ALUMNI TODAY

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"I'm an only child. born and raised overseas; came to the USA in late June 1961, at age 16. A week later I found myself in SPS Summer School, living in Main House - my home until graduation. I had lived at 12,000 feet all my life, skied at 17,800 feet, hunted and fished above 12,000 feet, but had no earthly idea what sea level life was like; so that summer was a climate, cultural, educational and disciplinary adventure. That summer allowed me the needed time to adjust. When I returned to SPS that September, and for the next three years, a bond was forged with many of my classmates who became like brothers to me. How could they not? We lived together 24/7, nine month each year, as a family, in a self help institution, under the watchful eye of Prefects and their radiator brushes, and Father Leeming + staff. I actually looked forward to returning to "The Hill" each September, and when I drove off campus for the last time, following graduation in 1964, I was consumed by a huge empty feeling. I was going to miss that place, the routine, & most importantly, my "brothers".

It wasn't until years later, when SPS '64 hosted its first Class Reunion in 2007, and several subsequent SPS School Reunions, that I gained a true appreciation of how much we all shared in common and the common bonds created between us on "The Hill" (much to the amazement, disbelief, & horror of our spouses). I am proud that my class, the SPS '64, was allowed to erect a memorial plaque on the historic grounds of our alma mater to memorialize Saint Peter's School, Father Lemming & the staff, as well as all the hundreds of young men who walked those halls between 1938 and 1970. I remain in the bonds."

"When asked what my four years at St. Peter's meant to me throughout my life, I drew a blank. After some thought, however, it became quite apparent that those years were the greatest period of growth and they helped prepare me for the many issues confronted in daily life. My mantra has been that these issues are not problems but opportunities to prove myself. But in addition to the confidence gained, I would place the acquaintances at the top of my list. The Internet has enabled us to stay in touch and I attended the Clearwater and Alexandria reunions. It was with the keenest interest what sort of person each of my friends had turned into, and to enrich my own overview by learning of a wide diversity of experiences had by each. All of us are pretty different from the way we were back then; one can only hope so. Of the many friendships made in four years at St. Peter's, I take great pride in boasting of my exceptional mates in the class of '64" -- Jamie

It never ceases to amaze me as I look at the general public today, just how excellent and broad an education I received at St. Peter's School.

Ken Adams ('60). I reside in Waynesboro, Virginia and am actively engaged in two non-profit organizations. I welcome SPS grads to contact me to talk and reminisce at 1 (540) 942-1880 or KenAdams@lumos.net. My wonderful memories of St. Peter's remain deep in my heart.

  --  Ken