Robin Meade steals the spotlight

NEW LONDON — Robin Meade, New London High School class of 1987, was the star of the 131st annual New London High School Alumni Celebration held June 18 in the school cafetorium. Meade made a surprise entrance when New London former music teacher and principal Jim Van Sickle was called to the front by Alumni Association President Eric Ebinger, class of '95. Her appearance seemed to stun Van Sickle, who gave her a big hug. Meade then called Van Sickle's wife, Anne, a former New London teacher, to the front and announced they were now "honorary Wildcat New London graduates" for their many years of service to the school, as well as the community. Meade, the 1992 Miss Ohio, is now the lead news anchor for HLN's morning show "Morning Express with Robin Meade." She was a student of Van Sickle's, went to school with the Van Sickle children and has remained good friends with the family. Another surprise during the evening was a tribute video to the current New London teachers who graduated from the school. Put together by Jeremy Gessner, Class of '95, the teachers talked about their own New London teachers and how these people affected their lives. Superintendent Brad Romano outlined some of the changes COVID brought to the school and discussed some of the developments of the past year and plans for the coming year. The Alumni Association presented $750 scholarships to recent NL graduates Grace Crawshaw, Jill Joppeck, Alivia Lansford and Lacey Hall. The most senior alumni in attendance were Lois Fetterman Neel, Class of '50; Vaughn Neel, Class of '48; Harold Erlenbach, Class of '48; Jean Haynes Myers, Class of '47; Dorothy Moffit Copsey, Class of '47; and Dean Bailey, Class of '45. Others who participated in the evening were Boy Scout Troop 217 led by Terry Knudsen, Class of '73, and Girl Scout Troop 51117 led by Amanda Gum, Class of '01; Lynette Carroll, Class of '81; and Dalee Speicher, Class of '03. In addition to Ebinger, Alumni Association officers are Class of '75 Wendy Hall Kidd, secretary, and Class of '03 Steve Fawcett, treasurer. Next year's celebration is June 17, 2023.