Seven hours: That’s how long Mary Lynne (Pepe) Allen and her husband Tom Allen recently drove to attend a multi-generational school reunion in Maybrook, New York.

Holding a very special place in her heart, the Maybrook School was Mary Lynne’s alma mater from kindergarten in 1950 to seventh grade in 1957, and the long drive from West Virginia wasn’t going to deter her from attending the school’s Aug. reunion. In total, 23 Maybrook School students attended the reunion, and the Allens weren’t the only ones that traveled long distances to get there. Some came from Arizona and as far as California.

The Maybrook School, now known as the Alternative Learning Center at Maybrook, is one of seven schools that make up the Valley Central School District. The Town of Montgomery Central School District was established on July 1, 1958, when Montgomery, Maybrook, and Walden school districts were merged into one by community vote. It was renamed Valley Central School District in 1959.

What makes a person want to travel seven hours 67 years after leaving a school? Part of the draw for Mary Lynne is familial. Mary Lynne’s father worked for the school as a gym teacher and coach. He coached basketball, football, taught driver education, and organized the summer program.
As Mary Lynne and her husband strolled the halls of her old school on a tour accompanied by one of its recent graduates, they noted what her fellow reunion attendees were saying as they reminisced. While the cafeteria was still in its original place, other things were not.

“One person would say ‘this was my kindergarten,’ and another would say ‘no, this was my fifth grade room,’’’ Mary Lynne described. But one thing that they all could agree on was that they had good memories in that room. Her fondest memories included seeing the gym decorated for the prom, going to the beach on the bus, and parties.

“I had a lot of my classmates come to my birthday parties, and some of the people at the reunion remarked that they remembered coming to my parties,” Mary Lynne said.

More than a building, a school is a community that shapes children and influences who they become as adults. Mary Lynne fondly recalled music teacher Ms. Hendrie, who also gave her piano lessons. Mary Lynne grew up to become a piano teacher like her and a gym teacher like her father.
Her advice to students today: “Enjoy your time at school and save the pictures of your class, and always come to the reunion to see how people have changed and find out what they did in their lives.”

The same school spirit remains at The Alternative Learning Center. Today, it is a safe and supportive environment where students who struggle within the traditional classroom setting and who may have other stressors are comfortable and able to reach their academic potential. This innovative program helps students at all levels find balance in their emotional, developmental and educational processes.

“Our goal is always to create a warm and welcoming school environment where students can thrive and families can feel a part of something special and we’ve been successful in doing that,” said Mara Costagliola, director of pupil personnel services and ALC (support services). “I know one day our students are going to be the ones walking these halls during their own reunions and reminiscing about all the wonderful memories they’ve made here.”