The Final Countdown

As we roll into the end of the week and find ourselves just nine days away from the reunion, a salute to Europe's 1986 hit "The Final Countdown" seems especially appropriate.

When I decided to take on the task of planning this reunion, it truly was a labor of love. At times, it has felt like more labor than love while trying to get every detail just right, but it has been an incredible experience. From building the website and managing social media pages to collecting photos and creating the slideshow, I have enjoyed every opportunity to dive into the creative side of things with graphics, media, and storytelling.

Early in the planning process, Ceci, Courtney and I enjoyed a tasting menu at the venue to make sure we had just the right balance of appetizers and snacks for everyone to nibble on throughout the evening. Yes, we took our responsibilities very seriously!

I would be remiss if I didn't take the time to share with you and thank the people who helped bring this event together.

Ceci McHaney Brown has been our honorary cheerleader from day one. She took on the role of the “gentle reminder specialist” (haha! pc version of stalker) to help get classmates registered and committed. Some of you may have regretted giving her your contact information, but her persistence helped make this reunion happen. If she ever wants a second career, she's already proven she has the skills.

Courtney Haburn Clayton

 has been amazing, helping with Canva designs and the Fallen Rebel tribute boards that will honor our classmates that we have lost too soon. Working together on these thoughtful tributes has been one of the most meaningful parts of the planning process for us.

Kevin Starns continues to be the star of the show when it comes to floral arrangements. This year, we've added a few new elements that I think everyone is going to love.

And of course, Michael Greenspan is bringing the party back with DJ skills that clearly never left Margaritaville.

We have also had many classmates working behind the scenes, sharing ideas, providing feedback, offering encouragement, and helping us along the way. Your support has meant more than you know.

Finally, we were fortunate to have several generous donors who helped us reach our goals and bring our vision to life. We are incredibly grateful for your support and belief in what we were trying to create.

A Few Reunion Reminders

• It's August in Texas. Dress comfortably. The dress code is casual.

• Class photo: 8:00 PM on the terrace. We're hoping for a sunset backdrop.

• If you know someone who is still on the fence, this is the final week to purchase tickets. We'd love to see as many of our classmates as possible.

Our headcount is currently 110 attendees, which is fantastic! We reached that number without turning this into an all-80s reunion, and that's something we are especially proud of.

Most of all, I'm proud of the team that helped pull this together and grateful for everyone who has chosen to be part of it. After 40 years, the best part is the opportunity to reconnect, share memories, and celebrate friendships that started back well before 1986.

We can't wait to see everyone.

See you soon, Class of '86! 🎸🎶🥂