Sad News

Sam McElroy sent me this message a few weeks ago (Sorry, I don't check my yahoo mail often enough!):
"I'm sorry to bring you bad news, but thought it important to get the word out. We had a faculty meeting at HBHS yesterday morning and I learned that Carol Dochstader has terminal cancer. Her doctor has given her three months to live. She's currently living in Texas and is welcoming letters, cards, inspirational readings, prayers, etc. I know I sought and valued her guidance during high school and plan to send her a letter and thought others from our class might do so. Her address is: Carol Dochstader..."

Please feel free to e-mail me gailandersATgmail.com for the complete address.

Thanks for the update Sam. Our thoughts will definitely go out to Carol.

Rate the Teachers

I don't know why I never thought to check out this website I had heard of called Rate My Teachers. Well, it has certainly brought a smile to my face today!
Here are some ratings for names you might recognize (and some select comments...):
*Mr. Ferland
*Mr. Fox
*Mr. Kittredge: "I loved the dissections"
*Mr. Manley: "unsupportive, biased and intimidating"
*Mr. Maynard
*Mrs. Melanson: "strange way of teaching"
*Mr. Neller
*Mr. Tulloch: "my favorite person in the universe"
*Mrs. Wheeler: "a bit eccentric"

Oh yeah, there are some from HBJHS:
*Happy Beale: wasn't she the librarian before??
*Mr. Bond
*Ms. Botcher: "she is not very nice"
*Mrs. Cicciu: "she loses her temper easily"
*Mrs. Grupposo
*Mr. Lyle: "terrible"
*Mrs. Mezzocchi: "very clear and very helpful"
*Madame Rankins

Coach K, 1940-2006

Thanks to Laurel for posting this on the HBHS 93 yahoo group - Lou Korcoulis, better known as Coach K or simply Coach, passed away Saturday, March 4 of cancer at age 65. He was an icon at our school and in the community, someone I will always remember as upbeat, positive and full of boundless enthusiasm. Even though I was often among the slowest and least athletically gifted students in his phys ed classes, he always made me feel like I was worth something, like I could do it. I remember him encouraging me as I struggled to run a mile or do 50 sit-ups, and his support often gave me the extra push I needed to get it done.

I'm sure there are many stories and fond memories out there from our classmates, especially those who worked with him as a track coach and mentor. He will be missed. My condolences go out to his family, and to all who knew him and worked with him over the years.

Mr. Chamberlin

An update from Ryan about Mr. Chamberlin:
Just an FYI, Chambo is now the principal at Hopkinton Middle High School in Contoocook NH.

HBHS track named after COACH

The HBHS Athletic Booster Club page has a scan of an article from the Hollis-Brookline Journal. The new track facility at HBHS was named in Coach's honor during a commemoration ceremony back in May.

Hollis/Brookline High School Faculty

Looking at the Hollis/Brookline High School Faculty page, you may note that Samantha McElroy Squires is now back at HBHS. But this time as an English teacher. And Mr. Richard Manley is now also a Vice Principal. Wow-ee! I must say, there is quite a large faculty there now! Not the same small school any more I guess.

Jim Brannigan Update

Jim, ever computer-saavy, found this blog before I even told ANYONE about it!! I wasn't sure if it would be a good idea or not...but I digress. If you'll notice, on the first post he gave a comment with updates. Here it is now:

Hi Gail - fabulous idea, hope this catches on! Maybe send an e-mail to the old hbhs1993 yahoo group? I’ve been really curious how everyone’s doing. Guess I'll be the first to try out the blog. Brief synopsis of the time since the reunion: we’ve been hard at work tweaking and remodeling our house. My parents moved out here to WA in June 2004 – they’re really enjoying it and it’s been nice having them close. I’m back in the technology field, doing software testing – a big step up careerwise. And last but certainly not least, we’re expecting our first child in September – the 8th to be exact. We’re super excited and we can’t wait – time has already gone so fast! I’ll keep checking back here and updating my website regularly. Hope all’s going well with you. Take care! Jim

CONGRATS JIM & GLADYS!! That's great!

If anyone else has something to add, you can comment or send me an e-mail (gailany@yahoo.com) and I'll add it...or of course, just use the Yahoo Group.