Occupation: Seventh Grade Science Teacher and XC/Track Coach
Hometown: Belvidere
Marital Status: Single
Children: Other than the 150 seventh graders I teach and the 45 athletes I coach, I have none of my own . . . although somedays it feels like it!
Pets: Cat (Montana)
What has changed about you?:
• I don't feel much different, more independent I guess! Oh, and I actually like running now!
Best (or Worst) thing about being in your late 20's.:
• Best and worst thing is change . . . love it and hate it!
Significant events for you in the last 10 years:
• Student taught in Napier, New Zealand (best 5 months of my life!)
• B.A. degree from Winona State in Elementary Education 2001
• Began teaching in Belvidere Fall 2001 and continued until present
• Bought my first house in 2003
• M.A. degree in Curriculum and Instruction from N.I.U. 2006
• Ran my first 1/2 marathon in Chicago August 2007
• Became an aunt Sept. 2007
Will you be attending the reunion: Yes
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
Mark Westphal
.
Occupation: Student (getting my paralegal) and work for the Department of Human Services as an Personal Asst. to the disabled
Hometown: Back in Belvidere after living in Madison Wisconsin for 3 wonderful years.
Marital Status: Well I can't get married not legal yet in Illinois hehe and no boyfriend at this time living the single life!!!
Pets: I have 2 dogs,2 cats, and 2 birds my family must like the number 2!!!
What has changed about you?
• Well I think that I am more outspoken then I was in high school and since I came out so to speak I am more myself then I was back then.
What hasn't?
• I am still "Most Outgoing" always doing something to do with Theater or Singing.
Best thing about being in my late 20's:
•.....I dont think there is anything good about being in my late 20's
The worst:
• BILLS BILLS BILLS!!! I hate being an adult!!!
Significant events in my life over the past 10 years:
• 1999: Dropped out of school at RVC and then did my first show "Fiddler on the Roof" at Starlight Theater with fellow class mate Jennifer Grubb.
• 2000:Moved to Madison Wisconsin to manage a Road Ranger gas station.
• 2002: Managed a Kelley Williamson Mobil in Madison Wisconsin.
• 2003: Moved home to Belvidere and went back to Road Ranger and managed a store in Rockford.
• 2004: Transfered back up to Madison to manage a store for Road Ranger yet again....
• 2005:Moved back to Belvidere after I figured out that the life I lead up there in Madison was not the one for me. Did "Jesus Christ Superstar" at Starlight Theater.
• 2006: Worked for GROUPO in Belvidere making doors for cars for Chrysler....HATED IT!!! That summer was in "Cats" and "Miss Siagon" at Starlight Theater and also started singing with The Mendelssohn Chorale of Rockford.(I love performing at the beautiful Coronado Theater!!!)
• 2007: Quit GROUPO yeh!!! Started working for DHS. This past summer was in "Ragtime" and "Jekyll and Hyde" at Starlight Theater. Also, became a section leader for Mendelssohn Chorale of Rockford...I love getting paid to sing!!! And now working on getting my Paralegal at Rockford Business College.
Will you be at the reunion? Yes
Occupation: Student (getting my paralegal) and work for the Department of Human Services as an Personal Asst. to the disabled
Hometown: Back in Belvidere after living in Madison Wisconsin for 3 wonderful years.
Marital Status: Well I can't get married not legal yet in Illinois hehe and no boyfriend at this time living the single life!!!
Pets: I have 2 dogs,2 cats, and 2 birds my family must like the number 2!!!
What has changed about you?
• Well I think that I am more outspoken then I was in high school and since I came out so to speak I am more myself then I was back then.
What hasn't?
• I am still "Most Outgoing" always doing something to do with Theater or Singing.
Best thing about being in my late 20's:
•.....I dont think there is anything good about being in my late 20's
The worst:
• BILLS BILLS BILLS!!! I hate being an adult!!!
Significant events in my life over the past 10 years:
• 1999: Dropped out of school at RVC and then did my first show "Fiddler on the Roof" at Starlight Theater with fellow class mate Jennifer Grubb.
• 2000:Moved to Madison Wisconsin to manage a Road Ranger gas station.
• 2002: Managed a Kelley Williamson Mobil in Madison Wisconsin.
