The class was able to get a tour of the school and see the various changes the school has undergone since the 1970s. Most importantly, the class was able to see how much has remained the same since their time, and shared a host of stories and advice to the current generation of highschoolers.

The event was coordinated by alumni of the school Paul Johnson and Scott Lewellen, both of whom were excited for the opportunity for old classmates to get together and relive high school memories. A notable part of the tour was the class’s visit to the senior lounge, a prominent location of many memories and stories shared. The alumni were in awe recalling the old jukebox, pool table, and ping pong matches that they so fondly remembered from the lounge. The class also reminisced on the days of performances within the school by noting that two classmates were “village singers”, having recalled the classmates performance of the 50 States Song.

According to Principal Adam Padd, Maple Grove was a period of introduction for many in the class. Padd noted that, for many in the class, Maple Grove was the first time classes from Fluvanna Elementary and Bemus Elementary had come together. This gives the school responsibility for a host of friendships that formed and have stayed strong throughout time according to alumni. The class also shared stories of the school schedules of the time, which looked incredibly different from those of today. Split-shift schedules were the norm of the time at the school. This scheduling saw the class attending from either 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. One alumni even recalled that it was typically dark when he got home from school.

The class still showed an overwhelming love and sense of pride towards the school. According to Padd the class repeatedly broke out into song during the tour, chanting “we are the dragons, the mighty, mighty dragons.” Alumni were incredibly proud to see the legacy of the dragons continuing and noted the beauty that the school has continued to possess, said Padd.

Class of 1970 alumni standing by the Maple Grove entrance. Submitted photo

“The school is beautiful” said an alumni, with another stating “It’s as wonderful today as it was in 1970. The cleanliness and attention to detail really stand out.”

The class ended the visit with a final piece of important advice to the current classes. The advice being to move the shuffleboard table to the senior lounge, the location the class claims it rightfully belongs, according to Padd.

Class of 1970 alumni standing by the sign for the legacy fund. Submitted photo

Maple Grove class of 1970 on a tour of the school. Submitted photo