Reunions remind us that time may pass, but the connections we make last forever.
– Wilson Alvarez
The evening of October 11, 2024, was one filled with nostalgia, excitement, and a touch of magic, as the South Miami Senior High Class of 1984 gathered for their 40th-year graduation reunion. Though the initial plans for the reunion had a rocky start earlier in the year and were officially canceled in July 2024, a determined group of classmates refused to let the milestone slip away. With sheer determination and a spirit of togetherness, they spearheaded a second version of the celebration, turning what seemed like a distant dream into an unforgettable reality.
Dubbed the “Fab 5” by Diana Colón, this group of passionate alumni worked tirelessly to bring the event to life. With just a few weeks of planning, they secured the date, the venue, and every logistical detail, creating an air of anticipation as October 11 approached. RSVPs began rolling in—first 10, then 20, and soon, all 80 spots were sold out, a testament to the enthusiasm of the Class of ‘84. For those lucky enough to snag a ticket, it was an evening filled with cherished memories and camaraderie.
The Event Unfolds
The music was like a time machine, carefully curated by Wilson Alvarez to transport everyone back to their formative years. From club beats to salsa rhythms, every song was a hit from before June 1984—music they grew up with, music that brought the memories flooding back. Two special guest stars—Coach Johnson and Miss Wright—joined the celebration, delivering motivational talks. Miss Wright’s closing words, “Spend your money and have fun,” resonated with the crowd and set the tone for the rest of the night.
The event kicked off with Wilson Alvarez welcoming everyone, followed by Greg Harris leading the invocation. It was a night filled with laughter, joy, and reconnection. The ultimate master of ceremonies was none other than Sandra Peebles, a professional anchorwoman and a member of the Class of ‘84. She seamlessly guided the evening, ensuring all announcements were made and that everyone felt part of the celebration.
One of the highlights of the evening was a PowerPoint presentation featuring over 250 pictures of classmates from 1984. The slideshow ran throughout the night, as guests danced, reminisced, and enjoyed cocktails. The decor was nothing short of spectacular, with a time capsule set up for attendees to gather around, along with a table of mementos from their high school years. From the yearbook to 12-inch vinyl records and even a box from Burdines, the items served as reminders of the good old days.
The “Fab 5” and Their Impact
A special shoutout is due to the “Fab 5” team that made this reunion happen. Wilson Alvarez was the spark behind the project, ensuring the music, PowerPoint, Badges, and logistics were flawless. Diana Colón’s decorating skills brought the venue to life, while Alexander Alonso found the perfect location and handled the finances. His twin brother Alexis Alonso created the stunning floral arrangements that added elegance to the night, while Alexander’s son ensured every guest had a personalized name badge, making everyone feel special.
Maria Coloma went above and beyond with her custom-made aluminum photo booth, adding a personalized touch to the night. She also gifted the class with decorative SMSH letters and ordered the numbers 8 & 4 for stage decor. Her role was crucial in handling logistics, making sure that whatever challenges arose, she delivered with grace and efficiency—a true leader.
The evening wouldn’t have been complete without our liquor sponsor, Eddie Cruz from the Class of ‘83 and owner of Jensen’s Liquors. Eddie’s generosity added a special touch to the cocktail hour, making sure that everyone was in good spirits as they danced and mingled throughout the night.
The “Fab 5” truly embodied teamwork, and their efforts paid off in spades. As Henry Ford once said, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” Their collaboration turned what could have been an ordinary event into something extraordinary, just like the teamwork that made South Miami Junior High’s Class of 1984 a close-knit community.
A Blast from the Past
This reunion wasn’t just about reconnecting—it was also a walk down memory lane. On June 13, 1984, Andy Vallina organized the iconic “Class of ‘84 Grad Party” at the Royal Banquet Hall. DJ Wil and the DJ from Castle Park provided the tunes, and the entrance fee was just $6. Grad night on May 12 at Disney World was another unforgettable moment, complete with a hidden “WTF” message on the bus—so new at the time that adults didn’t catch on. These were the memories that shaped their youth, culminating in the 1984 graduation at Miami-Dade Community College on June 14, 1984.
Memories Last Forever
The motto for South Miami Senior High was: “Yesterday has passed, tomorrow will come and fade away, but our memories will last forever.” This quote holds profound significance for the Class of ‘84. While time marches on, the friendships and experiences shared during those pivotal years remain etched in their hearts. Forty years later, the reunion was a testament to the enduring power of those memories.
It’s amazing how many of us not only knew each other since high school, but when we take a step back, many of us knew each other from junior high—and some of us were lucky enough to have been friends since elementary school. For some, it wasn’t just about 40 years of friendship, but rather 45 to 50 years of shared memories. Let’s pause and think about that for a moment. While we may not all be best friends, we share a bond—a common connection that spans our childhood, teenage years, and, in some cases, adulthood. It’s vital to recognize how special this connection truly is. Some of us realize this deeply, while others may not. Personally, whenever I see one of my elementary school friends, I can’t help but feel emotional. Even if we’re not particularly close today, the experiences we’ve shared over a lifetime forge a bond that is simply irreplaceable. These are not just friendships—they’re living memories of a shared past.
The South Miami Junior High Class of 1984 reunion was more than just a gathering; it was a reminder of the importance of staying connected to your roots. Life may pull us in different directions, but the bonds we create in our youth can last a lifetime. The “Fab 5” exemplified how teamwork and a shared vision can bring even the most challenging plans to fruition.
Are you part of a class reunion committee or thinking of organizing one for your school? Don’t hesitate to take the lead! Reach out to your fellow classmates, start planning, and create an event that will remind everyone of the good old days. It’s never too late to reconnect, reminisce, and make new memories together. Let’s keep the spirit of togetherness alive!