• 2003: Moved home to Belvidere and went back to Road Ranger and managed a store in Rockford.
• 2004: Transfered back up to Madison to manage a store for Road Ranger yet again....
• 2005:Moved back to Belvidere after I figured out that the life I lead up there in Madison was not the one for me. Did "Jesus Christ Superstar" at Starlight Theater.
• 2006: Worked for GROUPO in Belvidere making doors for cars for Chrysler....HATED IT!!! That summer was in "Cats" and "Miss Siagon" at Starlight Theater and also started singing with The Mendelssohn Chorale of Rockford.(I love performing at the beautiful Coronado Theater!!!)
• 2007: Quit GROUPO yeh!!! Started working for DHS. This past summer was in "Ragtime" and "Jekyll and Hyde" at Starlight Theater. Also, became a section leader for Mendelssohn Chorale of Rockford...I love getting paid to sing!!! And now working on getting my Paralegal at Rockford Business College.
Will you be at the reunion? Yes
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Jennifer Grubb
.
Occupation: Research Technologist and Actor
Hometown: Chicago!
Marital Status: Single
Pets:
• I kill plants! I can't really have pets, although my Mom bought me a fake dog that sleeps by my bed.
What has changed about you?
• I've grown up. I never thought in a million years that I would be an independent, city girl, driving around the streets of Chicago on my own!
What hasn’t?
• I am still very passionate about music and theatre. I still enjoy a wide variety of friends. I still have brown, curly hair (-:
Best (or Worst) thing about being in your late 20's.
• After leaving the safe and fun world of college, you find yourself in the real world, with real life problems and choices. I feel a lot of pressure to decide on a career path, to "settle down," and become an adult, but as a very good friend once told me: Life is journey, not a destination! Therefore, being in my late 20's is great because now, I can make my own choices and enjoy life.
Significant events for you in the last 10 years:
• Graduating from Indiana University with a BS in Biology in 2001
• Working in a Biology Lab at the University of Chicago since 2001
• Being a homeowner! I bought my condo in 2005.
• Performing on the Lyric Opera of Chicago stage!
• Cantorial Soloist for Tikkun Olam Congregation for the past 3 years.
• Being in numerous productions in Chicago theatre including most recently the American Premiere of Jerry Springer the Opera- yes, you read that right!
Will you be attending the reunion: Not sure.
• A friend is getting married that night in Chicago, but I will be around that weekend!
Occupation: Research Technologist and Actor
Hometown: Chicago!
Marital Status: Single
Pets:
• I kill plants! I can't really have pets, although my Mom bought me a fake dog that sleeps by my bed.
What has changed about you?
• I've grown up. I never thought in a million years that I would be an independent, city girl, driving around the streets of Chicago on my own!
What hasn’t?
• I am still very passionate about music and theatre. I still enjoy a wide variety of friends. I still have brown, curly hair (-:
Best (or Worst) thing about being in your late 20's.
• After leaving the safe and fun world of college, you find yourself in the real world, with real life problems and choices. I feel a lot of pressure to decide on a career path, to "settle down," and become an adult, but as a very good friend once told me: Life is journey, not a destination! Therefore, being in my late 20's is great because now, I can make my own choices and enjoy life.
Significant events for you in the last 10 years:
• Graduating from Indiana University with a BS in Biology in 2001
• Working in a Biology Lab at the University of Chicago since 2001
• Being a homeowner! I bought my condo in 2005.
• Performing on the Lyric Opera of Chicago stage!
• Cantorial Soloist for Tikkun Olam Congregation for the past 3 years.
• Being in numerous productions in Chicago theatre including most recently the American Premiere of Jerry Springer the Opera- yes, you read that right!
Will you be attending the reunion: Not sure.
• A friend is getting married that night in Chicago, but I will be around that weekend!
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Jody (Farrey) Reifenberger
.
Occupation: Physician Assistant Chronic Disease Management and Pediatric Departments at East Boston Neighborhood Health Center
Hometown: Cambridge, MA
Marital Status: Married July 15,2006
Spouse's Name & Occupation: Jeff Reifenberger Research Scientist, Helicos Biosciences
Children: Not yet, but I'm taking a poll for the future. Doesn't Beau Reifenberger sound like a sports star? My husband hates it! :)
What has changed about you?
