The Little City was abuzz last weekend as the George Mason and Meridian Alumni Association hosted its first All-Class Reunion in ten years. The three-day celebration, running Friday through Saturday, brought together alumni from all graduating years across two school names with old friends uniting and new connections forming over a joyous and nostalgic weekend.

The festivities commenced on Friday, with several smaller class groups gathering at local venues up and down Broad St. The 50-year reunion for the George Mason High School class of 1974 was held at Solace Outpost, with about one third of class alumni showing up to reconnect. Just down the street the class of 1979 gathered at Dogwood Tavern, while an energetic group of alumni from the mid-1980s filled the Harvey’s patio.

Saturday morning saw over 100 participants eagerly gathering for a tour of Meridian High School, led by Falls Church City Public Schools superintendent Peter Noonan, Mayor Letty Hardi, and other city representatives. After their remarks, attendees worked their way to the school’s fifth floor, where a presentation by the school’s robotics team (who showcased an impressive ring-tossing robot) kicked off a tour of the newly-built school. The tour highlighted the school’s state-of-the-art facilities and underscored the community’s dedication to providing top-tier education.

Excitement continued into Saturday evening with a sold out main event at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack, where 250 attendees filled the Shack with laughter and camaraderie while enjoying live music, the summer heat, and beachy drinks. Despite hosting a Bat Mitzvah in addition to the event, the staff at Clare and Don’s managed the crowd with remarkable efficiency, ensuring everyone had a memorable time and keeping lines moving quickly.

Sunday’s event at Cherry Hill Park provided a relaxed conclusion to the reunion weekend. Around 100 alumni gathered under the pavilion and throughout the park grounds, enjoying the beautiful (but hot) weather and live music from the farmhouse stage before saying their goodbyes.

For Will Stewart (Class of ‘07), the event organizer and president of the George Mason and Meridian Alumni Association, the most rewarding part of the weekend was hearing stories of old high school exploits, and even of high school sweethearts who went on to get married. As a coach, he particularly enjoyed tales of previous coaches, teams, and players. His favorite event was the Sunday picnic, appreciating the opportunity to relax under the trees and connect with fellow alumni in a peaceful setting.

The George Mason Alumni Association, which was founded in 1988, has organized All-Class Reunions over the years, including in 1999 and 2014. A planned 2020 reunion was canceled due to the pandemic, but the association, renamed after the high school’s name change, resumed planning for the 2024 event, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the city’s independence.

The planning committee, comprising Stewart and several dedicated members, played a crucial role in the event’s success. They included Vice President Robbie Werth (Class of ‘70), Secretary Katie Clinton (‘85), Luke O’Hara (‘60), Cricket Moore (‘64), Connie Donnelly (‘71), Debbie Rowan (‘71), Diann Bullock (‘73), Tom Clinton (‘83), and Marybeth Connelly, City Council member and FCCPS director of strategic planning and community engagement.

The efforts of Stewart and the rest of the planning committee paid off, with impressive turnout throughout the weekend’s festivities. Many alumni traveled from out of state to attend the events, with some flying from as far as Guam and Hong Kong. Current plans are to offer all-class reunion events every five years. Stewart encourages alumni to keep in touch by providing their contact information.

This year’s All-Class Reunion was a testament to the enduring bonds and shared history of Falls Church’s alumni, promising even more memorable gatherings in the years to come. To stay connected, alumni are encouraged to visit tinyurl.com/FCNP0624aa to share their contact information with the alumni association or email Stewart directly at wfs2711@gmail.com.