Looking Back for Inspiration--Barry Flicker and the Boyertown High School Class of '65 Remember and Reflect

The Boyertown High School Class of ’65 held a reunion recently. Classmate Barry Flicker, encouraged by his wife to talk to everyone, took top billing as entertainer of the evening at my table. Barry will tell you he talks a lot, and he’ll apologize, but all of us at the table enjoyed listening to the story of his life! And there’s so much he told us!

He counts himself as a “jerk” in high school. Drafted into the Army after graduation in ’65 with 18 or so of his fellow graduates, he was destined, he thought, to Viet Nam. Instead, the Army selected him for Leadership Training (Who me, he laughs!)—a surprise to him he’ll never quite understand and sent him to Korea. And yet, labeling him a "leader," became a self-fulfilling prophecy: he went on to earn several Master’s degrees during his years as a teacher and ended his career in education as a popular superintendent. 

A jerk? I think not! He took what he calls the "Boyertown values" of hard work and determination when he left high school, along with what his English teacher, the iconic Jean Read, taught him. And, if anything, his less-than-stellar high school academic life gave him the ability to reach students like the kind of student he had been, to challenge and help them become better students. Lovingly, he credits support from the “rock” of his life—his wife--for the focus (and a college dictionary) that led to his success.

We heard all about his decision one night never to shovel coal again, his employment with Met-Ed even though he hates heights, how he managed to get into college with the help of a friend and secure tutoring from the smartest “Janes” in his college classes. Barry’s career advice? Don’t talk! Size up the other members in the room—the classroom or the board room—find the smartest ones and learn from them, keep learning, and take others to Walden Pond with you so they learn too. Pretty good advice from a guy who didn’t seem to have a clue what an inspiring life story he would share with the members of his class of 57 years ago!

If you attend reunions of this sort, you know that it’s tough trying to figure out who’s who after 57 years. We all look different—some look a lot different! Name tags with yearbook photos help. Studying the yearbook before the event can trigger memories and recognition. But there’s no guarantee the people who attend are those you knew “back in the day,” so there is a good chance—in a class of over 350--you won’t know some--or any--who show up. And then there are spouses and friends of classmates who attend and are unknowns, yet deserve sincere attention. The event can be exhausting—a bit like speed dating!

I always go. I always hope to see my friend Dennis beside whom I sat for most of our junior and senior high classes—seating students alphabetically was popular among teachers at the time. I remember his handwriting; I reviewed his notes often when my mind drifted. I don’t think he ever asked for mine!

I enjoy listening to others’ stories of their lives—it’s always fun, remembering them, to learn if their lives turned out as they’d hoped. Sharing photos of grandchildren—or by this time, great-grandchildren--is popular conversation. So, too, are tales of medical challenges!

At the end of the evening, it’s humbling to review the list of those who have passed—especially those who have passed since the last time we met. It’s a good reminder that time stops for no one. Best to share your story while there are those who knew you “when” and who will care.

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