• Not much, besides the fact that I started running. Jeff and I are training for the Baltimore Marathon in October.
What hasn't?
• I'd like to think I'm still the fun-loving and social gal I always have been and usually going non-stop.
Best (or Worst) thing about being in your late 20's.
• I really have no complaints. God is good. Life is good. I was just saying to someone the other day how I love being grown-up and getting to do whatever I want. Somehow I don't feel old enough to be "grown up." But hey, I had cereal and ice cream for dinner the other night and there was nobody there to tell me "no."
Significant events for you in the last 10 years:
• I would definitely have to say the last year and a half have contained a number of significant events.
• Got married in July '06 went on an amazing honeymoon to Alaska, my husband finished his thesis in November and then got a job in Cambridge, Mass.
• In January we moved halfway across the country for Jeff's career and I started a new job myself in April.
• Other than that, finishing my Masters in 2003 and the birth of my niece, Reagan in 2005 have been definite highlights. I love being an Auntie. I'm shooting for Aunt of the Year, two years running.
Will you be attending the reunion: Wouldn't Miss It!
Occupation: Physician Assistant Chronic Disease Management and Pediatric Departments at East Boston Neighborhood Health Center
Hometown: Cambridge, MA
Marital Status: Married July 15,2006
Spouse's Name & Occupation: Jeff Reifenberger Research Scientist, Helicos Biosciences
Children: Not yet, but I'm taking a poll for the future. Doesn't Beau Reifenberger sound like a sports star? My husband hates it! :)
What has changed about you?
• Not much, besides the fact that I started running. Jeff and I are training for the Baltimore Marathon in October.
What hasn't?
• I'd like to think I'm still the fun-loving and social gal I always have been and usually going non-stop.
Best (or Worst) thing about being in your late 20's.
• I really have no complaints. God is good. Life is good. I was just saying to someone the other day how I love being grown-up and getting to do whatever I want. Somehow I don't feel old enough to be "grown up." But hey, I had cereal and ice cream for dinner the other night and there was nobody there to tell me "no."
Significant events for you in the last 10 years:
• I would definitely have to say the last year and a half have contained a number of significant events.
• Got married in July '06 went on an amazing honeymoon to Alaska, my husband finished his thesis in November and then got a job in Cambridge, Mass.
• In January we moved halfway across the country for Jeff's career and I started a new job myself in April.
• Other than that, finishing my Masters in 2003 and the birth of my niece, Reagan in 2005 have been definite highlights. I love being an Auntie. I'm shooting for Aunt of the Year, two years running.
Will you be attending the reunion: Wouldn't Miss It!
Jeff Cook
.
Occupation: Medical resident at University of Wisconsin right now, though this will be my last year there--I will start at Illinois Masonic hospital I Chicago next June.
Hometown: Stoughton, Wisconsin, but my heart is always in "R.K.F.D" if you know what I mean.
Marital Status: married
Spouse's Name & Occupation: Emily (Sterett), she is a soon to be full-fledged teacher of middle school English. She is also a part-time bar maid so we can afford gas and food.
Children: (Names & Ages)-none yet. Plan on naming kid Dolph whether it is boy or girl.
Pets: Two white cats who are also gay lovers from what I can tell. Their names are Junior and Lovie, the latter after one of my favorite dudes of all time, Lovie Smith, head coach of the Chicago Bears.
What hasn't changed about you? Always a hard question to answer. I don't think I've changed all that much. I still put my Z-Cavaricci's and Girbaud jeans on one leg at a time, and "tight-roll" them just as tight, if not tighter.
What has?
I would like to think I'm not as much of a "spaz", but I suppose no one thinks that of themselves in the moment. Also I'm learning a trade, which is nice.
Best (or Worst) thing about being in your late 20's.
The best thing is that one can get a sense of the good things that are ahead, the worst thing is still being too poor to do any of them right now. (This may not apply to those of you who have actually "graduated")
Significant events for you in the last 10 years:
• Went to UW Eau Claire for one year.
• Dad passed away in 1997
• Got B.S. in Biological Sciences at University of Illinois-Chicago, at Ankur Vaghani's recommendation.
