Langley High School’s class of 1972 enjoyed its very own “mini-Woodstock” celebration last Friday, June 27. The evening’s rock n’ roll jam session entertainment was provided by the numerous class members who went on to become professional musicians.
“For some reason we had quite a lot of talented musicians in our class that year,” said former student Sue Carrington.
Former principal Elam Hertzler traveled from Sarastoa, Fla. to attend the event. Hertzler was principal at Langley High School when it opened in 1965 and remained in the position until 1971.
“It was a very special school,” said Hertzler. “One of my friends accused me of having a private school run with public funds — as far as I’m concerned, we were on the cutting edge of education.”
Vienna resident Bob Pence, a former football and basketball coach, and physical education teacher at Langley, said he has fond memories of Langley students as well.
“I really enjoyed the Langley students,” he said. “When it first opened it didn’t have the best athletes, but they worked hard.”
Vienna resident Dick Graves served as athletic director at Langley from 1965 to 1985 said the Langley students in those years “liked to win as well as anybody else.”
Former student Donna Lenchuk traveled to McLean from Miami, Fla. for the reunion.
“I decided to come because it’s been 35 years and I wanted to reconnect with old friends,” she said.
Brian Vick, an engineering professor at Virginia Tech, said he hesitated at first, but ultimately decided to attend.
“It’s the kind of thing where you go and you end up having fun,” said Vick.
Former McLean resident Joyce Rocks taught English and creative writing at Langley for 17 years. Rocks currently resides in Leesburg and said that she was particularly anxious to see the members of this graduating class.
“This was a very special class,” she said. “They were very talented — they produced a musical show that was kind of like ‘Godspell’ and it was a very exciting performance, and because I lived nearby, I got to be the faculty sponsor, so I went to every rehearsal. So many of the students that year were very, very special people.”