Two Classes, 70 Years

By Bao Ong Pioneer Press, Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.

Jun. 1–The South St. Paul High School graduating classes of 1937 and 2007 share a community that prides itself on remaining small and close-knit.

And that’s about it.

When members of the class of 1937 meet for their 70th reunion Saturday, they do so after living through the Great Depression and experiencing limited career options, but having rich, long-lasting relationships. Many students in this year’s 100th graduating class will attend college, remain in touch at least electronically and navigate a world that seems smaller and more competitive.

Betty Bernier, Grace English and Ed Plante of the class of 1937 and Nora Ali, Mary Marschinke, Ryan Patet, Pierre Tawfik and Ali Vujovich from the class of 2007 share their experiences.

BACK IN THE DAY

Betty Bernier, ’37: Students took basic reading, writing and math. Boys often had to drop out of school to take jobs to support their families. Students today "are so much further and advanced than we were with what we had."

Ryan Patet, ’07: Attending college is within reach and college prep classes help them. High school is also more competitive these days because students are vying for jobs students across the world also want.

GOING TO COLLEGE

Grace English, ’37: She could be a nurse, secretary or teacher because she was female. College was also too expensive for many who grew up during the Depression. "We were more concerned about our basic needs. Many of us didn’t even think about college."

Mary Marschinke, ’07: Girls say they don’t feel limited in their career choices. "I have endless possibilities." Graduating seniors will attend such schools as Harvard, Purdue and the University of Minnesota in the fall.

Nora Ali, ’07: The standards have gone up; you’re expected to do a lot more these days.

ISSUES OF THE DAY

1937: The nation was still struggling with the Depression, and World War II was on the horizon.

2007: The war in Iraq and terrorism fears post-Sept. 11 dominated their high school years.

KEEPING IN TOUCH

Ed Plante ’37: Everyone in South St. Paul knew each other and most classmates grew up together. "We’re like a family."

Patet: Hopes to keep in touch with his close friends but admits "it seems like life is so much busier today."

Pierre Tawfik, ’07: Students use the Internet and cell phones to maintain friendships, but it could change as students enter college and go their separate ways.

TECHNOLOGY

Plante: Most girls would take typing classes so they could become secretaries. It was a woman’s job.

Ali Vujovich’ 07: "I didn’t have Internet at home in the ninth grade and it was like the hardest year in school." Students also said their cell phones, iPods and computers are indispensable.

DATING

English: Girls dressed more conservatively. Dates at the movies, church gatherings or Como Park were typical.

2007: Students connect on MySpace or Facebook. The movie theater, parties and restaurants remain popular.

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