Where are they now?
By Robert Buyers

First of all, hello to all my former students! I was so pleased to be invited as a guest at the reverse raffle this year by Melissa Erzetic Connolly and while there to have the privilege of conversing with many of my students who were in attendance. They were all very gracious in their words to me. I thank you one and all.

I retired from Wickliffe High in January, 1984, but continued on as an assistant director and announcer for the Blue Devil Swing Band for another twelve years under the leadership of my dear friend Mike Elias until his retirement in 1996. I was, thus, able to see many alumni at football games and band festivals. Altogether I spent twenty years with the band.

Upon retiring, I established an English scholarship given to the senior selected as the best English student over four years. The scholarship stipend is sent to a university of the student's choice. Thus far, twenty-two scholarships have been awarded.

I enjoyed being a tour director for Senior Friends planning, scheduling, and directing up to eighteen tours per year. In addition to this travel, I have traveled extensively on my own ~ twelve cruises to the eastern, western, and southern Caribbean including Central and South America as well.  I have traveled to Europe five times for six weeks each time visiting England, Scotland, Austria, Germany, Italy (including Rome twice with an audience with Pope John Paul II), Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and Belgium. I also have been to Hawaii twice and all over the U.S. I have been very active in community and church activities, keeping myself active and trying to contribute what skills I have. For the past three years, I have volunteered thirty-two hours per week as my cousin's business manager; not only for the work but also that it keeps me out and about and in contact with people.

I was especially honored in 2003 to be inducted into the Wickliffe Hall of Fame in Education, joining other distinguished Wickliffe educators and community leaders. Induction meant so much to me!

I am especially pleased to see the birth of the WSAA.  For years, I had hoped this would happen, and now it is a reality. My heartfelt congratulations to the committee for all they have done and continue to do in this endeavor.

As I look back scanning the pages of yearbooks, I am so pleased to have been a part of the city of Wickliffe and its school system. I have wonderful memories, and I thank all of you for being great students. It was you who made my career a success through your hard work and understanding of what I had to offer. I know I wasn't the easiest teacher and was very demanding, but I think it paid off for most of you. I take joy in your successes - keep that SIB handy!

I look forward to future WSAA activities and events in the hopes of renewing acquaintances with many more of you. A teacher's greatest reward is hearing from students and sharing in their success.  I would love to hear from you – even a brief note at 6485 Brookhill Drive, Garfield Heights, OH  44125.

God bless you all – Mr. B