make a difference in the future of the School. Please consider the importance of Saint Gertrude in your life and know that current and future students need help from alumnae like you to enjoy that same experience.

Please come to the Reunion to help celebrate the time we spent together 25 years ago. The 25^th Reunion will take place the weekend of October 5-7 in conjunction with Homecoming. The planning has begun for a weekend full of fun filled events. Please save the date and details will follow.

Rebecca Tarabay Fore

Georgia Meyer Kukoski

Donna Metzger Lantagne

Joan Colton Lemelin

Kristi Williams McCune

Susan McNamara

Alison Gregory Wayland

Carolyn Kane Wilmoth

Class of 1982