Fellow Classmates of 1957:

As we contemplate that it has been fifty years since we identified ourselves as Tarpons, and plan an event to celebrate this milestone, let's also consider a special opportunity this moment provides us.  As graduates when Fortier High School was providing the undisputed best public high school education in New Orleans, and having seen an awful decline from that achievement over the years, we now can appreciate the renewal of the school.  While it may never again be the Fortier we knew, even in name as well as curriculum and program, we can at least send a message to the students of the "new" school that us grandparents regard them as special teenagers because they are going to a revitalized school in the same building where we benefited so much.   We have all found ways to support New Orleans over the last two years; however, the occasion of being alums for fifty years provides the opportunity to let the kids know we believe in them and we are counting on them to be leaders in a new New Orleans.

Obviously, a visible way to do this is by providing a financial gift to the school from our class.  We can make this statement of support for the students, and it will also indicate appreciation for the adults who are involved in renewing the school, if each of us, whether attending the November 10 reunion or not, will send a check that we can forward to the school.  Make the check payable to Lusher Charter School, send it to Roy at the address below.  We will present the bundle of checks to the school. You will receive a tax acknowledgment statement from the school. Of course, checks will also be accepted at the reunion party.

While much has been given to the school already, we can feel confident that the school will especially appreciate this gift and will put it to meaningful use on behalf of the students.  We plan to leave it up to the school as to how to use it.

So, lets be generous in this regard, and show the Fortier/Lusher students, faculty, school governing board and the city that we believe in them!

Thanks for your contribution,

Fortier Class of '57 Reunion Committee
Freida Trestman Gottsegen  Jane Lampert Pane
Carl Merlin                            Sandra Glynn Baldenhofer
Brian (Kottwitz) Morse          Mary Moore Jumonville
Roy Perrin                             Noel Gilbert
Tritta Hill Schmidt                  Judy Feehan Serice
Adrian Couvillion

Make checks payable to: Lusher Charter School
Mail to:
Fortier Reunion Committee
c/o Roy Perrin P.O. Box 7118
Metairie, LA 70010