By Jason Klaiber
Staff Writer

F-M grads, prepare to take a stroll down memory lane: a one-time-only reunion of multiple Fayetteville-Manlius High School graduating classes will take place at Heritage Hill Brewhouse & Kitchen on 3149 Sweet Rd. in Pompey on Saturday, June 22.

The “F-M Palooza,” scheduled to run from 4 to 10 p.m., will be open to those belonging to the classes of 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1985.

Kerry Lightcap, a 1982 graduate, conjured up the idea for the celebration after spending decades organizing reunions for just his class.

“It’s great to get together with your classmates, but you don’t ever get together with or see the ones that maybe were in a class or two above you or one or two below you that you might’ve had some good friendships with,” Lightcap said.

He said students of different ages would often play on the same sports team and participate together in other extracurriculars.

Lightcap, who served as the senior class president in his day, spread the word to his one-time constituents and the ambassadors from neighboring classes through mass emails and Facebook messages.

“I think it will be a lot of fun watching people who haven’t seen each other in over 35 years,” he said.
Barb Dugan, who graduated from the high school in 1984, said many alumni from the time period shared a certain culture.

Dugan said she and her friends regularly spent time at local hangout spots like the Fayetteville Mall and Friendly’s on weekends.

On weekdays, she said students often hung out on the outdoor bleachers during study halls and from time to time took part in the usual hijinks of high school days.

Nowadays Dugan, who substitute teaches at her alma mater, notices more cameras, locked doors and hall monitoring around the school.

“There’s so much more accountability,” she said.

Lightcap said he fondly remembers the era’s arcade games, cassette tapes and muscle cars—like the Pontiac Firebird TransAm he once drove.

At the June 22 gathering, a moment of silence will be held in memory of classmates who have passed away over the years.

The free event, featuring storytelling, dancing and trivia, will go on rain or shine.

Local band Zero Point Zero will perform hits from the 1970s and 1980s.

For more information, contact Kerry Lightcap at [email protected] or Barb Dugan at [email protected].