Finally, An Opportunity To Reconnect with Gary Greene

Classmate Gary Greene and his lovely grandchildren, Chasidy Marie, Keirsten Nicole, and SeAnne Elizabeth) ages 8, 7 and 5.

It's been almost 50 years since most of us have connected with classmate Gary Greene. He has not attended any of our class reunions but says he is looking forward to our 50th-year bash in 2009. Gary has led an eventful and fruitful life since we last saw him.

After graduation, he attended Bucknell University and planned to become a biochemist. But a tragic explosion which claimed the life of his father Norman Greene in July 1960 forced him to to leave school for a spell. He enrolled at Indiana State Teacher's College (now University) in 1961 and became a successful junior and senior high school science teacher at Elkton, MD, High School from 1965 through 1995.

He then taught science at Mount Aviat Academy in Maryland for 11 years before "retiring" in 2006. Not one to stay inactive, Gary has been substitute teaching in Cecil County since then, "29 schools, any grade, any subject." During the 2006-07 school year, he taught 187 days in a 180-day school year. How so? Some days he worked two jobs.

Now for a real Clearfield angle. At CHS, Gary was an aspiring wrestler. Although he never stepped on the varsity mat, "I apparently learned something," Gary says. He organized the wrestling program at Elkton High School in 1970 and compiled an impressive record for 23 seasons. Among the highlights of his coaching career, Gary led his team to an undefeated season in 1972-73 and organized the Cecil County Junior Team and the first Cecil County Junior Tournament in 1983 (which, of course, his team won).

After his retirement, the Elkton wrestling program went downhill, so the school invited Gary and his son Mike to return to the mats last year as co-coaches. Talk about being in demand!

Congratulations, Gary, and welcome back. We look forward to seeing you and your family at our 50th-year reunion.