Andrew Warde High School Class of 1968 Alum Excited About New School Year at Alma Mater

Donna Green always looks forward to the start of another school year. Even though it's been 40 years since she graduated from Andrew Warde High School, Green will be at the Melville Avenue campus this week to welcome back the staff and students.

That's because she's been working at her alma mater for 13 years, serving as the headmaster's secretary the last three years. The position is a perfect fit for the lifelong Fairfield resident.

"It is very special," said Green when asked how she feels about working at the same high school which she attended in the mid 1960s. "To be back at the school I graduated from is special." Green began working as the bookkeeper for former headmaster John Dodig for 10 years before moving into her current position as secretary for headmaster James Coyne.

Are there any similarities from her days at Warde? "I think the teachers are just as good and just as nice as when I was there," she pointed out. "They are very helpful, and they go out of their way for the kids. They are involved in a lot of extra curricular activities."

As for any differences at the school over the last 40 years, "The kids are more independent because they have cars," she admitted. "A lot of them work. We didn't have cars, and most of us didn't work after school. The kids are a lot different," said Green, who still lives in Fairfield and attended Osborn Hill School and Fairfield Woods Junior High School before moving over to Andrew Warde High School. "The kids are more savvy. I don't know why."

Another glaring difference is the change in the school's mascot, from the Crimson Eagle to the Mustang. Is that a problem for Green? "No, that's not an issue at all," she said. In addition, there isn't anybody left at Warde from her days as a student. "There were a couple of teachers that were there when I was there, but they went over to (Fairfield) Ludlowe (High School). John Honey is one of them."

Opening day for freshman is this Wednesday, August 27. The entire student body reports the following day, Thursday, August 28. Green is one of five people who works year-round at Warde, but she is excited about the start of another school year and the opportunity to welcome the students back.

"It's kind of fun," added Green, who still hasn't decided whether to attend her 40-year reunion yet. Good luck, Donna. Here's hoping that you, the staff, and the entire student body have an outstanding year.

Paul

Please sign the AWHS Guest Book.

Visit the Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop.

Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".