Message Forum Common Agreement
"TERMS OF USE"

The Message Forum is not a public soapbox, nor a political platform in any form. This forum is neutral territory when it comes to supporting any movements, political parties, candidates, or otherwise.

___________

Dear Classmates:
This site isn’t about waistlines, hairlines, or personal crusades. It’s about lifelines and is about reconnecting with our friends from some of the best years of our lives - It's about caring for our classmates, sharing news, and mourning those we've lost.

We ask you to kindly be considerate about passing along news about classmates who are ill, who have had surgery, or are experiencing other personal issues. Please be sure to obtain permission to share with the class any and all submissions.  As wonderful as it is to share or receive news about or from classmates don't break confidences or invade someone's privacy. 

Classmates, If you have an issue that needs a soapbox please use your "Classmate Profile" page.  Classmates can choose to "follow" by selecting your name and each time you post news about yourself, add photos, or update your profile  an email is sent notifying those on your follow list that you have updated your personal profile. Do not check the box, share with classmates as a reply button is provided for return comments and messages.

PLEASE NOTE: Abuse of the message forum common agreement/terms of use may cause immediate suspension of privileges or removal from the AHS website without further warning. 
(We reserve the right to remove material that may be deemed offensive).
Paul Peters -
revised 09/12/2021

Maryalice Conmy (Dorries)

I am so sorry to hear about Anne's death. She was such a good soul and I hope now she's resting in peace and out of pain. My heart goes out to Jim and the rest of her family. Sending lots of hugs and prayers.

Stephen Holley

I’m so sorry to hear of Anne’s passing.  Her presence was always accompanied by her countenance of joy.  She was such a sweet addition to our class.  I do have a rather memorable anecdote about Anne that I haven’t forgotten.

Those of you who had US History with Capt. Eugene Breitenberg will recall that for years he would escort every class that he taught at AHS down to the flag pole that stood in the circle at the main entrance of the school, in order to take a group picture.  Once the picture was taken he would develop it and then post the glossy 8 x 10 on the bulletin board in the back of the room.

As our class was making its way down to the locale for the photo, Anne and Mike Hexner happened to be exiting together out of the Main Office.  Greetings and pleasantries were exchanged…and someone humorously suggested that they stand alongside us for the picture, even though they were not members of the good Captain’s class.  They said “Oh, why not?”

So then…the class (plus two) posed…the picture was taken…and everyone departed.  Sometime after school in the quietness of his dark room, Capt. Breitenberg developed that picture and discovered that miscreants had invaded his hallowed portrait. 

The next day, a school-wide investigation was launched as to who these intruders were.  Our class received a most stern lecture concerning the value of integrity and how we lacked it…along with his incredulity that not one of us was willing to take a stand for the sanctity of the class and “shoo the interlopers away!”  Additionally, the Captain B informed us that he had been assured by Principal Finch that punishment would be swift and severe.  I would suppose that Captain Breitenberg offered his military connections in the assembling of firing squad.  

Anyway, the picture was retaken…this time, with school administrators providing a security perimeter to thwart any potential interference.  No criminal complaint was filed. Mike and Anne received their diplomas. Captain Breitenberg recovered…I think!?!

Kathryn Moore (Crowe)

Steve,

I am having a good chuckle over this story so thanks for posting. I had Captain B either junior or senior year but don't remember the flagpole photo visit or Anne & Mike's heinous crime.   Who could forget The Captain however....!

Iris Phipps (Kopach)

So sorry to hear abouts Anne's death.  Thank God she is no longer in pain.

Debra Poor (MacKillop)

I am saddened by Anne Crawford Collins death. I talked to her on the phone this past July 2025, and she seemed her usual vibrant, interesting self. Her illness was sudden and shocking at the aggressiveness of the cancer that attacked her. Anne and I met at middle school age, and after HS were college roommates. Anne got married, finished nursing school, and practiced as a nurse - which was a profession she always loved and singlemindedly wanted to pursue. When Anne and her husband Jim Collins moved to Paris, they gave me awesome tours when I visited a few times, where they were raising their three young children. Over the years, Anne occasionally just got on the phone and called from Europe to catch up. Anne was aways up for adventure as I'm sure many of her AHS friends can attest to. She cared deeply for her family. She was a beautiful person inside and out. I offer my condolences to Jim and her family. She will be so missed by so many.

Michael Hexner

Thank all of you for your comments about Anne. I am so stunned and saddened by her passing that I am at a loss for words. Anne was such a special person in my life, shining a brilliance onto so many people, including me that I find it so hard to accept she's goine. I've been walking in a trance since I heard. And as much as I wish I could write something extraordinary, at least for now,  I can only just check in and thank each of you for what you have said. 

