The Warrior 54

Dan went into the Air Force two months after graduating from East in 1952. He served a tour in Korea and after discharge went to Edinboro State where he became certified as a Speech Therapist. He married Sally Anderson and they had two girls, Abby and Casey. Some of us know Abby Conley as a political activist in Erie politics.

He moved to Arizona in 1960 where he became the Director of Special Services with the Glendale School District. After Dan received his Ph. D. in Psychology from Arizona State University in 1973 , he went into private practice as a Clinical Psychologist. For the past twenty years Dan has been the Executive Director of the Adaptive Stress Center in Phoenix.

His accomplishments are notable. He is on staff at the three major hospitals in Phoenix. He was the Host for thirty-five telecasts of the "Psychology for Parents" program on the ABC Affiliate in Phoenix. His program for behavior modification on eating disorders was shown coast to coast on cable television. He was accepted into Who's Who in the West in 1974. In Arizona he is known as the Grandfather of biofeedback because of his pioneering in that field in the early 70's. He was the President of both the Arizona School Psychologist's Association and the Biofeedback Society of Arizona.

He remarried in 1988. He and his wife "L. J." continue their active professional lives as psycotherapists in Phoenix. Dan spends many of his weekends at their cabin in the Northern Arizona mountains where he is the managing editor of the WARRIOR for the East High Classes of 1951, 1952, and now 1954. Besides writing, Dan enjoys photography, skiing the expert runs in Utah, and dabbling with his new PC computer.

When asked about reunions he said, "Reunions are an American ritual. We use them as a measuring device to determine where we fit in that long path of personal growth through the years. Reunions let us rejoin with those special friends to celebrate that growth. Once you go to one reunion, you keep coming back!"

Dan explained that an anonymous 1951 classmate donated $280 to pay for our first newsletter. He wished that the newsletter be dedicated to fond memories of Luci Krauczunas Laskowski who was a real supporter to our class.

From the entire Class of 1954, I want to personally thank Dan for providing all of us the chance to work together on our newsletter, WARRIOR '54. We also thank the classmate who donated money to publish it. n

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by Ralph Erickson

The reunion committee has selected the Lakeview Golf and Country Club near North East as the cite for the 40th Reunion. The Country Club is located on Pennsylvania Route 89 South of North East. Although the start time, menu, and price have not yet been determined, several of the committee members have visited the Country Club and can attest to the fine quality of the food and gracious amenities.

by Lois Wiedenhaefer Rohrbach

Jim Ross received his BS in Geology after graduating from East. He married his wife Harriet in 1959 and became a career officer in the United States Air Force. In 1979 her retired from the Air Force and is now working for Von Roll Inc where Jim is a Human Resources Manager. The Ross's have three children. Jim received his MS Degree at the age of 50. When asked when he plans to retire, Jim said, "Retirement is

John Mallory, although living in Sartoga, California, has been appointed to the Time Capsule Committee planned for Erie's Two Hundredth Birthday. John has been fascinated with time capsules for years. His life long hobby has been studying and researching some of Pennsylvania phenomena such as Punxsutawney Phil and Erie's Japanese Sister City. He loves genealogical research, high school , family, and college reunions. He also enjoys mountain hiking. Where?

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Loretta received her BA degree from Alliance College and finally her Master's Degree from the University of Buffalo. She has been a Teacher for the Deaf for 33 years. She was employed by the School District of the City of Erie and is now retired. Loretta said that in high school her best friend was Lois (Wiedenhaefer) Rohrbach. She also enjoyed the friendship of Sonya (Weider) Charters, Leora (Farrington) Miller and Ann (Warfle) Perkins. Like many, many classmates, her favorite teacher was Cecelia Rybinski. Loretta enjoyed participating in band activities. Loretta Baran initiated the "Sign Buddies" Program at Grover Cleveland Elementary School. She explained, "In this program Hearing Students were taught sign Language so that the deaf students would have "Hearing Buddies."

Dorothy lives in Erie, is single, and she is self employed as a seamstress. She said, "I am pretty much retired now. I have five children and seven grandchildren. About my favorite friend in high school--It was the late Lucy Korczunas Laskowski. I remember Ms. Jean Valin Shields from high school. It was so much fun going to assemblies, the dances, and sports events. " She said, "My proudest accomplishments in life was raising my four sons and daughter. One of my sons lives in Ohio and the others all live in Florida. Recently I have been busy with my hobbies: Love flea markets, garage sales, collecting colored glass and especially enjoy finding old lace."

Ralph married Ginny Flak in 1958 and they have four children and five grandchildren. After graduating from East, Ralph went into the US Army. After discharge he joined IBM and was a Service Representative for the corporation for 32 years before he retired.

