By Julia Boyle
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

This October, America’s oldest public high school, Towson High, in Baltimore County, celebrated its centennial.

More than 240 alumni and guests gathered at Oakcrest for “One Grand Reunion,” organized by the nearly 60 alumni who live at the Parkville community.

“I live here and couldn’t have put it together without the help from residents here,” said Deane Clark Laycock, chairperson of the centennial committee.

“I’m very pleased with the  turnout,” Laycock said over a plate of roast turkey breast, stuffing, and rolls prepared by Oak Crest’s catering department.

‘Sealed by friendship’s tie’
 The turnout itself reflected the school’s alma mater, “Sealed by friendship’s tie,” and most people said that was the best part about the event.

“It’s seeing all the people you haven’t seen for a long time. That’s why everybody comes,” said Maxine Marshall, a 1947 alum who traveled from Reisterstown.

Colleen and Larry Harback, from the class of ’53, agreed. “ The best part is seeing all the graduates,” Larry Harback said.  The Harback’s attend almost all alumni association functions, but made a  special effort to attend this one.

A stately affair
State Senators Katherine Klausmeier, of the 8th district in Parkville, and James Brochin, of the 42nd district in Towson, also attended.

“To know that Towson High is 100 years old is just tremendous,” Klausmeier said in an address to the audience.

Other notable guests included Assistant Secretary of State Ellen Sauerbrey, class of ’55; Education Policy Advisor for the office of Governor O’Malley, Pat Foerster; and Towson High School Principal Jane Barranger.