Three-Day Reunion Celebrates 30 Years Since High School

Bayport-Blue Point's Class of 1981 may have graduated from High School thirty years ago, but that didn't stop the party-loving classmates from holding a three day-long reunion that brought alum from as far away as California and Texas to the South Shore to reunite over the last weekend in July.

Friday night was an ice breaker held at the Harbor Crab in Patchogue, according to Carol Seitz-Grube who began planning the three day reunion with her former classmates in August of 2010. Then, classmates met at Dublin Deck for the second day and at the Casino Restaurant in Davis Park for the third.

A three day event is a class tradition, according to Seitz-Grube. 

Dublin Deck brought more than 90 former classmates and their partners together for drinks and catered food overlooking the Great South Bay. 

One group of women were especially excited to see their High School english teacher, Mr. Joe Panteleo. Upon seeing Panteleo, the women quickly took photos and treated the now retired teacher like the celebrity hunk they believe he was in the classroom. Classmate Maria Alvarez said Panteleo was known for his good looks and long locks.

Panteleo joined the group at Dublin Deck after receiving a Facebook invitation. 

Reunion-goers were also excited to see the classmates they hadn't seen since their last reunion, held ten years before.

Of seeing the group, classmate Kelly Craffey Canavan said: "Everybody looks very happy, friendly and thirty years has been kind to everyone."  Craffey Canavan is now an attorney in Sag Harbor, New York. 

Reunion-goers paid homage to classmates who passed away with a table of yearbook photos.  Also, the best friend of each deceased classmate lit a candle with a background of the song "For Good" from the broadway musical Wicked. 

Next on the agenda for Seitz-Grube will be planning the 40-year reunion, which will also take place over three days. 

As for what the next reunion can bring, Seitz-Grube says she does not yet know.

"I want to finish this one first," Seitz-Grube said, laughing.