OFFICIALLY OLD. Members of the VHS Class of 1971 are all smiles as they celebrate their 50th graduation anniversary at the Venice Reunion 2021. From left, are Betsy (Fields) Hooks, Richard Gonterman, Stuart Kutz, Steve Spiller and Mark Koelker.

50 YEARS OF REMINISCING. Sylvia (Gardner) Buford joins some of her classmates in remembering their days at Venice High School. With Sylvia, from left, are Steve Spiller, Stuart Kutz and Mark Koelker.

CHAMPIONS. Rich Essington (VHS 1967) coach of the 1975 Illinois State Basketball Championship team, talks with one of the members of that team, Tim Walker (VHS 1976).

STORIES AND MEMORIES permeated the hall during the Venice Reunion 2021. This photo shows, from left, John Getz (VHS 1970), David Wiesehan (VHS 1967) and Harold Gonterman (VHS 1970).

FORMER NEIGHBORS Meridel (Foley) Buscher (VHS 1960) and Roger Schaffner (VHS 1967) talk about the old times on Washington Avenue as Tom Fields (VHS 1967) listens intensely.

THE CLASS OF 1970 had to wait an extra year to celebrate its anniversary due to Covid-19. From left, are Henry Mulnik, Alfred Pace, Ginger (Hill) Hackney and Betty Lou (Puent) Hoyt all enjoying stories of high school days.

HE'S HOOKED. John Getz (VHS 1970), at center, joins in a conversation with Betsy (Fileds) Hooks (VHS 1971) and her husband Rick Hooks (AHS 1969) during the Venice Reunion 2021 on August 7.

TWO OF THE SISTERS featured on the "Catholic Women of Venice" poster pose with it. At left is Sister Barbara Mulnik (VHS 1966) and Sister Emily Meehan. Both belong to the Sisters of Mount Providence, whose sisters used to teach at St. Mark School and operated St. Elizabeth Hospital.