'Head of the Class'
Graduates gather for 50th reunion
by JILL SCHMELZER Reporter

Longtime friends Margo Bonaiovanni, class of 1960, left, and Wayne Butt, class of 1956, catch up during the reunion at Island Park on July 30. Butt's wife Rosemary listens to stories from her husband's days back at Academy Street School. Photos by John Rusac

It's been 50 years since the Academy Street School graduating class of 1956 walked across the stage, receiving their high school diplomas.

It was the first class to enter the school in seventh grade and graduate as seniors.

The building, which is now Williamsville South High School, opened in 1950 as a middle school-high school learning facility.

Recently, the class of '56 held its 50-year reunion with a weekend of eating, catching up and dancing.

"We are an unusually close class," said reunion chair Molly (Eimer) Dee.

The weekend started with a gathering at a former classmate's home in Williamsville.

The friends met on Friday at the home of Dr. Barry and Joan Malin. There were cocktails, food and music.

Saturday began with a trip down memory lane as the graduates visited Christian Central Academy, where they attended grammar school. Then they wandered over to Williamsville South High School.

Molly Dee and Dick Aquino, members of the class of 1956 from the Academy Street School, now Williamsville South High School, mingle during the 50th class reunion held at Brookfield Country Club on July 29.

A dinner was held that evening at the Brookfield Country Club. Classmate Dick Aquino was the emcee. They ate dinner and danced all night.

"We go around and visit with each other," said classmate Dolores Muck-Marinov.

Friends might have lost contact after moving away, but once they saw each other they picked up where they left off, she said.

The class has been reuniting every five years since the 30th reunion.

One member of the class of '56 traveled from California to visit with old friends.

Muck-Marinov remembered coming into her 10-year reunion and hugging people and telling each other how good they looked. But now when they see each other they talk about their families, jobs and who died.

"It makes me feel like I am 17 again," she said.

Most of the classmates make an effort to stay in touch with one another, said Dee.

"You look forward to it. It's just one of those things," Dee added. "It's like Christmas. You just like the whole thing - seeing everyone and spending time with them."

Six of the class' former high school teachers also attended the festivities. They included Frank Tuzzolino, science teacher and basketball coach; Rita Eichenger, physical education instructor; Mary Jo Healy, art teacher; Norma Reginato, physical education instructor; and Mr. Schneider from the English department.

It was a weekend filled with old and new memories. Congratulations class of 1956.