Acknowledging the Past

This month marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of Andrew Warde High School. Of course, this is also the 30th anniversary of our graduation from the Melville Avenue school. I would like to see Warde High acknowledge and celebrate its 50th anniversary during the Thanksgiving Day football game against rival Ludlowe.

I spent one afternoon at Fairfield Warde in May of this year taking digital photos for our class reunion Web site, and I didn't find one reference to Andrew Warde High School. The gymnasiums and trophy cases are full of Fairfield High and Fairfield Warde championship banners and awards. However, there isn't any acknowledgement of Andrew Warde High School anywhere.

Do you think the school should hold a ceremony at the Thanksgiving Day football game commemorating the 50th anniversary of its opening? I'd like to know. You're invited to participate in the new poll I included in the right-hand margin of the page.

Here is a letter I sent to current headmaster James Coyne and his reply to me about a Thanksgiving Day tribute to the rich history of Andrew Warde High School:



The new football field at Fairfield Warde High School sparkles following the construction of new grandstands, a press box, and the installation of artificial turf. The field, which the Andrew Warde Crimson Eagles called home for nearly 30 years, is now home to the Warde Mustangs, who open their gridiron season tonight against FCIAC rival New Canaan.

Good morning, Mr. Coyne.

I am the morning meteorologist at News 12 Connecticut in Norwalk and a 1976 graduate of Andrew Warde High School. This year marked our 30th reunion. As a member of the reunion committee, I was thrilled with the response. Over 200 people, several teachers, and our former headmaster, Robert Genualdi, attended the event in August.

As you know, this month marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of Andrew Warde High School. This Thanksgiving Day will mark the second renewal of the Warde vs. Ludlowe football rivalry on our home turf. The last time both schools met at Warde was on Thanksgiving Day, 1984, the last-ever varsity football game for the Andrew Warde Crimson Eagles.



Fifty years ago, Fern Tetreau was named the first football coach at Warde, coming over from Roger Ludlowe High School, the town's charter secondary school. Tetreau instantly turned the Warde football program into a winner, even coaching against his sons, Mike and Jack, who played football at Ludlowe. Fern is still living in Fairfield, as are his sons who are actively involved in Fairfield's Pop Warner football program.

This Thanksgiving would be a perfect opportunity to celebrate the rich history of our fine high school. There are so many famous people who graduated from Warde/Fairfield High, including James Blake, J. J. Henry, John Mayer, Linda Kozlowski, and others. I would be more than happy to help if anyone at the school is interested in celebrating the school's 50th anniversary at the Thanksgiving Day football game.



Over the years, graduates of Andrew Warde, Fairfield High, and now Fairfield Warde have been quite proud of their school. My son is slated to attend Ludlowe High in two years, but I am going to request that he attend Warde. We should celebrate and acknowledge this milestone at Warde High School.

Sincerely,
Paul Piorek

Dear Paul:

Your enthusiasm for your alma mater is impressive and is a testament to the spirit of this school. I will pass along your suggestion to our Director of Athletics, Chris Manfredonia, for him to consider in his planning for this year's game.

Thanks for taking the time to fill me in on some of the history and for caring so much about our school.

Jim Coyne
Headmaster