Construction on Old Rochester Regional High School started March 1960. The $2,350,000 junior and senior high school opened its doors September 1961 with 712 students. Bringing the students to the school required multiple bus trips (almost all students travelled by bus). Rochester had four bus trips, Marion had six trips and Mattapoisett had six trips. Rochester won the earliest pick up time of 6:40 am on Neck Road.
As with any school, there are always teachers who made a lasting impression and such was the case with the class of ’62. Paul Haman, Mathematics teacher, was a favorite. Who can forget the frog dissection in Frank Almeida’s Biology class. Len Roberts’ English class was memorable, not to mention the raised “stage” area in his classroom for added effect. Mr. Setteducati made chemistry very interesting — especially the time he left the chlorine gas on. Another unforgettable chemistry class used an acid that left the whole school complaining about a nasty smelling odor for the day. Remembering Vera Jozefek’s bookkeeping class brought back many fond memories for some classmates.
As our senior year was coming to an end, May 1962 saw the formation of the National Honor Society of ORR. A formal program was held with students, parents and guests. On the center of the stage on a table were four candles and a torch symbolizing the high ideals of the honor society: scholarship, leadership, character and service. The new members from the senior class inducted were Ross Hopkins, Barbara Harriman, Irene Sullivan and Judy Furnans. The program concluded with a performance by the Glee Club and a speech by Everett S. Allen, assistant to the Editor of the Standard Times.
ORRHS 50-Year Reunion (Class of ‘62)
Old Rochester Regional High School Class of 1962 will have its 50th year high school reunion Saturday, August 4. If you, or someone you know, did not receive the “Save the Date Card”, we would like to hear from you. For further information call 508-748-0373 or contact nd2no22@verizon.net.