He said, "In high school my best friend was Bill Green. I loved pool classes and Bill Bannister and Miss King were my favorite teachers." When asked what he plans to do now that he is retired, he said, "Besides getting the 40th Reunion organized, I want to do the same things I did when I was 17. I want to play my violin and sail my boat. I am trying to make some violins--and that is really a challenge!"

Bernadette and her husband Paul Gross have one child and live in Erie. Bernadette explained, "I went to a business school after graduating from East. I have worked for the Erie Ceramic Arts Company for the past 14 years until I retired. I was a screener with the company." My secret desire since retiring is to be like in the movie "Born Free". "I have many memories from high school. I loved swimming. Pop Warren and Miss Causgrove and Mr. Munz were my favorites. Shirley Bush, believe it or not, has remained my life-long friend. I am proud of many things in my life, but one of my proudest was when my son became a licensed psychologist."

Isabelle and her husband Richard Riley live in Fredericktown, Ohio. They were married in 1958. Isabelle served in the US Army as a WAC. The Riley's have two children. Isabelle worked at Essex Wire for about sixteen years and worked at Duke Plaza as a cashier for three years before her medical disability retirement. They now have three grandchildren.

Linda Tillman was Jane's best friend in high school. Jane said, "I really loved the band trips in high school. School was lots of fun." Jane graduated from college in 1977 and was included in "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities.

William and Jeanne Gerlach live in Erie, where William has worked at General Electric for the past 18 years. The Gerlach's were married in 1977 and have three children and one grandchild. William was in the US Army and received his Associates Degree from the Erie Business Center. He explained, "I now paint "Cho-chos". When asked what was the most fun he had in high school, he said, "..Putting Mr. Crandall's car high on a snow bank. I still laugh about it every time I think about it." His best friend in high school was Don Imler.

(Ed: Anyone know what a Cho Cho is?)

Luanne and Frank Lea were married in 1988 and live in St. Simons Island, Gerogia. they have three children. Luanne attended college for two years after graduating from East High. She is now self-employed as a Costume Designer and Dressmaker. She explained, "My closest friends in high school were Jody Arnold and Pat Green Drake. I really enjoyed Miss Young as a teacher and it was really lots of fun just hanging out with my friends. About retirement? Well, I would really like to move to Idaho and breath the fresh air!"

Barbara has worked at Hamot Medical Center for the past 31 years. Presently she is a Clinical II Nurse in labor and delivery. She and her husband Ronald Lucus were married in 1957 and they have six children and one grandchild. She said, "I think it would be a great idea that our entire class of 1954 take a cruise for our 45th Reunion. We deserve it."

Barbara said, "I enjoyed high school. It was great to be a cheerleader. I liked the Y dances and the proms. Lorraine Rzepecki and Jean Slupski were my best girl friends. I married my best male friend Ron and my proudest accomplishments was having his children. In retirement we plan to visit my children who all live out of state and enjoy Ron and the free time we worked so hard for together."

Beverly married her high school sweetheart, Dan Kimet in 1960. They have three children and Beverly said, "We are expecting our first grandchild soon. I can't believe that I am finally going to become a grandmother!"

Bill and Sandy Green live in Riverview, Florida, where Bill has been teaching school for the past nine years. They have four children and two grandchildren. Bill said, "Ralph Erickson and Wally O'Neal were my best friends in high school. Pat Hart will always have a special place in my heart as my favorite teacher. I loved swimming and water polo in high school. "

Joan Wieczorek Hinkle

Joan lives in Erie and has six children and eight grand- children. She and her husband John Hinkle were married in 1955. Joan is now a widow and works as a cook at San Pietros. She has worked there for the past 15 years. She enjoys work, but prefers to "putter" in her garden when she can find the time.

"Shirley Collins Barnes was my best friend in high school." she said. "I guess I enjoyed just about everything in high school and I had some of the best fun times in my whole life in high school! Eventually becoming a mother, then a grandmother, was my proudest accomplishment in life."

After high school, he joined the USAF. Jackie eventually attend the Marinello Beauty School in San Francisco, California and became a Hair Stylist. He has been self-employed as a hair stylist for the past 34 years. He is single and is semi-retired. His favorite teacher was Miss Barber. He said he enjoyed the dances at school very much. He proudest accomplishment in life has been becoming an entrepreneur. He hopes to travel the world after retiring.

Phyllis has worked as a teacher for the Erie City School District for the past 22 years. She earned her BS and MS degrees after graduating from East. She is a widow and has two daughters.

