Recently, I was privileged to attend the reunion of the Westbrook High School class of 1988. Reconnecting with those alumni, 20 years after commencement, confirmed the great tradition of education in Westbrook and the immense contributions of the high school to the youth of the community.
The class of ’88 evidences the breadth of preparation that a
truly comprehensive, humanist school can provide. During the evening, I chatted with people pursuing their various paths with great success and integrity. The worlds of corporate and small business, the law, the healing professions, the arts and, not least, education were all represented.
Some are active in elected politics and others in personal advocacy of civil rights and social change. Their collective achievement testifies to the gifts offered by a generous and heterogeneous educational system. Their living message is particularly meaningful in today’s culture, where school systems are too often judged on narrow options, rigid standards, and the fiscal bottom line.
Education at its best is generous. I call on the citizens of Westbrook to honor the class of 1988 and generations of students by supporting broad and enriching opportunities in today’s high school. The youth of this new century deserve no less than that which was afforded their parents.
Larry Dyhrberg
Falmouth
Westbrook High, class of 1960
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