When former Reagan High School student Scott Chidgey walks the halls of his old stomping grounds, he is reminded of the fond memories that he had during his high school days. As a member of the class of 2001, Scott says that being a member of the Reagan community is something that never goes away.
“Reagan has changed a lot physically,” said Scott. “The building looks about the same and it has expanded, but it has the same feeling and spirit when I walk through the hallways.”
Today, Scott works for the District’s Communications department. But on April 29, Scott returned to his alma mater for a very special reason -- to attend the 20-year anniversary celebration of the school’s opening.
The school celebrated in a big way. The Reagan orchestra performed for guests while they enjoyed refreshments. Former and current teachers, students and families enjoyed performances by the Diamond Dancers and the JROTC-led pledge to the flags.
Special guests in attendance included Board of Trustees Vice President Tony Jaso and Trustee Joseph Trevino. Executive Staff joined the festivities including Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian G. Gottardy, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Campus Administration Dr. Sean Maika, Associate Superintendent of Instruction and Campus Administration Dr. Donna Newman, Associate Superintendent of Business Services Dan Villarreal, Executive Director of Campus Administration Jane Jensen and former Reagan principal and Executive Administrator Bill Boyd.
“They say if you build it they will come,” said Gottardy. “And I can tell you that this community has really taken off and a big reason for that is because of the schools that we have here at North East ISD. I am very proud of the Reagan cluster and the tradition of excellence that this community expects in the classroom as well as outside the classroom. Congratulations on 20 years of success.”
Former and current students shared memories of experiences they had while attending Reagan. And although some of the students were years apart, similar themes rang true in their stories.
“My experience at this campus was wonderful,” said Scott. “Coming together at a brand new school allowed us to form new friendships and new traditions. Those are great memories but to come back now and see that those traditions are still alive and thriving even more than they were is really cool.”
