ATTENTION FORMER TROUT'S INDUSTRIAL MATERIALS STUDENTS OF THE LATE 1990's!!!
Here's an opportunity to attend one extra "Open Lab"!!!
Since 2010, the Springfield Area Educational Foundation (SAEF) has honored artisans from the district who have continued to excel and promote the Arts in all its forms. They also recognize groups of students such as bands, theatre groups, etc. from particularly successful years. This year, the Industrial Materials program and students from the years 1995-1999 are being recognized and invited to be a part of this year's "Art & Achievers" Hall of Fame ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025.
It's been 25-30 years since all those open labs, long hours of challenging, yet rewarding, work, and the wonderful "Celebration of the Arts" that packed the great old high school to capacity. This is a chance to rekindle memories and old friendships, and reminisce about some memorable times together, spent in a sea of sawdust and tremendous artistic woodwork.
At this time, we wish to see how many people are interested in attending the ceremony & luncheon on 5/23/25. We WOOD also love to accept a few volunteers if you are able to spare time for a couple meetings...time investment will be quite minimal. Also, any great photographs from the class or Celebrations will be appreciated...they will be scanned and returned.
Please respond sooner than later so plans can be made...and feel free to spread the word to interested classmates. More information will follow as people respond and questions arise. We look forward to hearing from you! CLEAN UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dustfully yours,
Bob Bollinger, Class of 1998
Contact info:
Phone #: 610-721-5575 (Call or Text)
Email:
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You can also message or DM me
PS - although the years are 1995-1999, there are many overlapping students and this is not strict. If you are slightly before or after, and wish to attend, you are MOST welcome!
We've recently been informed of a few positive additions to the agenda when the Industrial Materials Program of SHS is recognized at this year's "Arts & Achiever's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony" - specifically those from 1995-1999, with those a couple years before or after also welcome.
First of all, with the nomination/voting process concluding a few weeks ago, we now know that 2 of the 6 inductees will be from the Industrial Materials Program!
Joe Fraatz, nominated by George Trout, was an Industrial Materials student from 1999 - 2002, winning "Best of Show" his senior year for his stellar dining room table and six chairs. Joe has since gone on to have his own business and performs quality work all over the area, even hiring Trout's final "Best of Show" winner, Varya Makhalova, who won in 2022...20 years after Joe. Upon nominating Joe, Trout was then informed that he himself was nominated by 1994 graduate Paul DeSanto and will be joining Joe as an inductee into the Arts Hall of Fame. Finally, it was announced that the guest speaker for the event will be Industrial Materials student and 2003 graduate, Rob Preston. Dr. Robert Preston is now the superintendent of schools for the Pitman School District in Pitman, N.J.
We hope that those who truly valued their experiences in room 144 of the old Springfield High School will have time to get together and share some awesome memories and renew past friendships which tend to get lost over the years. This reunion will hopefully serve as an initiation to more great times, laughs, and memories of all the long hours we spent with all the sawdust and Deft!
There was some great interest from our first social media blast but I wanted to start further planning the attendance for purposes of food, seating, etc.
I know it's still early February but we know time flies and I'd like to stay ahead of schedule so we are fully ready in May. Please respond sooner than later so plans can be made...and feel free to spread the word to classmates who may not frequent social media so much. More information will follow as people respond and questions arise. We look forward to hearing from you as soon as convenient.
CLEAN UUUUUPPP!!!!!
Dustfully yours,
Bob Bollinger, Class of 1998
Also check out other Arts events in Springfield, Workshops in Springfield, Business events in Springfield.