• Got M.D. at University of Illinois College of Medicine-Rockford.
• Moved from the perennial "worst city in the US" to live (Rockford) to the perennial "best" (Madison) for residency. Funny how I would way rather be in Rockford.
• Bought first house in August 2006.
• Learned how to remodel kitchens and bathrooms.
• Got married in February 2007.
• Matched into Chicago program in June 2007.
• Currently frantically trying to figure out how to sell a house in Stoughton, WI. I'll take offers. No, seriously.
Will you be attending the reunion: Not sure—depends on whether Schuetz and/or Mathison goes.
P.S. If someone has Grant Heinrich's email please give it to me. I would like to track him down.
Occupation: Medical resident at University of Wisconsin right now, though this will be my last year there--I will start at Illinois Masonic hospital I Chicago next June.
Hometown: Stoughton, Wisconsin, but my heart is always in "R.K.F.D" if you know what I mean.
Marital Status: married
Spouse's Name & Occupation: Emily (Sterett), she is a soon to be full-fledged teacher of middle school English. She is also a part-time bar maid so we can afford gas and food.
Children: (Names & Ages)-none yet. Plan on naming kid Dolph whether it is boy or girl.
Pets: Two white cats who are also gay lovers from what I can tell. Their names are Junior and Lovie, the latter after one of my favorite dudes of all time, Lovie Smith, head coach of the Chicago Bears.
What hasn't changed about you? Always a hard question to answer. I don't think I've changed all that much. I still put my Z-Cavaricci's and Girbaud jeans on one leg at a time, and "tight-roll" them just as tight, if not tighter.
What has?
I would like to think I'm not as much of a "spaz", but I suppose no one thinks that of themselves in the moment. Also I'm learning a trade, which is nice.
Best (or Worst) thing about being in your late 20's.
The best thing is that one can get a sense of the good things that are ahead, the worst thing is still being too poor to do any of them right now. (This may not apply to those of you who have actually "graduated")
Significant events for you in the last 10 years:
• Went to UW Eau Claire for one year.
• Dad passed away in 1997
• Got B.S. in Biological Sciences at University of Illinois-Chicago, at Ankur Vaghani's recommendation.
• Got M.D. at University of Illinois College of Medicine-Rockford.
• Moved from the perennial "worst city in the US" to live (Rockford) to the perennial "best" (Madison) for residency. Funny how I would way rather be in Rockford.
• Bought first house in August 2006.
• Learned how to remodel kitchens and bathrooms.
• Got married in February 2007.
• Matched into Chicago program in June 2007.
• Currently frantically trying to figure out how to sell a house in Stoughton, WI. I'll take offers. No, seriously.
Will you be attending the reunion: Not sure—depends on whether Schuetz and/or Mathison goes.
P.S. If someone has Grant Heinrich's email please give it to me. I would like to track him down.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Janet Guffey
.
Occupation: Land Steward at Nachusa Grasslands Nature Preserve/The Nature Conservancy.
Hometown: Franklin Grove, IL
Marital Status: Single
Pets: One Cat, Harry--he's the best!
What has changed about you?
• I discovered my passion after several unsuccessful attempts at finding my place in the working world. I am committed to environmental conservation and am very proud of the work that I do.
What hasn't?
• Other than that I'm still the same as I was in high school. Still a music lover and still very much in the clouds.
Best (or Worst) thing about being in your late 20's.
• I can't really think of anything bad about it. I'm looking forward to my 30's--they just might be the best years of my life. The best part of being in my late 20's is having experienced the ups and downs of life in the real world and using those experiences to guide me in the direction of my dreams. I am more confident now than I have ever been before.
Significant events for you in the last 10 years:
• I graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a BA in History and a minor in Environmental Studies.
• I had originally planned on being a teacher, but decided to go the other route and work in the conservation field.
• Prior to finishing college I worked in sales and as a greenhouse tech.
• I worked on a farm in Montana, hiked parts of the Appalachian Trail, and spent time camping and canoeing the Boundary Waters in Northern Minnesota.
o Those are a few of the most memorable places I've visited. I would like to travel overseas some time soon.
Will you be attending the reunion: I am not sure yet.
Occupation: Land Steward at Nachusa Grasslands Nature Preserve/The Nature Conservancy.