Judy Owen

Paul Rowson

Happy National Hat Day, Classmates!

Jane Rottier (Porter)

Lookin' good, guys! Happy National Hat Day!

Maureen Hamilton (Hackert)

The Fourth Annual Spring🌸🌼 Brunch 🍩🧇🍳🥞🍾☕️for the class has been scheduled for Sunday, March 29th at 11 o'clock at the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse, Locust Grove, Virginia. If you plan to attend, please text me at 910–279–2643. Hope to see you there!  It will be A Blast!💥 💥💥💥💥💥💥

Paul Rowson

Sadly, Mark Duffner just let me know that Coach Hardage passed away last evening. A Quick ChatGPT on coach Hardage just shared the following:

Maureen Hamilton (Hackert)

Maureen Hamilton (Hackert)

Terri Bussjaeger contacted me today to let me know that Bob Bussjaeger passed away on September 22, 2024 from an aggressive form of Parkinson's disease. He is buried in Arlington Cemetery. Bob was a graduate of George Mason University with a BA in economics. He enlisted in the Marine Corps and became an officer. He went to the University of Missouri and earned a Master's degree in accounting. He had his CPA license. They had two children together.

Maureen Hamilton (Hackert)

Maureen Hamilton (Hackert)

This is a picture from Bob and Terri's wedding day. How sad that they have all passed away.

Cynthia George (Coppola)

Thank you, Maureen for sharing this incredibly sad news. I appreciate all of you that provide both sad and happy updates.

Cindy

Michael Guthrie

Several of us attended coach hartage's, funeral. Fred Chandler has some other photos.  Here is one with me, Duff, and my brother Kevin

Maureen Hamilton (Hackert)

Maureen Hamilton (Hackert)

Unfortunately, we have just learned that Danny Cadigan passed away on Wednesday. Many of us knew Danny from St. Michael's. We will pass along any information we receive about a service.

Rebecca Cashion (Kleinfelter)

OMG, this makes me so sad.  That picture, I believe, was taken at the picnic we had on Sunday after our 20th reunion back in 1991.  We've lost so many, its getting harder and harder.  Another reason for all the effort that is being used for the reunions.  Now that I am living in SC it will be much easier to get to more of these gatherings.

Much love to all our classmates!  Life is short, live each day to the fullest!!

John Lewis

Danny Cadigan was my first ski buddy. We used to drive to Roundtop, Charnita, Blue Knob and occasionally Seven Springs for the day. Many good times. Here's to endless powder turns for his soul. 

Fred Chandler

Michael Guthrie

Danny was such a good guy. Bowled a lot with him back in the day. 

David Anderson

Danny was a great friend dating back to high school when we shared a love (or maybe hate) for British sports cars.  I remember when he and Becky met while we were going to school at GMU.  They had an incredibly long journey together.  And I also bowled with Danny on a team in a league at the Annandale Bowling Lanes.  John is right, Danny was also a great skiier.  I think he worked at Ski Chalet where we took our skis for tuneups.  We remained friends ever since and I saw him recently at Becky's and Ronnie's COLs.  I'll miss that boy.

But it gives me great pleasure to see that picture of the four amigos (Danny, Cameron, Mike and Ronnie).  Wow.  What a great picture.  Those guys were BFFs before there were BFFs.  

I've often said that we were so fortunate to have grown up at the time we did.  There were some issues, but generally we enjoyed a wonderful, carefree life that alllowed us to do pretty much anything we wanted.  And I think we handled it well and responsibility.

But we (or at least me) didn't really have cameras available like we do today.  So great pictures of our early days together are rare.  I don't know who took that picture of the boys but sure glad they did and retained it this long so we could enjoy it today.  Great tribute to the three no longer with us.  So young and happy.  Snapshot of our youth. And in color.

And while I'm at it, I also really enjoyed that picture posted days ago of Bobby B, Steve and Greg at Bob's wedding  Another wonderfull capture of our happy and carefree youth.

George Roberts

So sorry to hear about Danny's passing.  He was one of my dear friends.  Met him in 1st grade at St. Michael's.

We had a few adventures.    Went to Canada when we were Juniors.  Took Danny's Pontiac Catalina ( I think it was a pontiac ) and hit the road.   Went to Watkins Glen and saw a race there, then on to Ontario,  Rented a canoe and tied it on the roof.   Went into the lakes up there ,   Saw the Northern Lights,  Bears and Moscquito's that were built to bite those bears.  Somehow we made it back.    
There are other stories ( Alter Boy School ) etc.   Danny introduced me to Ron Reynolds,  Mike Lunsford and the Wilburdale bunch.   All good memories.   I will miss him.   George