The
final score was TJ 27 - LCM 21. That couldn't be more fitting as to
have Thomas Jefferson's last Homecoming Game end in a victory.
I don't know if anyone counted, but there was a large turnout of TJ
Alumni gathered in the North End Zone by 6:30 p.m. Most graduating classes
had signs identifying their respective years.
Donna and I had walked onto the field talking with Terry Rozelle. Terry
was recounting the last time he had played on this field. I could tell
he was back in 1963 feeling the emotion of that last Friday night he
played in Yellow Jacket Stadium.
With that thought, I am sure that there were numerous memories being
relived by one and all in that sea of familiar and unfamiliar faces.
Lots of friends and acquaintances were all tightly gathered around the
banner denoting the TJ Class of '64. We all were greeting and reacquainting
ourselves with our former classmates. "Where is...____..? I hoped
they would be here."... "Have you seen them since..?"
Those among other questions I overheard folks ask.
The Hussars marched out on the field and performed as if they were still
Seniors and Juniors and had been doing it the past several Friday nights.
It was evident that a lot of hard work had gone into preparation for
this event.
The lighthearted feelings of all showed that they were there to enjoy
the evening. An evening that brings to an end a significant part of
the history of Port Arthur.
More than significant, because how can one describe the decades of enduring
school spirit that would be hard to surpass by any other high school.
A spirit not only expressing the exuberance at one of TJ's sporting
events, but also in the fine education that was provided to all of us.
An education not confined to the classroom, but in the interaction of
our lives with one another. The personal leadership afforded to us by
the teachers and administrators we had. Not all, but some of us, experienced
the strict guidance of Jeannete Tenney.
On cue, we all walked to the middle of the field. The National Anthem
was sung. Then, we all sang our school song.
Visitation with our friends continued as we made our way to our seats
in the stands.
As the Jackets played, we reminisced in conversation asking one another
questions such as:
"Who was our Homecoming Queen?"
."No she wasn't. That was CavOilCade."
"No it wasn't, because I remember that Tommy Ryan escorted her."
"No, that was at Senior Prom."
"Never mind. I will go ask someone who knows."
We
then realized that after over 35 years, well...
The years of life are overtaking us and our dreams are very much alive
as again we prove that we still hold fast to the memory of our dear
Port Arthur High.