Hometown: Franklin Grove, IL
Marital Status: Single
Pets: One Cat, Harry--he's the best!
What has changed about you?
• I discovered my passion after several unsuccessful attempts at finding my place in the working world. I am committed to environmental conservation and am very proud of the work that I do.
What hasn't?
• Other than that I'm still the same as I was in high school. Still a music lover and still very much in the clouds.
Best (or Worst) thing about being in your late 20's.
• I can't really think of anything bad about it. I'm looking forward to my 30's--they just might be the best years of my life. The best part of being in my late 20's is having experienced the ups and downs of life in the real world and using those experiences to guide me in the direction of my dreams. I am more confident now than I have ever been before.
Significant events for you in the last 10 years:
• I graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a BA in History and a minor in Environmental Studies.
• I had originally planned on being a teacher, but decided to go the other route and work in the conservation field.
• Prior to finishing college I worked in sales and as a greenhouse tech.
• I worked on a farm in Montana, hiked parts of the Appalachian Trail, and spent time camping and canoeing the Boundary Waters in Northern Minnesota.
o Those are a few of the most memorable places I've visited. I would like to travel overseas some time soon.
Will you be attending the reunion: I am not sure yet.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Leigh (Leonard) Warkins
.
Occupation: Currently, I am a stay at home wife & Mom.
• I also assist my husband in managing our business.
• I became a licensed cosmetologist in 1998 & worked in a salon until December of 2004. With our growing business & our expanding family, my husband built a small salon in our home in January of 2005, which was more accommodating. However in July 2006 after the birth of our third child & a move to a new house, I decided to take a break from the cosmetology field completely. It was an easy decision to make given the position of wife & mother is my dream job.
Hometown: Rockford, IL
Marital Status: Married to Rob since August 7, 1999
Spouse: Rob Warkins, 31, self employed electrical contractor.
• We started our own company in October of 2002; Warkins Electric, specializing in new construction & remodeling.
Children: Whitney Grace (6yrs.), Avery Faith (4yrs.), & Levi Christian-Stone (1yr.)
Pets: We have 2 pets. Our dog George, a Boston Terrier, & a Himalayan cat named Milo.
What has changed:
• My faith has changed over the last 10 years. It's become stronger & more rooted.
What hasn’t changed:
• Something that hasn't changed is my trust in God, He's always provided.
The best thing about being in my late 20's:
• I've achieved my goals to this point & have what I've always wanted.
The worst thing:
• The worst thing is that 30 is just around the corner! I remember when my Mom turned 30!
The most significant events for me in the last 10 years:
• Of course, my marriage to Rob, he's an amazing husband & father
• The birth of our 3 children, they are blessings!
Will you be attending the reunion? Yes
Occupation: Currently, I am a stay at home wife & Mom.
• I also assist my husband in managing our business.
• I became a licensed cosmetologist in 1998 & worked in a salon until December of 2004. With our growing business & our expanding family, my husband built a small salon in our home in January of 2005, which was more accommodating. However in July 2006 after the birth of our third child & a move to a new house, I decided to take a break from the cosmetology field completely. It was an easy decision to make given the position of wife & mother is my dream job.
Hometown: Rockford, IL
Marital Status: Married to Rob since August 7, 1999
Spouse: Rob Warkins, 31, self employed electrical contractor.
• We started our own company in October of 2002; Warkins Electric, specializing in new construction & remodeling.
Children: Whitney Grace (6yrs.), Avery Faith (4yrs.), & Levi Christian-Stone (1yr.)
Pets: We have 2 pets. Our dog George, a Boston Terrier, & a Himalayan cat named Milo.
What has changed:
• My faith has changed over the last 10 years. It's become stronger & more rooted.
What hasn’t changed:
• Something that hasn't changed is my trust in God, He's always provided.
The best thing about being in my late 20's:
• I've achieved my goals to this point & have what I've always wanted.
The worst thing:
• The worst thing is that 30 is just around the corner! I remember when my Mom turned 30!
The most significant events for me in the last 10 years:
• Of course, my marriage to Rob, he's an amazing husband & father
• The birth of our 3 children, they are blessings!
Will you be attending the reunion? Yes
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