"Reunite, Reconnect, Give Back!": How the Class of ‘86 Turned a Reunion into a Gift for FHS
Forty years after walking the halls of Fairhaven High School, a group from the Class of 1986 found a new way to celebrate a milestone reunion: together at sea.
On June 27, classmates sailed from New York to Bermuda aboard Norwegian Aqua for several days of catching up, retelling old stories, and picking up friendships that began four decades ago in Fairhaven and Acushnet. The trip was organized by classmate Charlie Sylvia ‘86, who worked with travel advisor Michael Musumeci, MCC, of Cruise Planners to bring the group together.
What made the trip stand out wasn’t just the destination. By booking as an organized group, the class qualified for a fundraising arrangement that returned $1,100 to the Fairhaven High School Alumni Association. Classmates didn’t have to do anything extra. Simply traveling together and celebrating their 40th turned into direct support for FHS.
An idea any class can use
Every year, classes across our alumni community plan reunions, and many look for ways to give something back to the school that brought them together. The Class of ‘86 showed that the celebration itself can be the fundraiser.
And it doesn’t have to wait for a milestone year. A group trip works for any reason to get FHS friends together: a mini-reunion, a shared birthday decade, a team or club get-together, or simply a long-overdue chance to catch up. When Fairhaven alumni travel together on a cruise, the trip can give back to FHS Alumni. The more alumni who travel together, the more comes back to the Alumni Association.
Those funds support the work of the FHSAA: providing scholarships to deserving students, preserving our historic building, and awarding grants for academic and extracurricular programs. Just as important, they help keep alumni connected to Fairhaven High School for generations to come.
Thinking about it for your class or group?
Whether you have a reunion on the horizon or just an excuse to get the old crew together, a group trip may be worth a look. Michael Musumeci has offered to help alumni explore options and structure a group booking that benefits the Alumni Association:
Michael Musumeci, MCC, Cruise Planners
401-212-0632
michael.musumeci@cruiseplanners.com
www.CruiseAdvisorMike.com
Our thanks to Charlie for organizing the trip, to Michael for making the donation possible, and to every member of the Class of ‘86 who came aboard. As Charlie put it: "Reunite. Reconnect. Give back."
Pictured: Robert Foster ‘66, President, Fairhaven High School Alumni Association, accepts the donation from Michael Musumeci, MCC, of Cruise Planners. Photo: Charles Sylvia ‘86