Turkey Roll & Reunion Showcases Alumni Spirit
Once again, the featured event on the Alumni Association’s calendar continues to be a tradition that does not disappoint!
On Friday, November 24, 2023, the yellow brick halls were filled with the laughter and chatter of hundreds of St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) alumni, embracing the spirit of the annual Turkey Roll & Reunion tradition. It was a wonderful evening of friendship and camaraderie highlighted by special acknowledgements for the anniversary classes of 1974, 1989, 1999, and 2014, along with the classes of 2009 and 1983. Thank you to the many alumni who attended and the generous support from the alumni and community sponsors who helped make the evening a success.
Here are a few of the many testimonials shared by alumni:
“To see old classmates and, for me, former students and fellow teachers, and to hear their stories of a unique lifelong brotherhood, makes the evening a memorial reminder that when you send your boy to St. Mike’s, you have friends for life.”
Joe Younder ’56
“I try to come out to the Turkey Roll every year. It’s such a great symbol of what it means to be part of the St. Mike’s alumni community — the brotherhood. I treasure the opportunity to meet with classmates that I haven’t seen in years. The reconnections are always so effortless; it’s like we never left. It’s a beautiful thing to be able to see the generations of St. Michael’s men come together year after year to share stories, memories, and some of the best porchetta I’ve ever had!”
Chris Paolini ’09
“Attending this year’s reunion with family brought back fond memories. Many life lessons and relationships were forged in the classroom, on the ice, gridiron, and court. It was like going home where six brothers and a proud father invested so much time.”
Dan Feraday ’75
“This year’s Turkey Roll included the 50th anniversary for the Class of ’74, and the best part for me was connecting with so many friends from my graduating class. Many have successful careers as bankers, lawyers, doctors, dentists, architects, and engineers. Sharing the stories and laughs from our high school experience made me realize what a special time it was at St. Mike’s. During the mass that preceded the event, I was reminded in Fr. Leung’s homily of the school motto, ‘Teach me goodness, discipline and knowledge,’ a good reminder at any age. I came away from the event feeling very thankful and blessed. And coming home with a turkey was an added bonus!
Darryl Lalach ’74
“Turkey roll was great! I love reconnecting with the guys from my year. We didn’t go to high school; we went to St. Mike’s!”
Michael Lombardi ’09
“In 1967, I had Joe Younder for English. One comment he made that still resides in my memory is… ‘Read this book before you die.’ I said to Joe that evening in a humorous manner, ‘You never told us to read the Bible.’ He smiled. I found the evening proof that life is a process of constant change, and it was difficult to recognize anyone from 57 years ago…”
Salvatore DeVita ’70
“It was a glorious 40th reunion for the Class of 1983. Over 50 of us gathered to celebrate this milestone, share memories, and catch up on each other’s lives. We shared our blessings and challenges and renewed old friendships. Jokingly, perhaps our greatest collective achievement was the contribution to the personal development of our classmate Brian McDavid ’83, whose son many found out for the first time is… Connor McDavid — you know the Edmonton Oilers guy! God bless to all.”
Alvydas Saplys ’83
“It was great to see a few old faces. Joe Younder is still going strong. Of course, for my Class of 1966, not many of the original professors are still around. The old school is doing well with its additions.”
Peter Devita ’66
“I am grateful for the outstanding education I received while a student at St. Mike’s, and I look forward to reconnecting with friends and classmates each year at the Turkey Roll”
Robert Lundy ’88
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