Nostalgia filled the hallways of Cleveland on Oct. 15 when an all-class reunion for alumni was held to continue the celebration of 100 years of the school. Former students from a variety of generations came together to remember their time at Cleveland. “Some things haven’t changed a bit. Twenty years sounds like a lot, but it really isn’t,” said Gus Brown, class of 1993.

Students greeted the alumni at the doors dressed in attire from past decades to represent the time periods when the returning students graduated. The pep band, directed by Gary Riler, performed as around 130 alumni were seated in the auditorium. Jan Watt, special projects coordinator, gave opening remarks, introducing the band and welcoming everyone back to their alma mater.

“Many of the alumni that we saw at the 90th year reunion are no longer with us so we didn’t know what to expect in terms of attendance,” said Watt.

Additional gratitude for the alumni was given by Greg Franks, class of 1982 and president of the Commerce-Cleveland Alumni Association Board, who spoke about the events being held to celebrate the centennial and how to get involved. Along with Franks, Evy Bishop and Leigh Nunez, co-chairs of the Alumni Association, played a big role in planning process as they coordinated the event.

Students from the sophomore and junior/senior leadership classes lined the sides of the auditorium to take groups of alumni on tours of the school. The tours highlighted the latest additions of Cleveland, such as the College and Career Center, as well as updated renditions of past elements including the gym and library. “[The alumni] were very appreciative and the kids leading tours did a great job,” said Watt.

Those on the tours were fascinated by the old and the new of the school they once called their own. Many recognized aspects of the school that they were a part of and were happy to see them continue at the school.

“I was involved in athletics. I played basketball and tennis, and I was involved in student government as part of the class cabinet, sophomore, junior, [and] senior year. I was on Legend yearbook staff junior year and senior year; I was the sports editor. I was involved with various peer groups. I can’t remember all of the names, but I was always plugged in,” said Brown.

Following the tours, a reception was held in the cafeteria. Jean Azar Miller, class of 1948, brought old yearbooks from over 50 years ago and sold special alumni celebration yearbooks. T-shirts, medals, stickers, and patches were sold as well with all money going to the Alumni Association. Decorative poster boards were set up all around the cafeteria with images of Cleveland from each decade.

“[Cleveland] has changed for the better. It’s much better,” said Miller. “In my work with the alumni association, I would like to see every student here contributing to, in some way, to make the world a better place, and however they feel that they want to do it. I mean, there are so many things that you can do, you know, and I really would like to see that.”

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Clarion photo Kira Chan