MEI Class of 1988 30 Year Reunion

On Saturday night, June 16, the 1988 grads of MEI celebrated their fourth official reunion. The first in 1989, second in 1998, third in 2008 and fourth in 2018. The event welcomed 75 people to a park-like family estate in South Langley, organized by the original student council: Peg Peters (President), Brad Dueck (Sports Rep), Becky Ouellette (Klassen) (Secretary), Bryan MacBurney (Treasurer) and Ryan Dahl (Chapel Rep). {Interact with photos on Facebook}

Through all the years of world travel and career building when most people have not seen each other, it seems that for the most part, people don’t change, and friendships don’t change. Many were very naturally stressed about coming to a 30 grad reunion, including at least 20 spouses, who at best would have been on the outside of any “inside” humor. All of that stress would have begun to fade the moment they turned into the driveway, met by Michael “Kato” dawning leather pants, 80’s metal T-Shirt, a rock-star wig, and golden blazed balloons … all while hearing the sound of heart-pumping 80’s music. Just down the lane, Ryan was there to greet them, followed by Peg and Bryan directing them to parking.

After the initial token grad photo, the group was all treated to a high class, catered kabob dinner by Jeff Ens from Tastefully yours. The meal was amazing, and set the tone for a high class evening followed with relaxed conversation. People sat around tables and fires, under big white tents or out in the blazing blue sky.

Right after dinner, Ryan had prepared a slide show with pictures that alternated between individual grad photos followed by the same person today, usually surrounded by a growing family. Brad, Peg and Ryan gave running commentary on all the photos that had everyone in laughs. By the end, everyone had a sense of how far we had come over 30 years.

When the slide show was over, people just lingered, and lingered. Then, the 80’s music started pumping, the disco lights came on, while Brad and Kirsty Dueck were determined to fill the dance floor (mostly Brad). Eventually, more than a dozen 48 year olds were bopping to the music like they were 18 again. At midnight, people didn’t quite want to go home, so we just turned the music down.

Brad Dueck said, “Gotta say, last night’s reunion was a total home run! What a blast! It was just the right environment to allow for lots of catching up and casual conversation. The food was great. The weather was perfect. Rumour has it some Mennonites danced, and of course there was some serious corn-hole gaming. The general vibe seemed to be one of natural engagement between old friends. I think the spouses may have even had a good time. It was so great to catch-up and reminisce.”

Tony Hiebert wrote, the “Grad Reunion a wonderful experience. The tone and setting were welcoming and gracious.”

Now it seems that people don’t want to wait another 10 years to meet again. Chances are, we’ll be together again sooner!

Submitted by Ryan Dahl, MEI Class of 1988

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Reunion Photos

Want to print some of these? Full resolution originals available until August, 2018 » Download

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”60″ gal_title=”MEI Class of 1988 30 Year Reunion”]

 

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Previously Posted

Ryan Dahl and your Grad 88 student council have Grad 88 30 year reunion plans in motion! Come on out for an outdoor BBQ at a spacious family farm in Langley on Saturday, June 16, 2018 (4:00 – 11:00 pm).

Here’s What to Do Next:

1. Facebook > “Like” the MEI Grad 1988 page & join the MEI Grad 1988 event
2. Connect with MEI > Update your address
3. Tickets on Eventbrite > tiny.cc/meigrad1988
4. None of these options suit? Please contact your reunion committee directly:
   * Ryan Dahl via email ryandahl@gmail.com or phone 604-351-7169
   * Becky Ouellette via email bouellette@meischools.com or phone 604-621-5717

Here are the details:

• DATE – Saturday, June 16, 2018
• TIME – 4:00pm to 11:00pm
• Tickets will be around $40 per person
• Adults only
• Bring your own sprites
• Bring your own lawn chairs
• Catered BBQ style dinner will be provided
• Paid ticket sales will be available in the Spring (2018)
• For now, pre-tickets are free, just to get an indication of interest
• Reunion address:  21383 16th Ave Langley, BC

MEI Grad 88 student council:

• Bryan MacBurney
• Becky Ouellette
• Peg Peters
• Brad Dueck
• Ryan Dahl