Phyllis said, "In high school, my best friend was Valerie Samuellof Juliano, and my favorite teachers were Bea Shevick and Howard Mischler. I really enjoyed twirling and sports. Although I have not retired yet, my plans are to travel and do just what I want.

I have two questions for classmates. First, is Damien Custer a Guru? My other question is 'Where's Frank Sky Fabin and Glayds Brown?'"

Carolyn is an Elementary School Teacher with the Albuquerque Board of Education. She is single and lives in Albuquerque. She said, "Donna Meyer was my best friend in high school. East had some great teachers who took the time to become involved with their student's hopes and dreams. I really enjoyed my friends at East. My proudest accomplishments now is seeing my former students and enjoying their many contributions to make a better world. After I retire, which will be soon I hope, I wish to travel and tutor.

Henry Janiuk

Henry and his wife Pauline live in Erie. They were married in 1964 and have three children. Henry was in the USAF for four years after graduating from East. He attended the Erie Business center on the GI Bill. He worked for the US Postal Service (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Erie) for 33 years. He retired in October, 1992. He explained, "Now that I am retired, it is nice to just relax, do only what I have to do, and try not to worry."

Betty Blossey Suchar lives in Hawthorne, California and worked for 15 years at Hughe's Aircraft as a buyer. She is now single, retired, and plans to continue as a courtroom stenographer. Betty recalls, "Jody Arnold Tobin was my best friend at East High and Mr. Arrowsmith was my favorite

teacher. Betty has two children and no grandchildren.

Pat Green Drake

Pat worked as a Corporation Risk Management Supervisor at Hammermill for 20+ years before she retired. She and her late husband, George Drake, had

children. Pat said, "The thing that I really liked about high school was after the football games and parties. Eleanor Young was my favorite teacher, and my best friends were Connie Agens, Luanne Bogue, Jody Arnold, and Betty Blossey. My proudest accomplishments after high school was combining a challenging job with a busy married life that included raising two daughters while being able to enjoy and smile through the years! In my retirement years I have but one goal--Chasing The Sun." n

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Sputnik had not been launched and, and there were no ballistic missiles. The Korean War had finally ended and the senior boys no longer feared the draft. The world seemed quiet and there was hope for world peace.

Excitement was in the air. Joe DiMaggio married Marilyn Monroe. The top song of the year was "How Much Is That Doggie In The Window?" Seniors in love hummed to the music of "Stranger in Paradise".

We watched the first Cinemascope movie, "The Robe". We braced ourselves with the belief that movies had finally reached the zenith of perfection and they certainly could never be more spectacular.

Frank Sinatra made a sensational comeback in the movie, "From Here To Eternity". The movie would certainly win the Oscar for the Best Movie of the Year.

There was no profanity in movies and there was no nudity, but Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" as considered by some to have exceeded good taste and certainly the exposure of the human body had finally reached its peak. We breathed easy believing it would certainly go no further. The world seemed full of hope.

A young researcher named Dr. Jonas Salk tried an experimental anti-polio vaccine on children. It seemed impossible to imagine we could live in a world without polio. In England, a young seminary student named Roger Bannister broke the Four Minute Mile, running it in three minutes and 59.4 seconds.

It seemed as though anything might be possible. Maybe 1954 was the year of hope. A young singer named Elvis Presley went to Memphis, Tennessee and paid four dollars to record "Casual Love".

The world seemed to be on a threshold of change, and many changes were also taking place at East High in 1954. The girls were wearing long skirts, hose, and white socks. The memories of our classmates stay vivid in our minds, even today. It seemed like each classmate was unique and special in some kind of way. Louis Pappas's artistic talents showed his real genius. The cheerleaders were selected. Pattie Green typified the spirit and energy of the cheerleaders. Mel Laskoff demonstrated his tremendous athletic ability. Pat Lynch seemed to be a friend to all. Ron Jankowski and Dorothy Podbielski always looked so cute when they walked down the hall. Sudan's and the College Inn were becoming the favorite spots to go

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after the Tri formal dances. Jack Lynch could play the accordion, but then so did Ginny Flak.

Connie Agens always had that ready smile. She could lighten anyone's darken day. Jody Arnold was always great to talk to. She seemed so open and accepting. Bo Bo Bojarski had rhythm and could beat those drums. Bill Balos was probably the best M.C. the Eastcapades every had. His wit was sly, but hysterical. Talking about funny guys, so was David Buckel. If there was an All American Girl, Phyllis Cabeloff was Miss Teenager of 1954. She was a very talented girl. Her counterpart would be Johnny Daniels. He earned FOUR sports letters annually from his freshman year. So did Paul Demmy.

Margaret Davis was very witty. She could really break people up. If pink is one of your favorite colors, Jean Dietz's blush was pinkarvolus. Patty Efimoff was certainly the brains of the senior class, but she had lots of common sense too.

