Photographs and memories filled the dining room at the Soundview Restaurant in Greenport Saturday night as members of Southold High School’s Class of 2004 gathered for a walk down memory lane — and the chance to renew old friendships and lifelong bonds.
The reunion, organized by Kim Haeg of Southold, brought together over 30 graduates of the class, many of whom traveled from New York and other locations back to their hometown for the festivities. Even former guidance counselor Barbara Ackerman attended, spending time catching up with former students.
“Reunions to me are very special. They bring classmates back together to reunite with one another and help to never forget the good times shared together,” Haeg said.
Haeg, who addressed guests during dinner, thanked everyone for coming and told them how proud and happy she was to “see all of their faces” on that special night, to share a wonderful time.
Looking back on high school, Haeg said her best memories were of “just being with friends down at the beach and my 17th birthday, which we celebrated at my house. There’s a lot of funny memories and stories which I’m sure my friends never forgot. I also loved cheer leading, especially when we went to nationals in Myrtle Beach.
The evening featured a DJ, buffet dinner, dancing, and much conversation and laughter.
For months, Haeg worked to organize the even, a labor of love, even creating a Go Fund Me account to help defray costs. And her efforts came together beautifully in all the details, the flowers and photo collages, yearbooks and fun party masks she brought to the event.
Her mother Lorraine said during the event that Haeg found so much joy in orchestrating the reunion that she might next consider a career in party planning.
Haeg was a high school senior filled with dreams for her future and excited about college — until a tragic car accident left her near death and a quadriplegic who never got to graduate with her classmates.
Haeg, now 28, said many came together to make the night magical. “It was a huge success, and I’d like to thank everyone who donated,” she said. “And my nurses who put in a lot of hard work to be my hands, and had fun with me doing it. They did a outstanding job and I couldn’t ask for more. I’m so grateful for all I have.”
When she set up the Go Fund Me page, Haeg said the reunion was special, because it was the first reunion, celebrating ten years. “Also it means a lot to me because I almost didn’t make it to graduate. I could have died. Instead, I’m here enjoying as much as I can.”
Reflecting on her high school years, 2014 graduate Elizabeth Rogers said, especially because she doesn’t use Facebook, the reunion was a great way to catch up with old friends. Her most vivid high school memory, she said, centers on how close she and her classmates were .”We all got along,” she said. “Even though there were cliques, we always came together and enjoyed each other’s company.”
Rogers said she’s known Haeg since the two were in third grade; she recalled working on science projects together and the day the two little girls found Haeg’s kitten Angel, who’d been hiding under a sailboat in her grandfather’s backyard.
“Kim did a great job with this reunion,” she said. “She knows how to make things special.”
