Michelle Mendes:
CLASS OF 1988
Lafollette High SchoolClass of 1988
Madison, WI
Schenk Middle SchoolClass of 1984
Madison, WI
Kennedy Elementary SchoolClass of 1981
Madison, WI
Michelle's Story
Life
In school, you knew me as Shelly or Michelle Nielsen, depending upon the years you knew me. I was also known for the "HOT TUB" parties! (Scary thought now that I'm a mother!) I attended Madison schools from Kind - 11th grade. The summer between Junior and Senior year, after my father had lost the election for Sheriff, my family moved to California. On 6/22/1991 I married my best friend and billiards partner Louis. In 1995 we purchased our home in Torrance where I am still living with my husband of over 17 years, Louis, and our 2 children. We have a teenage son, 1, Corey who graduated from North High School here in Torrance in June of 2008. He would like to attend USC of Long Beach to play for the Long Beach Dirt Bags, but has also found that he likes poker and can't wait to turn 21 and hit Vegas. He is really good, but as his mother, I'm not encouraging it! Our daughter, Alexandrea, whom we call Alex just turned 16, but is special needs. Unfortunately in January, 2005, she had a mild stroke that floored us all. But she is doing great and is our special angel! My husband still operates the family business close to home. My Mom, Dad, Sister, Brother in law and nephew all just recently relolcated to Albuquerque NM due to job changes. I am now the only one left in CA! I try to visit Madison at least once a year, and still have many close friends living there. Angel (Hoerz) Hodsdon and Carrie (Klubertanz) Anderson, Erin Weihert, Gary Dinga, Shawn Mcdonald, Scott Johnson, Scott Braun and families will always have a special place in my heart. I miss them all and try to visit whenever I make it back. I am in email contact with most of my fellow Badger friends and am blessed to have had the mid-west upbringing that I did. I do however love living in California and couldn't imagine living anywhere else. Well, maybe NM someday!
School
I have so many wonderful memories of High School in Madison. Even though I graduated from Torrance High in California, I consider myself an alumni of LaFollette. I know how exciting 9th - 11th grade where, I can only imagine that 12th would have been just crazy! I regret not having been able to celebrate and graduate with all my fellow seniors and the Class of 1988 but I will not forget th...Expand for more
e years I did have. I remember the games, dances and parties I attended which often lead me into wondering about my own Freshman son. If he is anything like I was I am in for trouble. Luckily, we don't have a hot tub! (You may remember those parties!) I can remember third period, or my lack there of and Burger King for whoppers and AC/DC Back in Black (Gary and Scott will remember that :>) I remember Wallygators, and the Stone Hearth. Music mixing with Tim O'Connell, Mike Peterson and Kevin Butler. Quarters in the back of my van with Rootbeer Schnapps and Tim dropping Sean Reinacher (sp?) on his head at the stone hearth and treating my mom to purple noodles! Bone fire field parties and the tickets I talked myself out of because of my father :>), and puddle jumping on State Street in the REAL Rain, (California people freak out when it rains!) I miss the friendship bonds that only the daily hustle and bustle of high school can provide. I will forever be greatful to Pam (Young) Brien, Carrie (Klubertanz) Anderson, and Colleen (Richards) Peltier. We were inseperable. Carrie and I recently exchanged notes we had found that we had saved from high school, what an adventurous friendship we all had! We are all dotted around the US so we don't get the opportunity other than reunions to see each other. Thanks you guys, for all the terrific memories.
Workplace
I hated math in school so who would have imagined my career would wind up being in the financial world. I am currently the controller for an export company in Redondo Beach, California.
Military
After moving to California and attending just one year of school here at Torrance High, (which is where Beverly Hills 90210 was actually filmed), I joined the Army Reserve as a combat medic. I went to basic training in Alabama where I actually ran into Stacy Northrop (now Davis) as we were in the same basic training unit. How ironic as we had been neighbors in Madison for over 11 years. I did my medical training in Texas at Fort Sam. I enjoyed my years with the service and recieved my honorable discharge on February 23rd, 1995 a day before my 25th birthday. I have very fond memories and some not so fond, but I know I wouldn't be the person I am today without that experience.
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Reunions
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