They were Cistercian's first at everything. Nearing 60, they reflect on their eight years together and on the school that made them friends for life.

By David Exall Stewart

The posse of twelve arrived midway through the first half of October's Homecoming game. They made their way through the criss-crossing crowd of students, parents, and alumni, poking each other as they ogled the familiar and unfamiliar, all bathed in the glow rom the stadium lights.

Anonymously they shopped the spirit store and silent auction, where they bid and won several pieces by Fr. Damian Szödényi.

It was only during halftime that the twelve from Cistercian's first graduating class (at the urging of their form master, Fr. Melchior Chladek) stepped out from the shadows and on to the field where they posed for a snapshot.

Then in a flash, they disappeared — off to do what all classes do at their reunions.

"We had a great weekend," said Charlie Williams '70. "We spent Friday and most of Saturday with each other and Fr. Melchior."

Spurred by some mid-October emails from Williams, the event had materialized in a matter of 10 days or so.

"It was our last chance to meet before the end of the year," he added. "Some guys who regularly come (e.g., John Bush '70, Jack Brennan '70, Tom Martin '70, and Jim Pritchett '70) were unable to make it, but we still had a great turnout."

"There is almost a family feeling for each other," said Kevin Johnston '70, who flew in from Northern California.

"Our class was so small (18 by graduation)," added Tim Johnson '70, who made the trip from Santa Barbara, "we grew up knowing just about every member of each other's families."

"I count each and every one of my CPS classmates as special friends and brothers," said Bush, who had to remain in Tucson, where his wife was undergoing surgery.

"Our sense of oneness continues to grow with the years," Williams remarked. "My greatest regret about the reunion was not being able to touch base with some of our teachers."