Since Graduation We've All Heard the Grim Stories. We've Read the Ghastly Books and Articles. We've Seen the Distur
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BB HHHHSS Well…since graduation we’ve all heard the grim stories. We’ve read the ghastly books and articles. We’ve seen the disturbing news reports. Gads! As ’64 grads, who would’ve thought “Benton Harbor Bashing” would explode into a global pastime driven by international media? BHHS – “The Rest of the Story!” Let’s face it! Our memories of BHHS and the community are very different from today’s headlines. Now, “bad guys” seem to get all the attention. But we remember headlines ruled by Tiger accomplishments, pride and performance – by the winning teams and champions – by the talented musicians and scholars – by the budding artists and actors – by the real stars. The passing of four decades in today’s world is bound to change many things – about anything! But when we read those ugly headlines, don’t you wish we could re-tell a bit of BHHS history from our perspective. Maybe, in our own small way, help refresh some of that ol’ Tiger pride? Prepare for Takeoff – You’re Gonna’ be a Star! Of course, many of you were stars in high school. Others earned fame and fortune later. Some spent lifetimes as unsung stars, like the teachers and counselors we admired. True… most of us leading fairly “typical” lives don’t think of ourselves as stars. But…as of August, 2007, every ’64 Tiger will have officially earned star status – regardless of who, what or where we are today. And while we’re at it, we can use that new star-power to tell “our side of the BHHS story.” Discover Your Stardom, Join the Cast! The 43rd Reunion Committee is planning a memory-packed weekend with enough fun to last ‘til our 86th! Celebrate our common “stardom” as Tiger grads (and the uncommon variety of “stars” we’ve become). Relive our fondest memories of Who ‘We Gonna’ Call? BHHS (and refresh the press with “the rest of the BH story”). Outlining a few ideas for a “star-studded” reunion is easy compared to finding an MC Kick off…BHHS Class of 1964 for the job! Besides… all those previous Scholarship Fund (and pass on MC’s are a difficult act to follow too! some of our Tiger Spirit to today’s deserving students.) Researching for “star-power” among BHHS alumni produces a substantial number of choices to be proud of! But when we finally asked the question, “Who we gonna’ call?” the answer was a no-brainer! Some of us knew Ernie Hudson as a classmate. Most of us recognized him throughout the 80s (everywhere we turned) as the cult-classic, mega-hit-movie hero co- starring in Ghostbusters and its sequels. But did you know…after graduation from BHHS and Wayne State, Ernie received a full scholarship to the M.F.A. program at the prestigious Yale School of Drama? …Or that he’s played literally hundreds of major film, TV and stage roles consistently since the early ‘70s? Click image above to enlarge. Then visit …Or that he currently appears regularly on Ernie’s amazing bio and filmography at www.imdb.com/name/nm0001368/bio TV’s “Desperate Housewives?” Heeeerrrrreeeee’s Ernie! Several months ago, Ernie (legitimately) won two free tickets to the ‘07 reunion. Sharon Vergon stayed in touch with him to see if he would consider being our main-event MC. During a recent surprise visit to see his aunts in Benton Harbor, he contacted and had an impromptu meeting with Sharon, Tony Ashman and Helen MacKenzie. Left to right: Tony Ashman, Sharon Vergon, Ernie Hudson and Helen MacKenzie According to the hometown gang, Ernie Photo – September, 2006 was “gracious, humble, true to his roots Country Kitchen, Benton Harbor. Michigan and to BHHS.” And, after sharing a few high school memories and laughs, he agreed to MC Saturday night’s event! And thanks to the entire committee for Thanks, Ernie! We can’t imagine anyone working so diligently behind the scenes better-suited for the job! to prepare us for a blockbuster weekend! An Evening with Ernie Hudson and Satisfy your curiosity. Find out what a Host of His Co-Stars! “Ghostbusters” really do in their spare time. A Movie Co-starring You (and a Lot of People You’ll Recognize) Share an unforgettable evening of star-studded memories and collect Picnics, Parties, Golf Outings your kudos as one of them! Contests, Door Prizes Seize the opportunity to vent against the media’s version of BHHS – let’s tell ‘em “the rest of the story.” Memorabilia and “TigerStuff” (see www.bhhsalumni.com) Kickoff a BHHS tradition (with our name on it) during the introduction of A lifetime of memories – old and “Class of 1964 Scholarship Fund.” new – packed into one August weekend in 2007 The success of our 43rd reunion depends a lot on everyone getting involved to some degree. If we all pitch in, it’ll be a lot of fun and pretty easy. Here’s what we need from you: Reserve the weekend of August 17-19, 2007! We REALLY want to see you again! Watch the mail for a Reservation Form. You should receive it the first part of the summer. Complete and return promptly since this year, ticket sales will start early and go quickly! Very special thanks to each Watch for your Co-Star Questionnaire to arrive person who has served the with the Reservation Form. Class of ’64 reunions over the past 43 years! Your Complete and return Questionnaire promptly. efforts and contributions We need this information to create contests and are treasured. Without you, prizes for the Main Event. precious memories and people would have been Plan to “Co-Star” with Ernie Hudson in “BHHS lost to us forever. – Where Stars Are Born” – a media presentation about our lives as BHHS students in the 60s produced especially for the reunion main event. We’ll need to borrow your choice of photos, trophies, home movies, news clips – whatever Media Mogul? you’d like to share about your life as a Tiger. We’ll keep you posted on where, when and how Wanted: media-savvy person to to send your memorabilia.* produce “BHHS – Where Stars are Born” – a presentation for August, Update your contact info through our website’s 2007 reunion. Use classmates’ Classmate Locator. various memorabilia in Power Point, video your choice of format. Finished product need NOT be Call, write, email, visit us online or in person polished! Contact Louann DeLisle. with your ideas, suggestions, questions. 269-695-3095 or Continue to check www.bhhsalumni.comH for [email protected] . updates. .