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Rehoboth High alumni plan final homecoming

Sock hop, school tour highlight June 1-2 events
April 26, 2019

Rehoboth High classes of 1939-69 will have one last chance to do the jitterbug or sink a free throw at a final alumni homecoming in June.

Rehoboth High grad Scott Walsmith said the idea for a homecoming arose when alumni learned the old school building would be demolished to make way for a new Rehoboth Elementary, set to open in September 2019.

“There was some unhappiness,” he said. “But the school folks have been great at working with us. Superintendent Bob Fulton gave a presentation to alumni showing what the grounds will look like.”

Plans call for basketball and pickleball courts, a pavilion, an arch with the school’s original name and datestone, benches and outdoor classroom seating on the old school’s footprint.

Inside, part of the old school’s wood gym floor will be repurposed in the new school’s history room, where old library casework shelving will boast trophies, yearbooks, uniforms and other memorabilia.

Following the meeting, Walsmith said, sprang the alumni steering committee and a desire to plan an event for alumni from the first to last graduating classes before Rehoboth, Lewes and Milton high schools consolidated to form Cape Henlopen School District in 1970.

Alumni steering committee member Hope Wilson Lavachia said faculty are welcome.

“Tom Butterly is our oldest remaining teacher at age 94,” she said. “He taught social studies and is planning to attend.”

Lavachia said the alumni group does not have a current contact list for all graduates.

“We want to get the word out,” she said. “There were 33 in my class. There’s still a few of us around!”

Walsmith said alumni last got together in 1998, and before that, in 1983.

“We were the smallest school in the state of Delaware,” he said. “There were 20 in my class.”

The Rehoboth High homecoming will take place from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday, June 1, in the gym. Alumni are invited to reminisce with classmates, enjoy refreshments and dance to the oldies. Cost is $30 per person.

Lavachia said casual dress or Seahawks attire or school colors, black and white, are suggested.

“We will recognize the oldest graduating class represented, athletic achievements of alumni and any faculty present,” she said. “We’ll have a photo booth and a free throw contest in the gym. We’re daring all athletes to get one more shot!”

Cape officials will also conduct tours of Rehoboth High for alumni at 12 p.m., Sunday, June 2.

Cape Superintendent Bob Fulton said he has enjoyed getting to know Rehoboth High alumni.

“It’s been fun,” he said. “They’re part of the history of our district, and we’re excited to celebrate the great things that occurred at Rehoboth High School.”

For information, email rhs.seahawks@gmail.com or call 302-858-8170. RSVP by Wednesday, May 15.

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