During the spring, students entering and leaving Edison High from the main entrance have the chance to admire the beautiful cherry blossoms that line part of the front circle. However, among the group of trees on the driveway, a gap has formed where one of the trees had died and been cut down earlier in the year. On April 18, Edison High Class of ‘60 alumni returned to the Nest to plant a new cherry blossom tree along the front circle. The tree, replacing the tree that had died this year, was part of ten planted by the ’60 seniors as a parting graduation gift. After planting the tree, the former students, joined by members of the Edison High staff as well as the Student Council (STUCO) board and Class of 2024 council, made their way to the teachers’ lounge to enjoy a cake and catch up.

For the alumni, returning to EHS gave the opportunity to look back at the trees they planted over sixty years ago and see their progression.

“I haven’t seen the trees in years, but they look amazing in full-bloom now,” said Ron Pfeiffer ‘60.

The day gave them a chance to see how Edison High has changed over the years. It also afforded the chance to see the changes and reminisce about their time at the school.

“I came back today for the memories,” said Pat Denbleyker ‘60. “I loved going here, and coming back reminds me of my high school years. We had kids here from all across Edison and, being able to be inside the school again, I’m glad to be here and see something we did.”

The alumni felt a deep connection to the tree they had planted several years ago and to the ideas that the tree symbolized.

“The tree was in memory of our class,” said Peggy Naroskie ‘60. “We were the first graduating class. I think the tree symbolizes our growth.” That growth included maintaining the gift’s original concept. According to Naroskie, “Losing the tree was like losing the symbol. We wanted to replace it. We didn’t want it to be missing.”

The alumni’s dedication to restoring the falling tree did not go unnoticed among the Edison High staff members, who remarked on the strong connection that the alumni had to the school.

“It shows that this class has strong roots and ties to the Edison community and to the Edison High community,” said Assistant Principal Dr. Aurora Loufek. Loufek specifically applauded Joe Russo ‘60. “He still comes to our games. He still is in the stands. It shows that the roots that are planted here stick.”

The Class of ‘60 were the first to give a senior gift to Edison High, but they would not be the last in this tradition. Over the years, senior gifts have evolved and continued to come from senior classes. According to Loufek, senior classes’ gifts depend on their interests, and the current situation at the time. Senior gifts have even included a bench addition to the 9/11 Memorial outside of the school, paying tribute to the victims of the attack.

In meeting the alumni and getting inspiration for their own class gifts, members of the Class of ‘24 were excited for their last months in high school.

“Seeing the trees the Class of ‘60 planted and their excitement for them makes me excited for the future and that, because I was so involved in school, I’d get to do something like this for my class and give back to the school,” said Jessica Le ‘24.

Members of the class of ‘60 also provided advice to students, from school tips to life guidance.

“Pay attention in school, listen to your teachers, and work hard. If I had to do everything again, I’d have worked a lot harder,” said Denbleyker.

Overall, the event served as a reminder of the strong roots that Edison High Eagles have laid over the decades, and pushed current students to give back to the future Red and Gold.

“Mr. Ross says it quite often: once an Eagle, always an Eagle,” said Loufek.