A.J. Navarro:
CLASS OF 1986
Miami Norland High SchoolClass of 1986
Miami, FL
Miami Norland High SchoolClass of 1986
Miami, FL
Columbus High SchoolClass of 1964
Miami, FL
Immaculata/La Salle High SchoolClass of 1964
Miami, FL
Saint Michael the Archangel SchoolClass of 1960
Miami, FL
A.J.'s Story
Life
Right after college graduation I began teaching at Miami Norland High School where I spent 17 wonderful years in the Social Studies Department. I coached tennis and debate, served as Department Chair, and spent some time in Administration as well. I eventually transferred to North Miami Beach where I was also Department Chair and taught until I took early retirement in 2000.
I have two terrific kids, AJ and Laurie, with my first wife, Debbie. A year after we divorced, I remarried. Karyl and I had seven amazing years together (at least I thought they were pretty amazing). I had trouble appreciating the intensity of her passion for music. She wanted to persue her Doctorate. Stupidly,I did not support her, fearing it would jeopardize our marriage. It did anyway, so we parted, but remain friends.
Twelve years ago, I married my wife Rona. We had been good friends for a long time prior to that. Given my track record with women, my friends took bets on how long we would last. I'm happy to report that we proved them all wrong :). Rona is the kind of wife every man dreams about. She is smart,sexy,beautiful, caring, and a real partner. I am truly blessed. I don't think she will ever fully know
or grasp the depth of my love for her. She makes me complete. I cannot even begin to imagine my life without her.
I positivly hated living in south Florida. I think I was around ten years old when I vowed to someday escape that place. Rona and I moved to Tallahassee as soon as we could get out of there. Love it here - rolling hills,four seasons, friendly people, fresh air and great natural beauty. I have found great inner peace here. being removed from the craziness south Florida has become. I dread even visiting the place. Hard to believe Tallahassee and Miami even exist in the same state !
I've become something of a house junkie. We have built three homes since we moved to Tallahassee, each larger than the one before. Our present home is 4,800 SF, just perfect for empty nesters!!!
I was also fortunate to discover that several of my Sig Ep fraternity brothers from FSU, and several cherished friends live here in town.
Last summer we bought some property in Edgefield SC (near Augusta)with the idea of maybe moving there when Rona retires in a few years. It will take alot to move me out of Tallahassee though.
I have lots of time to persue my hobbies (landscaping, tennis, golf and sta...Expand for more
mp collecting). I also serve as President of the Board of Directors for my neighborhood association. Golden Eagle has over 3,000 residents, and a 3/4 million dollar budget to manage, so it has become pretty much a full time job. It is wonderful to be able to do volunteer work for your community.
My son AJ and his wife Jenifer live in Powell, Ohio. He is the senior VP for Marketing for Abercrombie and Fitch, and Jen worked for the biotech research division of Johnson and Johnson before she took time off to be a full time mom. Our first grandaughter, Ashley Lynn was born January 29, 2004. In 2006 we were blessed with a second grandaughter, Sydney Anne, who was born on May, 30. They are the apple of their Pawpaw's eye. Jen and AJ recently had their third child, Addison.
We also have another grandaughter through Rona's daughter, Tara. Samantha Marie, is just about the coolest seven year old in the entire Universe. Tara recently gave birth to a son, Austin.
My beautiful daughter, Laurie Lee is an elementary school teacher in south Florida. I am so proud that she continued the family tradition, and went into teaching.She recently bought her first home. She and her fiance Andy got married in May. It was a beautiful ceremony. I was so proud to walk her down the aisle. Andy is a highly successful motivational speaker who has written several books.
Laurie is expecting in February 2011.
It's been great hearing from so many of my old students. It has been particularly gratifying to see that so many of you have gone into teaching. Even two of my old Interact jocks, Mike Kypriss, and Dana Witten are social studies teachers in Miami. Dana was recently appointed Department Head at NMB, and Mike coaches the award winning tennis program at Michael Kropp High School.
I am also impressed to hear that so many of my old debate team students have persued careers in the law. Others like Clay Armbrister, is a Senior Vice President at Temple University, Sam Marcosson is a law professor at the Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville, Howard Pohl is Chief Assistant in the felony division with The Dade County State's Attorneys office. George Poulos has served as chaplain for the City of Miami Police Department and is an ordained minister. I am so proud of each and every one of you.
Please email me and let me know what you have been up to. I promise to reply to everyone who writes.
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