Frank Slowinski

COMMERCIAL FILM MAKER

Revisiting Reavis class of ‘03 Memories: My 20 Year High School Reunion 10/7/23

It may have taken 20 years , but the band finally got back together - if only for a photo op

High school is a time in our lives that's often filled with unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships, and personal growth. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending my 20th-year high school reunion and it was an experience that brought a flood of nostalgia and reflection. As I snuck into the back entrance of Bourbon Street with my trusty camera in hand, I was transported back in time, surrounded by familiar faces and the ghosts of youthful antics. It was a night that made me appreciate how far I've come as a person and how much more there is to discover on this journey called life.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of the reunion was reconnecting with old friends. Faces that I hadn't seen in years suddenly appeared, and it was as if time had stood still. We reminisced about the silly antics we had engaged in back in the day, from memorable pranks to our favorite memories. I shared a moment with a friend who disclosed to me that my sense of humor helped him get thru one of the darkest times of his life. It was a beautiful thing. I had no idea I had touched peoples lives in the way that I have. I just thought I was a complete idiot floating through life this whole time, with untapped potential. Little did I know I have already been impacting lives since I could talk as a child. Sometimes I challenge people, sometimes I do weird shit, but 99% of the time , it is coming from a good place. I live to entertain and inspire.

As I mingled with my former classmates, I couldn't help but reflect on how much we had all changed. We were no longer the teenagers we once were, filled with youthful exuberance and naivety. Life had taken us on different paths, and it was inspiring to hear about the various accomplishments and adventures that everyone had embarked upon. For myself, I realized just how much I had grown as a person since those high school days. The challenges and experiences I had faced had shaped me into the individual I am today, and I was proud of the progress I had made.

The Popularity Paradox:

High school is often viewed through the lens of popularity, and attending the reunion reminded me of the complex nature of this concept. On one hand, I was surprised to discover that I was more popular than I had thought back in the day - I was surprised that more people remembered me and specific details that have stuck with them - For example, Steve Thomas remembering me punching him in the stomach because he owed me money from a bootlegged THREE SIX MAFIA CD that I burned for him. Back when we had to sit there and record a damn CD in real time to steal a song. There was no Spotify - times have certainly changed. Our peers seem to generally be against social media, as I have a love / hate relationship with it myself… Hell, I’m making a damn documentary film about it! It is currently in production… SEE HERE. but there is value in keeping up with old friends online. Even the people who you had beef with, somehow , at least I feel, any animosity has dissolved for the most part. I truly hope there is nobody sitting out there polishing a rifle with my name on a list , like in the movie Billy Madison. I have tried to right all my wrongs , like the TV show MY NAME IS EARL. I still owe certain peoples family members a brand new car for smashing into their car on prom night 2003. We drove around all night looking for a good party but never found one. After dropping a good friend off, I smashed into his sisters car because I was so damned tired from all the driving. I vowed I would become rich and famous one day and buy his sister a brand new car. I’m still working on that and other promises I’ve made to myself.

People I had barely known or interacted with in high school now approached me with warm greetings and fond memories. On the other hand, I realized just how many people I didn't recognize at all. High school is a large community, and there were classmates who had been there all along, but our paths had never crossed. It was a reminder that popularity is subjective, and our perceptions of it can change over time.

Looking Forward to the Future:

The 20th-year high school reunion was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the past and appreciate the present. It left me eagerly anticipating the next reunion, where I can reconnect with even more old friends and make new memories. Life is a journey, and our high school years are just a small part of it. I left the reunion with a renewed sense of gratitude for the experiences and friendships that had shaped me and a sense of excitement for the adventures that lie ahead.

Enjoy the videos and screenshots from my favorite moments as seen thru my lens. I did my best to warm up the dance floor and get people shaking their asses a bit. I have a TON of ideas for our 30th year reunion or maybe even a 25th year if anyone is interested in helping plan, please reach out, thank you.

reavis 03 20 yr reunion DFGRETYRTYU.jpeg

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