All alumni of Stamford's former Stevens school are invited to a reunion Thursday at the Yerwood Center. They'll be among distinguished company. Former students include Mayor Michael Pavia, Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele and Norwalk Mayor Dick Moccia. Former staff and community affiliates are also invited to the get-together, which will be held from 6 to 8 p.m.
During the Stamford Public Schools convocation held at the beginning of the academic year, Pavia fondly recalled teachers who have influenced him.
"Those people are my shining stars," he said.
Fellow alumnus and reunion co-organizer Eugene Campbell feels the same way. Campbell is executive director of the Yerwood Center, located at 90 Fairfield Ave., where Stevens School was housed before its 1972 closing.
"Stevens School is part of Yerwood Center's rich history of responding to the needs of the community," said Campbell in a release. He added that he was "proud" of his affiliation with each. "Both were committed to providing education opportunities to the community they served, creating a safe nurturing environment and empowering the community to have a voice of their own."
Campbell and Rachel Drucker, coordinator of the Stevens School Reunion Committee, used social networking and word-of-mouth to spread the word about the reunion, which they hope will offer a chance to reminisce and reconnect.
Previously called the West Stamford School, it had antebellum roots as a one-room facility on the West Side. In 1909, it was established as an eight-classroom school, with room for expansion. The City Town Committee voted in 1918 to rename the school after its then-principal, a longtime school system employee.
"Everyone I've spoken with has a warm feeling about the school," said Drucker, adding that some have expressed interest in sharing their stories with young people. The evening will include refreshments, a building tour and entertainment by Yerwood student performers.
For more information, contact Drucker at (203) 327-2700, ext. 24.
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