Phil Arra:
CLASS OF 1964
Harrison High SchoolClass of 1964
Harrison, NY
Good Counsel CollegeClass of 1968
White plains, NY
Phil's Story
With warm feelings, I think back to our time in high school. We seemed to have drifted away from our roots at Harrison. To me, it's a beautiful town, with the memories and smells of our upbringing-- I get the same feelings, as I watch 'The Christmas Story' movie. Scouting and the band were my main preoccupations. Mr. Contardi had the greatest impact on me, to start my life and continue to enjoy the joy of music that he instilled in me. Mr. Norman Wurtsburger, our scout troop leader was another preeminent guiding light...discipline and all that was apart of scouting, at that time. To all our dedicated teachers, I thank the most for sharing their generational thoughts and values.
I wasn't very social, but I had a brief time with Betty Ann Carpenter ('65) that was special to me; although, she probably didn't notice me. I wouldn't mind talking/seeing her, once more. Today, I am married (46 yrs) to my H.S. sweetheart, Judy... some may remember her. Our two boys are grown, now. We are proud of their accomplishments and their progeny. After all, they are our legacy to the world.
It amazes me how our values and our ambition change with the t...Expand for more
imes of our lives. As we all have done, we had the last 50 yrs. to fulfill our hopes and dreams.
After graduating UCONN ('68), we married and I worked in Connecticut public health; subsequently, I moved to Virginia to work in vocational education, experienced the construction field and was drawn to start my own company. More recently, I have taught middle & high school in Fairfax County, VA, along with my business. Finally, 2012, I was involved in an auto accident that took away my ability to be in construction and, after a nine month attempt to return to the classroom, I finally retired from teaching, too. Judy taught Spanish and retired, as well.
Today, we are retired in Northern Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. Our time is filled with family and physical therapy. It's amazing how the time goes by.
Whenever the occasion presents itself, I would look forward to seeing you all at a reunion, or wherever we encounter each other. I would appreciate any class news. We are so lucky, as many of our friends-- Alan S., Barry A., Ronnie A. didn't make it to live a lengthy life; but their time with us will always be unforgettable.
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