A single weekend renewed countless old friendships.

BY DEBORAH SKOLNIK

**A classy bunch** Members of the Class of '85 at the brewery bash.

Friday, October 4th, was a day many looked forward to, either happily or a little nervously. That evening, at Wolf & Warrior Brewing Company in White Plains, Edgemont High School alums from the classes of 1984 and 1985 came together for a reunion. The cheery, beery event marked the kickoff to 24 hours of hugs, hangouts, and heartfelt reminiscences.

Try it, you’ll like it

“Everyone gets insecure at the prospect of attending a reunion, but as they walk out the door, no one regrets that they took the time and made the effort,” said Jocelyn Donat, the event’s co-organizer. “One classmate told me her anxiety was off-the-charts, but even she had a good time.”

**That's rad** Saturday night's party was packed as people swapped old stories about their '80s adventures.

While some attendees kept in close touch over the years, many hadn’t seen each other in a long time—in a fair amount of cases, not since they tossed their graduation caps. The reunion was not only a chance to catch up, but also to introduce partners to childhood pals, or offer proof to one’s partner that a classmate actually did solve the Rubik’s Cube when it first came on the market. (Kay Chevray is a genius.)

Donat refused to let financial considerations stand in the way of anyone participating in the weekend. “If someone said they couldn’t come to the reunion because of the expense, we were able to offer some assistance,” she said. “We did have some funds for that. Are you able to say you helped that person to join in? I learned how important that is when people are reluctant.”

And many people did indeed join in. Some came from as far away as Seattle, others from sunny California or the mountains of Colorado. Friday night’s gathering attracted 40 people, as did a lunch the next day at the school itself. On Saturday night, the main event of the weekend—a dinner at the Rye Grill & Bar—drew 86 attendees.

**Prom dates** Ashesh Mehta, now a renowned surgeon, took the Insider's Deborah Skolnik to his senior prom.

Nice crowd

Throughout the weekend, classmates told one another they hadn’t changed. And yet certain things had evolved since back in the leg-warmer-wearing, Flock-of-Seagulls-hairstyling days. The old cliques didn’t stick together like Gorilla Glue, and even people who had been shy in high school were smiling wide and happy to both share and listen to stories.

“I had the best time, catching up with the people who were such a huge part of my childhood!” said Roger Weisman. “I think most of us would still be [at Edgemont] if allowed.” Among the highlights of the weekend for Weisman was having lunch with Gary C. Snisky, speaking with Shane Burn (“who says hi to everyone!”), and catching up with his nursery-school girlfriend, Sibel Alparslan Golden.

“Reconnecting with classmates and listening to everyone’s journey through the years [was wonderful],” said Nikki Trataros Traina. “It was memorable because everyone was positive, genuine, sharing stories of success or a simple laugh about the ‘good ole days.’ The bond of our classes still remain strong—we are family.”

Despite the work it took to plan the event, Donat said it was more than worthwhile. “It was such a feeling of satisfaction to organize something that brings people together who have a love for their beginnings. It was the beginnings for so many people, and this was a chance to recalibrate and come back for a moment in time.”

Scroll for more photos. Got any to share? Send your photos to scarsdaleinsider@gmail.com to be posted.