Riverside’s sixty-sixth commencement was held Sunday, June 4, 2017, at Mentor Schools Fine Arts Center. Approximately 300 students received their diplomas. What makes the graduation significant is the date of the commencement. Riverside’s first graduation was for the class of 1952 and it was held 65 years ago on June 4.
In recognition of this graduation three members of the class of 1952 led the class of 2017 and faculty into the auditorium. Participating were Howard Davis, James Hayer, and George Hadden. In addition the names of the class officers and entire class roster from 1952 were listed in the 2017 commencement program.
When Riverside opened in 1949, the students from Harvey who lived in the new school district were given the choice to attend the new school or stay at Harvey. It was a difficult decision to make. These students had spent two years at Harvey and many friendships and bonds that were created over that time period were about to be broken.
However, those who chose to attend Riverside never forgot those friends at Harvey and vice versa. Beginning with the first five-year reunion, the Harvey and Riverside classes of 1952 have held joint reunions. This year will be no exception as they gather on September 16 at Hellriegel’s.
For information on the reunion contact Fannie Lou Martin Pike at 440-357-5905 or Joyce WilbeckTakacs at 440-357-7357.
Glad to subscribe to the online Log. Gill Ebert, ’63.