Frank Fabin was a fantastic dancer. When he an Mary Borkowski took to the floor, others stopped to watch the magic. Ken Legenzoff was Mr. Personality. He was so genuine. Kay Simanowski had that special walk. Her figure was a knock out. Bill Howell could play a mean trumpet. Don Imry was kind of

shy, but was best liked by everyone. He was a great guy. Barbara Kulich was a snappy cheerleader. She was really spirited. The Jimmy Stewart look-a-like was Jerry Kwiatkowski. Jerry could put sunshine in your day buy just smiling and saying "hello".

Was Looie Lurtsch ever caught without a funny or witty comeback? If anyone ever had both brains and brawn, Caga Laskoff was it. He was probably one of East's finest athletes ever. Where would the Class of 1954 be without our photographic historian Ronald Norman. What ever devil Jerry Prylinski could not deliver, his brother Tommy provided. Who could forget Louie Porreco's reflexes as a goalie in water polo with such fine grace and style? Beverly Rice was quiet but she missed nothing.

Jim Ross was a great athlete in both football and basketball. As the Class President, we all knew he would do well in life. If you were needing someone's natural charm, there was always Jane Ruska. Rip Rzepecki exploded on the stage as a cheerleader. She always gave her best. Always in style, always dressed well--who else but John Tighe. Walt "Lefty" Watral was a great athlete. Off the field or basketball field, he was low key.

We all remember how Bill Green showed a powerful but graceful ability in water polo.

The annual bonfire and the victory walk down State Street after the Academy vs. East were becoming more spectacular. The Saturday night city football games were colorful and exciting. We screamed and cheered so hard we were still hoarse on Monday when we returned to school.

The Astec dance was always fun at the "Y" on Saturday night. So was the St. Mary's dance. Sammy (Raica) Richard's band was super and so easy to dance to.

The year of 1954 was a year of hope. Historians would coin the phrase "The Golden Fifties". Wasn't it great to be seniors at such a wonderful time of hope and tranquillity.n

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In the three East High Classes that I prepare a newsletter for, it has become very clear to me that men are very reluctant to fill in information sheets and return them. They finally get sent in, but often it is the kind, loving, considerate wives who take a few minutes and fill them out and return them to The WARRIOR '54.

Now you have to locate the Information Sheet that he got and placed somewhere, saying, "I am going to fill out this sheet and get it in the mail right away."nnn

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A question--

illusive allusive elusive What is the difference?

Eileen Badowski Main, Jean Dietz Totleben, Lois Wiedenhaefer, Jim Ross, Lorraine Rzepecki Mrozowski, Mary Borkowski Tighe, Virginia Flak Erickson, Jean Slupski Sarnowski, Paul Demyanovich, Johnny Daniels and many more.n

Beatrice Shevick

March 22, 1907---January 24, 1994

by Janet Sonney Roberts

(Class of 1951)

When I read the recent obituary of Beatrice Shevick it brought back many visions of East High. Being the youngest of five children and born during the depression, the living through World War II two rationing, there were not too many extras growing up, but it cost nothing to appreciate what others had. It was always a joy to see Mrs. Shevick wearing her brightly colored dresses and matching shoes. She was the first person I have ever seen wearing bright, red

high heels. She even had purple shoes!!! I can't remember what she taught, but I can remember vividly her pretty clothes and the costume jewelry she wore.

Today I have a drawer full of costume jewelry, and a closet full of shoes in every color of the rainbow.

These day I mostly wear my Reebok's or slippers, but if the occasion ever calls for peach colored shoes, I'm ready.

(Editor: I believe Bea Shevick taught both Civics and French.)

The next issue of WARRIOR '54 is being dedicated to Cecilia Rybinski who is now 88 years old but still very active in her life. Time and again she has been described as most of our classmates as their favorite teacher.

In a recent conversation with her by phone, she explained that the students in the early 50's have always been her favorite. In her still wonderful clear, articulate and elegant voice she said, "I think of all of you so often." She saw us as challenging, yet inquisitive.

When we think of her we search for words to describe her. Some of the words come easy, others are a little more elusive, because she was unique. Words like pristine, elegant, genteel, and courtly come close. But as there was a soft side, so was there a powerful side, so words like hale, potent, capable, powerful, forceful, robust, and convincing come to mind.

Contributions of $15.00 or more:

· Ralph & Ginny Erickson

· Kay Simonowski Porreco

Golden Contributions

In Memory of Deceased Classmates

$50.00

· Dan Conley

In fond memory of Bill Howell.

This Alumni Newsletter is published in honor of the Fond Memory of: