JOHN JAY H.S. "CLASS OF 1970"

WHAT A FRIGGIN' AND AWESOME THIS REUNION WAS!
THE BEST EVER BY EVERY MEASURE!!

MY SHINDIG VI THOUGHTS -- Dennis
It's been many years since I have been kissed so much! WOW! Every single girl at the reunion was GORGEOUS! While that was such a joy for me, it was seeing everyone hugging each other and the smiles and howling when people saw friends for the first time in 35+ years that brought me the most happiness. Playing a small role in bringing friend back together is my reward.

My thanks to my dear friend, Bruce Hathaway, former host of "Swingtime," legendary KTSA DJ, and member of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame, for coming to the reunion. He was amazing! He grew his trademark "Abraham Lincoln" beard exclusively for the reunionm when I asked him if he would. He had been clean shaven for the past 15 years or so! Everyone was thrilled and he gave away autographed 12-packs of BIG RED soda in a trivia contest he and I held with everyone at the dinner. Even Mr. McGuire won (after everyone told him the answer!!)

Get a load of this TWILIGHT ZONE story. Friday afternoon, around 2:00PM, Steve Smith ('69), Cleve Hughes (69), Kenny Sundberg ('70), Harry Lindgren ('70), ME and a few others are sitting in the hotel lobby looking through a yearbook. Steve asked me if I know what ever happened to TOM SMITH ('69), no relation to him despite the rare last name. Anyway, I told him that I never knew Tom Smith in school and have never heard a word about him in 40 years. Now, fast forward to Saturday morning around 11:00AM. The World War II airplanes were flying in and lining up on the runway. Out-of-town people and tourists (not related to our reunion) had come to the airport to see the historic airplanes. A lot of us were in the dining room of the convention center decorating it for the evening dinner, when in the door walks four people who had driven to Fredericksburg for the fly-in. Now, y'all ain't gonna believe this, but in walked no other than TOM SMITH, his wife and parents!!! They had heard about the fly-in and drove the Fredericksburg just to see the planes!!! He had NO IDEA we were having a John Jay reunion!!! He freaked when he looked up and saw the giant marquee in the dining hall proclaiming 40TH ANNIVERSARY - JOHN JAY HS - ORIGINAL MUSTANGS. On top of all that, Steve saw Tom and freaked out, too!!! What a story!!!! I begged Steve not to ask where my EX-WIFE was because I was afraid she'd show up at the reunion, too!!

I danced for the first time in about 30 years! I worked up the courage and asked Ruth Mickan ('71) to dance and we had a blast! I waited 30 years to dance with this beautiful lady! (I really am shy around girls. Honest!) I danced the twist, the jerk, the pony, the mash potato, the hully-gully, the swim, and a couple of others, but when I look at the photos all the dances look the same!! Donna Stevens grabbed my hips (I didn't know I had any) and we started a Conga line to the theme music of the old TV show "Swingtime: called "Soul Limbo" by Booker T & the MGs. I friggin nearly has a heart attack while dancing, but DAMN it was worth it!!

My thanks to Harry Lingren ('70) and Linda Hughes ('69) for buyin my drinkes on Friday night and to Debbie Haring ('71) for buying all my drinks on Saturday night! What very nice people!!

Hey I had a lot of photos taken with so many people and I want to see them!! Especially those showing me kissing girls!!!!

My thanks to all the teachers who showed up! Y'all look great!! I have other memories, but I'll have to write more later. My love to all of you!!!

I danced for the first time in 30 years! I nearly had a heart attack when Donna Stephens grabbed me and said I was the head of a CONGA LINE!

Clair Neyland, God bless her, kissed me at the first reunion back in 1979 and that started me on the road to organizing reunions with Danny Padron.
Stormy Bradbury kissed me this year! What a lady! That blue tongue of mine, was from the icing of our reunion cake. (At least I hope it was!!)

Glenn Burchard, Bob Williams, and Danny Padron all 1969 Original Mustangs! Their high school friendship has lasted 4 decades!	This is my dad and mom-- Gilbert and Therese. They didn't have anything to do with this reunion, but if it hadn't been for them having me, well, I wouldn'e here now, would I?
The huge movie style marquee in the dining hall said: 40TH ANNIVERSARY - JOHN JAY HS - ORIGINAL MUSTANGS	A view of the dining hall standing under the marquee looking back. Carol Lipsey (70) and the decorations crew did an outstanding job!!
I was given a HUGE card signed by everyone. That's Kay Compton ('71) to the side of me. She took a ride in one of the airshow planes!	The faces ARE familiar, but I can't remember who the heck these wonderful people are! Joe Ruiz? Someone help me with names here!

Some of "THE GUYS" group at the reunion- back row: Rick Sandoval ('71), Rusty Atkins ('70) Harry Lindgren ('70) Jack Matthews ('66 Holmes) Mason Wright ('70), Kay Compton ('71) Willy Lowe (71), and Ed Holley ('72). Seated at the table: Heide SanDoval (Rick's wife), Stephanie Copas ('71), Me, and Lydie "Toy" Kelly ('71). Othe GUYS at the reunion but noyt in the photo: Linda Hughes ('69), Bill Mizell ('70), Glenn Hutto ('71), Linda DuPriest (71), and George Monk ('71). Does that marquee in the background look great or what!!

Glenn Hutto's ('71) wife, Karen, made this stained glass Mustang for me and gave it to me at the reunion. She also made the stained glass "Torch" next to my photo at the top.

Mr. McGuire, former principal, gave me this plaque that he was presented many decades ago.

Kay Compton ('70) gave me this Mustang weathervane. It goes great with the Mustang Drive street sign she got me in Las Vegas a while back.

FOR 200+ MORE PHOTOS,
CLICK>: SHINDIG VI

CLASSMATE'S SHINDIG VI COMMENTS:
My thanks to CHARLIE FREEMAN ('70) for having the winning bid of $710 for 1968-69 yearbook that we auctioned off. It was LINDA ROPER ('69) who donated it! Thanks also to all the bidders, especially GEORGE HUNTER ('70), LOUIS FIGUEROA ('71), BOB McAFOOS ('71) and ROSS RAYMOND ('69) who kept the ball rolling. And because WILLY LOWE ('71) decided to match the wining bid dollar-for-dollar, we raised $1420 to keep the web site going for a long, long time!

The reviews are coming in!! Here are a few comments from those who attended the reunion. (I will posted every single comment that I receive. This is not an ego-trip for me, it's just what people are saying/sending. Everyone can comment.)

I do want to acknowledge two people that I forgot to introduce at the Saturday night dinner/dance. My oldest friend and the older brother that I wish that I had-- DON HARING ('70). I also want to mention JIM ENNIS ('69), whom I overlooked in the introductions. My apologies. I get caught up in things and sometimes make mistakes.

"Dennis, Sorry this is so late but getting two girls ready to go to college and changing jobs its been kinda hectic here. All I can say about the reunion is WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a great time. I don't know how you and Karl could ever top this. Thanks to the both of you. I just hope that our classmates know how valuable & a gem you are. I've told a lot of people about our reunion & website and they can't believe it. Most of them have never been to a HS reunion and don't even know who to contact to get one together. The website is awesome. About 3 weeks ago I got an e-mail from a Jay graduate (74) who had just found the website and e-mailed me to see if Terry Williams was my brother. She had a picture of him from their senior play. Apparently he played Conrad in "Bye Bye Birdie" because he signed it "Love Conrad." What a treasure it is to have a picture of my brother, Terry, since he has passed away. Without all of your hard work and dedication I would have never received this treasure. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm sure other classmates have similar experiences and Dennis, it all because of you. Thanks Dennis, we all love you." (Bob Williams '69)

“Dennis, I will try to put into words my heartfelt thanks to you and Karl Rittter and of course all that were involved in the celebration of friendship and all the old fashioned commoradery I observed during our reunion. I have never seen so many fun-loving people, who simply want to just let their hair down and grab a piece of the past. I always had fun at John Jay and I sure hope we can continue to celebrate life together. An ancient chinese proverb says: "Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still "..... Dennis, ‘keep on keeping on’ and know we love you and cherish your commitment to keep us from standing still !! My best to each and every Mustang !!” (Laura Henderson ‘71)

"Dear Dennis, Congratulations and Thank you and the reunion committee. The event was a Home Run. Special Thanks to Karl Ritter for his generosity. The Tom Smith story was amazing. He couldn't stay because of a big family get together at his house that evening. I'm still pondering whether I lived another Reader's Digest story or a Twilight Zone episode. It was interesting. Coach Mason looked great and had a positive outlook for the future. I talked more to the wives of Mr. Chesshir and Mr. Guerra, than to them. After the dinner you needed a number to talk to them (ha ha). Thank you Mr. Dubose for offering the Jay yearbook to George Hunter. I know he will appreciate it. It was much fun to play washers with the guys (Steve Smith, Wally Meeks, Tony Soria, Rick Jeter, Cleve Hughes) We were there early to help decorate the dinning area, but after I had tied about four balloons Steve brought out his washer game and well ... we let the decorating experts alone. I got to see Kay Compton and Harry Lindgren take their airplane rides. That was awesome! Stormy Bradbury, you are a fitness hero. Chicago and New York marathons this year! Wow! You go girl! Thanks Kenny Sundberg and Cleve Hughes for making the out-of-state trip to the reunion. I would like a pool rematch. Chatting with Rudy Reyes, I found out his father sold the 100 acres to have the school built. Shirley English, I would like see your '34 Ford. That is a cool car. To my to favorite twins in the world, Monna and Donna Stephens, it is always fun to visit with you. Tony Pelletier, thanks for the info. on the Thornton family. Hook'm Horns! I am sorry I did not spend any time with Shawn Sture and Ms. Madla. To my sister Maria, Kay Compton, and Christine Schlaeger thank you for being brave to risk foot injury on the dance floor. Shake, Rattle and Roll was more like snap, crackle, and pop for me. Thank you very much Dennis. You are the main reason the John Jay family stays together. May God Bless You! (Ralph Galaviz '69)

"Hey Dennis, Just wanted to let you know that my wife and I really enjoyed the reunion last weekend and want to thank you and all who made the event possible. It was great seeing the original mustang family together, again. The only disappointment that I had was that there was not enough time to just sit down and talk to everyone that I had wanted to. I guess I’ll have to get there on Friday instead of late Saturday afternoon, next time. Looking for our next reunion. Thanks, again, for all your time & work." (Joe Ruiz ‘71)

“It's hard to add any more kudos to those that have been offered, but I'll take a stab. Dennis, you are the catalyst for continuing to get us together and you just get better at it. There were folks at this reunion I don't recall seeing before (of course, the fact that I can't remember something isn't noteworthy or surprising), and this one seemed to pull us closer together than any before. It couldn't have been better and the Hangar Hotel is the perfect venue for it. I can't wait for the next one. I'm especially hopeful the slumber party is a recurring event (what happens at the reunion, stay at the reunion!!!) LOL I'll bet there isn't a high school anywhere that looks forward to their next reunion like we do, or has as much fun once they get there. Most people I talk to don't give their reunions a second thought. And here we are trying to get together every year!! We have something very special here and I'm very proud to be a part of it. We come as we are, be ourselves, and it's all good. Any hoo, I doubt these reunions will happen without you, and even if they did, they wouldn't be the same. So please take care of yourself and continue to share these priceless times with us.” (Rick Jeter ‘71)

Dennis,

Congratulations on a successful John Jay Reunion.

Georgina and I believe that this was your best work and we appreciate everything you've done to keep our three classes " close ".

Dennis, I'm sending this picture and I hope you like it.

Take care buddy.

George ('69) & Georgina Ruiz

"Hi, Dennis! Just wanted to thank you for dancing with me the night of the reunion!! I feel honored to have danced with THE star!!! And to thank you for all the work you did to make the reunion such a success!!! I also want to thank the committee for all the work as well!! I know it is a monster job!! People I tell just can't believe the great turn out & that we had so many faculty members there!! It was truly a memorable time!! It was wonderful to see so many friends from the past & renew those friendships!! I look forward to participating in the future. God bless you with great health for the caring friend you are to so many people!! Please take good care!!" (Ruth Mickan ‘71)

"Dear Dennis, O'ma Gosh! What a wonderful place in my heart you have! We hold you in our hearts forever, you have out done even yourself! Take a DEEP breath now, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. You out do anyone I know to keep relationships at the forefront. And that is the true meaning of life, relationships and what we do with them. Thank-you, Dennis, for such an over the top reunion! It was so relaxing, it was more like a vacation! You are such a natural at bringing people together, I appreciate you, tremendously! I have told everyone at work what a wonderful time we had and everything I could possibly remember about the Hanger Hotel. We better book fast for SHINDIG VII, if we have it there next time, 'cuz it'll fill up now, ha!! I am amazed with you, Dennis, Danny Padron, your sister Linda, Karl Ritter, and all those that put this together for us!! Including Glen Burchard & his wife, Melba - What brave men and women we have! Thanx to all the decorating help we received with Donna & Monna Stephens, Rick Jeter, Linda Roper, Shawn, Kay Compton, Shirley English, Christine Campbell, Ralph Galaviz with TWO boxes of Krispi Kremes...(who ate the last box???) Kenny Sundberg, HA! Laura Henderson & Linda DuPriest together were histerical, All that were there to help, even the ones who just came to agravate, ahem, I mean assist, ha, you guys were great taking orders from the BOSS, Donna...LOL. I thought I'd crack up when I handed the reigns to her whilst I went and got high on helium, and I heard Donna say, "O.K., I'm the boss of you now!" and of couse our Marine, Kenny said: "No, you’re not" (ha) and Donna said: "Oh, yes I am, now get to work!"...”Ye, ye, yessss, maam!” uttered Kenny. We had our own li'l social going on! Thank-you everyone for helping w/the decor!! Donna, thank-you, luv, for donating all the balloons, ribbon, flag balloons and your fun loving attitude. I so enjoyed knowing you and Monna even more, as everyone else at the reunion! I loved seeing Willie Thetford, and Willie Lowe, ha, Carolyn Sparks & Paul Carbarjal (great dancer by the way, once we finished the circle), My love to you all on the 'committee'. You all really know how to throw a party! It was great to see all the teachers, the Bruce Hathaway, and the Mo-Dels, the music was the best ever! I can't say enough of the Hanger Hotel, gosh I'm still up in the air. Love you to all of you, it was more than fun! Thanx, Dennis, ma friend!" (Carol Lipsey ‘70)

"Dear Dennis, WOW!!! What a wonderful time we all had. I went to this reunion becuase of my brother and you, Now, I wish that I had gone to more of them in years past. A big thanks to you, Karl and everyone involved for all the hard work. Please take care of yourself because none of this would be the same without you, Dennis. You have a school group that cares a lot about you and you are a special friend to all of us." (Debbie Haring '71)

"Dennis– First of all and foremost, thank you for being you, taking the time, making the effort and following through during the past years. Great, super, unbelievable job on your part this year and I sincerely believe all of the teachers present at the reunion would award you with an A+ for your hard and sincere work. Karl Ritter deserves an A+ also for his generous efforts and for just presenting the thought of having the reunion in the beautiful city of Fredericksburg. As you know and as you have seen from the emails, there are so many people who are truly grateful for your diligence and the thought of your efforts and results almost literally brings them to their knees. I know this because I personally observed several individuals express solid and sincere emotions at the Saturday night event. Dennis, ... I believe that you, based on our few encounters since high school and from what I have heard, have had a good life, a satisfying one and one that I believe many hope will continue on for some time to come. Mr. Dennis DuPriest – Thank You" (John Taylor '70)

"Dennis, Thank you my friend. Two weeks ago I took my beautiful daughter and wife to Disney World. It was wonderful. We rode, we ate, we partied. We lived. It was for Sophia, out beautiful (almost) eight year old you met. This past weekend, at SHINDIG VI, was for me. This Friday, I leave for England for the 100th anniversary of Scouting. It will be a grand experience. At least equal to these experiences is our reunion. It brought tears to my eyes to see Mr. Chesshir (8th, 9th and 12h grade history and government), Mr. Dubose (Latin), Mrs. Carnahan (Biology and more – I majored in Physics), Mr. McGuire (I now sit on the Board of Trustees of a school). Each of these educators touched my life in incomparable ways. Mr. Chesshir – a deep and profound appreciation for history and our nation. He took time out of his life to attend my Eagle Scout ceremony! He remembered. My eyes got tears. Mrs. Carnahan – a deep, profound love of science. To this day I read the journals. Mr. Dubose- Latin saved my life – ask him! Mr. McGuire. Whatever I might have been, I am so much more because of his leadership. And finally, Dennis DuPriest – the Keeper of the Flame. He has inspired me in ways he will never understand. He is a good man who has proven to be an extraordinary leader and exceptional friend. My life has had the most incredible highs. My life has had the deepest, darkest lows. Still, I have lived this life with a smile – looking forward to the rising of the sun each day. You are part of that inspiration. Thank you for being there for me and all of my classmates. Warmest regards.” (Mark Norman '71)

“Dennis, I got an email from Christine Schlaeger letting me know how much she enjoyed the reunion and letting me know that I blew it, by not being there. No one had to tell me that as I knew it before we began our summer vacation trip of a million miles, at least it felt that way. I guess the auction went off smoothly. The night of the reunion I was at Epcot (Disney) doing something "special" I am sure. Thanks for pulling off another super event, the press releases should be coming out anytime. I am sure it is a tremendous effort to pull this together and I hope everyone appreciates what you do to keep things moving over there. Have a great summer, whatever is left of it for you.Take care buddy.” (Ross Raymond '69)

"Dennis: I don't think anyone could have expected much more than what occurred this past weekend. I know I didn't spend as much time with my classmates as I wanted but I needed to participate in the fly-in, too. Even they exceeded their expectations. The weather had me concerned for a while but even it cooperated and did its thing at times when it caused no disruptions to either event. There were uncounted memories remembered and made at this wonderful event. One in particular stands out though. You are the only man I know that got a lap dance while standing. Bravo! You stole the show, Dennis." I am staying around the house today preparing for my next adventure. I am heading to Wisconsin to attend the worlds largest airshow for a week. Afterwords I will break out the big suitcase and get ready for another trip across the Atlantic. This time I will have another accessory to keep me entertained, a portable DVD player. If you have been far away for any length of time you will know that after awhile a little something from home becomes a treasure. I found a store in Germany where you can find just about any American movie. I think I will find a nice shade tree on the Rhine or maybe the Mediterranean and kick back and watch a movie when I think of home. Please thank everyone for me. It was a great and useful gift. I will always remember when and where I got it. All the best to all of you." (Karl Ritter ‘71)

"Dennis, this was, without a doubt, the best Reunion yet!!!!!! I cannot imagine any other school having anything that could even come close to this. My wife, Jo Ann and I had a great time. There was so much more action, dancing, and intermingling going on......it was unbelievable. I can only think of one other place where one could see that many smiling faces and people having that wonderful of a time- DISNEY WORLD!!!!!! We've been there several times and I have to tell ya’, it's a close second. How many schools, or even other classes at John Jay have as many teachers attend their reunions.....or even have the Principal attend!! And how about that special guest Bruce Hathaway! Damn 'bro, we are TALKIN 40 YEARS HERE and you pulled it off again!!! Our hats off to all of you that orchestrated this event. The Mo-Dels were unbelievable also, great choice, great music!!!!! The Hanger Hotel facilities were RIGHT UP OUR ALLEY for a crowd like us, and could not have been any better. The staff were pleasant and did an outstanding job.
Thank you for all that you and "your CREW" do, and have done. Please thank Karl Ritter for his generosity and thinking of this perfect location for an event of this magnitude. I would also like to extend a special thanx to all of you that did the decorations....another job well done!!! So many new and renewed friendships. It was great seeing all of the Guy's and Gal's as usual. We spent time talking with a lot of people that I remembered from school, but never hung around with. Steve Smith and his wife Debbie (DeBergh), Pat Clough and her husband who live out in Boerne also, Richard Olson, Joe Glowski (I swear you could recognize that guy sitting across the AlamoDome, just by that huge smile he always has on his face), Mike O'Malley and his wife Maria, Kim (Wyatt) and Skip O'Brien (boy, did we had a lot of laughs on Friday night....and at my expense!!!!!) Last but not least, I have to mention the "dynamic" incredible Carol (Lipsey) Keith and her husband Richard."

"Dennis, I've got to say this, the only time in my life I have EVER DANCED was at our wedding. That was on July 19th, 1980. We only danced that one time. I have always been too self conscious to attempt anything like that.......meaning I had never learned to dance..... period!! Carol used that charm of hers and managed somehow to get me and Jo Ann (I know Mrs Wheat....not proper English, but I only made "C"s anyway) out on that dance floor..... and had me dancing several times (well, let me qualify that......moving around TRYING to look like I was dancing!!!!!!) She has this thing about her that I can't explain. Her unbelievable personality and charm, mixed with the atmosphere of that reunion and all of those people having such a great time......I just felt like it was the thing to do......AND SHE DID IT. Thank you Carol and Richard!!!!! I just wish I knew all these people (and a LOT more that were there, too) earlier in life, but so it goes........ it was definitely my loss."

"If, that reunion could have lasted several days, I would have gotten around to meeting so many more people. I recognized so many names and faces but just not enough time to make it all happen.........but looking ahead for SHINDIG VII !! WHAT A GREAT BUNCH OF PEOPLE .......FROM THE ORIGINAL THREE CLASSES OF JOHN JAY HIGH SCHOOL...and as Bob Hope said it best...THANK'S FOR THE MEMORIES!!!! Now Dennis..........GO PEE AGAIN!!!!" (Bill Mizell '70)

"Dennis, my father, Wiliam H. Matthews (Bill Matthews), enjoyed the years at JJHS and as you may or may not know that was the last place of employment for him. He became ill and stayed on the payroll untill he completed his 10 yrs. of service to the school. He passed away in June of 1979 knowing that he did his best to make a difference in the lives of the students of JJHS. He would be proud, I'm sure, of you and all the students that he was associated with. He always mentioned how much he enjoyed teaching at JJHS. Thank you for having me, represent my father, at this year’s Shindig. What would 'THE ORIGINAL MUSTANGS' do without you and the others that help you put this thing on time and time again." (Jack Matthews, O.W. Holmes High School 1966)

“Dearest Dennis... You are truly THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND! After 28 years in the United States Navy, I know the wealth of networking. You have done an incredible job through networking, keeping all of us together. Seeing my best friend, Shawn Sture, from many moons ago, swept away 40 years of my life. I felt like I was back in school (my greatest memories) laughing, cutting up, and enjoying life that was so simple, without the politics and issues that seem to take our smiles away these days. My husband "Tom" said there were times that he thought he was going to have to pull me off the ceiling for I was having such a wonderful time. I certainly hope I didn't miss greeting anyone, for I just couldn't stop laughing and chatting. Dennis, please take care of yourself. You are OUR ICON. I realize that you have lots of help (and thanks to ALL of you) pulling these reunions off, but YOU ARE THE FLAME KEEPER. We ALL love you! P.S. Keep me in mind for helping out in 2010 ! Go Mustangs, FOREVER!” (Kathi Denise Brown '70)

“Dennis, may your batteries be truly cjarged by all the love you received from your classmates. Well done! Laura Summersill says it was agreat time. We all love you for your extraordinary efforts and exhuberant spirit. Hugs to you.” (Richard Henderson ‘70)

"What a sweet time it was at SHINDIG VI! Thanks so much for making it happen for us. There are approximately 200 people out there with some wonderful memories to savor. I hope you are feeling okay. I was pretty tuckered out by the time I got home, yesterday." (Christine Schlaeger '71)

"Dennis: my wife, Susan, and I had a great time. Terrific event, terrific group of people and a terrific venue for the event. Those of us who live out of town and just get to show-up and enjoy the fruits of so much labor are truly indebted to you and the entire home-team. Please accept our sincere gratitude and pass on our thanks to everyone involved. Dennis, we know you are fighting some health problems. Please know that you are in our prayers. If you ever need a favor, don’t hesitate to call." (Tony Pelletier '71)

"Dennis, Life goes by so fast, we NEED to stop and take time to reconnect with one another, and it's your persiltance that has enabled us to do this. Kudos to you and Danny, your sister Linda, Karl Ritter, and the rest of your crew who put together a FIRST-CLASS, TOP-NOTCH REUNION!!! The beautiful Texas Hill Country, the unique, wonderful hotel and venue, interesting airplanes to watch, easy to get to, affordable, comfortable, great turnout, good food, nice gift, altogether made for a fabulous weekend that I don't know how you'd ever top! (Don't try to top this, just duplicate it!) We loved the fact that it was low-key with plenty of free time to just talk, get re-acquainted, go at your own pace, yet you also had activities planned for those who wanted to be on-the-go. All of your gray hairs were worth it, Dennis! We had time to reflect on our lives and had fun doing it. Take care of yourself, you are a very special person, one of a kind, truly the "Keeper of the Flame", and we need to keep you around for a good long while. Sincerely, Fern Ennis, writing for my husband and myself"... (Jim Ennis '69)

“Dennis, You’re the best. Thanks for all your blood, sweat and tears, but most of all your love! The "SHINDIG" was a HUGE success, and couldn't have been any nicer. Your "herding" of the classes continues to be the source of great joy for all, and you are truly appreciated. Take care of those knees, and the rest of you too. With much love, Stormy a.k.a., Cornelia [not Cornelius---- Got that Hutto!]” (Stormy Bradbury '71)

"Dennis it was a great reunion! You do so much to make everything special! How do we thank you? Oh I know...MUAH!!! I will send the pictures soon. Thanks again to you and all who helped." (Barbara Friedman ‘71)

"Dennis, Thank you so very much for all you, Danny, and the others did. Thank you for including us teachers. Thank you for letting me come. I thought it was all just wonderful and I had a wonderful time. I'm going to look to make sure that I have a copy of the first yearbook. If I do, it may not be in pristine condition; however, I want to send it to George Hunter, since he is where he is doing what he is doing. I'll let you know tomorrow, and perhaps you can tell me where to send the yearbook if I have it. (Can you also forward this to George so that at least he'll know I'm thinking of him and trying.) Love to all of you." (Teacher: Gaylan Dubose)

"I really enjoyed the reunion and you take care of yourself because the 1969-71 need you and love you." (Fred Butler '70)

"Dennis, Well another successful reunion, and they continue to always outshine the last one. I had a fantastic time and loved seeing all the great friends that I have grown to cherish over the years. Thanks for your dedication and love you put into its success and I hope you continue to be the 'Keeper of the JJHS Flame', for without you, who will carry our torch? Love Always." (Laura Henderson '71)

“Dennis, Thank you for being such a great host.. You know how to throw a party. You really out did yourself this time.. I was able to make new friends of old friends.. People said things to me that were just so heart warming. I guess there are times we touch peoples lives and don't even know it..... Love to you Dennis.” (Linda Hughes '69)

"Dear Dennis, I just got home after my 5 hour drive (back to Mesquite), and all I can say is WOW. I had so much fun, I'm just sorry it's over! It was truly a memorable weekend. (and Harry Lindgren '70, if you send that picture -- you know which one -- for posting to the web site, well, you know what they say about payback!!!) I enjoyed seeing everyone, and as a open letter to all Mustangs who attended ‘To those of you whom I remembered but didn't remember me, that's OK, we can all try to remember each other when it's time for SHINDIG VII ! And to those who remembered me. but I didn't remember -- well I guess I killed off those brain cells in college.... But let's keep in touch now!’ The Hangar Hotel was fantastic! Karl was a great host to his beautiful city of Fredericksburg. Dennis, you, of course, were so hilarious! When SHINDIG VII is announced, I'm going to race Stormy (Cornelia!) Bradbury ('71) to be the first one to RSVP. I'd better go unpack, but I hope to see you soon, dear friend. Take care and stay safe!" (Kay Compton '71)

"Dennis, this is Sandy writing for Dean and I. THANK YOU for helping pull together another family reunion of Mustangs. Dean and I have arrived home safely after a speedy trip home from Fredricksburg in the Mini Cooper. Needless to say I have a few more gray hairs but it was fun, nothing beats a cruise through the Texas Hill Country on a sunny day. I must share a story.... Knowing Shawn (Sture) Eddy would be at the reunion for the 1st time since she left Texas in high school, I dug out a couple old pictures to bring and show her. One favorite that I thought she took of Dean and I at age 17 holding our baby Tammy (who is now 38). It was, I believe, the last time I saw Shawn. Amazingly enough as I approched her table at dinner last night she let out a ‘Shawn squeal’ of excitement and, right after she let me out of a bear hug, she reached over on the table, in the pile of pictures she'd brought, and she handed me the duplicate to that same picture after all these years! What I'm getting at is that if you hadn't kept at it all these years to pull us all together, I might not have ever seen Shawn again. We picked up right where we left off and and even better was watching her and Kathi Brown see each other just minutes later and the excitement started all over again. Please rest and take care of yourself ok? Ahhh, it was all so much fun." (Dean & Sandy [Woods] Dunn '69/'70)

"Dear Dennis: Just a note to tell you that Calvin and I made it back home late this afternoon. What would NORMALLY take 3 hours took us about 6!! We had such a wonderful time. We weren't in a hurry to get back to the rat race, so we meandered back, through the Hill Country and enjoyed the sun and drive! My husband talked the whole time about what a great reunion... he loved everything.... the hotel, the event center, the food, (Kathi Brown),,,, and especially the CAF!! He is even talking about getting his CLASS to have their next reunion at the HANGAR HOTEL!! Calvin used to fly and owned several planes, but it's been several years. NOW, thanks to this weekend he has been bitten by the BUG again and thanks to certain classmates (Tony Pelletier and Karl Ritter) he is armed with more information than he needed!! HA! As for me, I loved every thing and every minute!! In all these years, I have NEVER been able to participate in the decorating and Carol Lipsey graciously let me help this year. I had a ball and Carol, well, I now have a new friend that I didn't get to know very well in school. I'm so sorry I didn't get to tell her goodbye this morning. She is a hoot, boy did I miss out not knowing her before!! I could not believe how many, many classmate (guys, too) volunteered and even their spouses (Melba Burchard, especially). It wasn't work, it was fun!! Dennis, you truly are the KEEPER of our flame.....and I love you for all that you and Danny Padron and your sister, Linda have done for our classes. May God Bless you always." (Donna Sue Stephens '70)

"Well Dennis, you did it again. Thank you so very much for reminding me what great friends I have. I was so very impressed with everything about the reunion. The hotel was wonderful. The party, dinner and breakfast were fabulous as well, sorry we were late for breakfast and didn't get to say goodbye. Dear friend, I don't know how we can all repay you for all the time and talent you put forth for these reunions. I can only say we are so lucky to have you hold us together for all these years. I am so happy George Hunter is getting a year book after all. I would love to do something for him, as well. Maybe a group of us could come up with something to send to him just to let him know we are thinking of him. I pray he will be at our next reunion. Again, you're the best!!! Love and hugs.” (Shirley English ‘70)

“Hey Dennis, someone asked if the Pizza Hut gang (THE GUYS) was still meeting on the last Friday. of the month, let me know. Again, you et. al., did a fantastic job on the reunion. Y`all should give yourself another round of applause, at the least, for all the hard work! It was great seeing everyone. Thanks for making it happen.” (Jim Proctor '71)

"First a word to KarlRitter, who, I know, always reads this web site. Karl, thanks for inviting Dennis, Laura Henderson and myself just about a year ago to come visit the Hangar Hotel and your beautiful city of Fredericksburg. We all made the right choice!! It was through your generosity that we all got to see each other again at such a fantastic venue. Looking forward to Shindig VII!! To my brother, Dennis, as always you fret and worry and get a few more gray hairs during the planning of each and every Shindig. As your sister, I 'm there lending an ear and offering my advice to help relieve your frustration and stress that goes along with planning these events, but believe me I am proud that you are my brother... I love you." Your Sister, (Linda DuPriest '71)

"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make. And all you need is love ... because ... Love is all around."