Marking another milestone for Ravenscroft’s first graduating class, members of the Class of 1973 returned to campus last week for their 50th reunion and made school history yet again by processing with the Class of 2023 in their commencement exercises.

Attendees enjoyed several events as part of their celebration, including dinner Thursday night at Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern in downtown Raleigh — the same location where they held their 25th reunion dinner — and, on Friday morning, coffee and a panel discussion featuring Head of School Doreen Kelly, Athletic Director Ned Gonet, Director of Enrollment Management Margaret Mahood Mills ’76 and Upper School student Rachel Zaytoun ’24. They then took a tour of the campus with Associate Head of School for Philanthropy Phil Higginson.

Billy Troxler ’73, who with his wife Marian Wooten Troxler ’74 is also the parent of four Ravenscroft alumni (Katherine ’05, Finch ’07, Lillie ’09 and James ’11), said he enjoyed the class dinner and catching up with classmates.

“The dinner was held at the Second Empire, one of Raleigh’s top restaurants, owned and run by Ravens alum Kim Reynolds ’75. Nine of us turned out, with a handful of spouses for the dinner,” he said. “It was really a great time telling high school stories and reliving the times. It was a grand evening with fabulous food, and our thanks go out to Ravenscroft for hosting us.”

“Attending a 50th high school reunion is a bit surreal, as friendships from a half-century ago flood your emotions and heart with memories, and the impact of those years on our adult lives comes into focus,” classmate Billy Howard ’73 added. “It is difficult to entirely appreciate high school while you are there; it is only with the experience of time that you can truly access what those brief years did in setting your course. From the looks of my fellow classmates, I would suggest it was a true course that helped steer us into meaningful lives.” 

The group also enjoyed coming back to campus and seeing what Ravenscroft is like today.

“In 1973 when we arrived for 11th grade, the Upper School building (now Middle School) had just been completed. It felt just the same today — we could almost see the motorcycle cruising through the back hall,” Troxler said, making a reference to an infamous prank by his class. “The back hall was our gathering place, our student union. We really turned green with envy touring the Olander Center. What a top-notch facility. Another highlight for me was seeing the Innovation Lab in the Keim Center.”

In the afternoon, alumni were joined by members of the Board of Trustees at Christ Baptist Church before the start of Commencement. Wearing gold shawls, they then processed into the venue with the graduating seniors and were recognized for their milestone by Head of School Doreen Kelly. 

Howard said being part of this special moment for the Class of 2023 made his memories of Ravenscroft all the more special.

“I realize now that Ravenscroft gave me a safe haven, where I was able to make mistakes — some of which were doozies — and still be accepted into the community. I needed a smaller school environment to succeed, and Ravenscroft provided that space,” he said. “Our 50th reunion was an opportunity to see Ravenscroft anew and give thanks for the teachers, administrators and classmates that helped me on my path and, for that, I am grateful.” 

 This is not the first time the school has recognized the significance of the Class of 1973. In the 1997-98 school year, Ravenscroft marked the 25th anniversary of its first graduating class with a yearlong series of events, including taking an aerial photograph showing students, faculty and staff, and alumni standing on the football field in the shape of a “25.” 

“We were very proud to welcome back the Class of 1973 to celebrate their 50th reunion and the anniversary of our first graduating class at Ravenscroft,” Kelly said. “We celebrate the important legacy of the Class of 1973 and their special connection and support for the Class of 2023. Our commencement reflected our mission beautifully by honoring legacy and launching the Class of 2023 to meet a complex and interdependent world.”

“To the Class of 2023, thank you for including us in this momentous day of your lives,” Howard concluded. “May you always remember the friendships and experiences you’ve had during your time at Ravenscroft. It was an honor to be seated with you all.”