Lakewood High School - Class of 1998

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ETZ3mCJLz/?mibextid=wwXIfr

So true!

If I could go back in time, I’d stop in the ’90s.

The years when I was a teenager, before technology took over our lives.

I’d go back to the Top 40 Countdown with Casey Kasem, the one where I waited for Bon Jovi’s Always to come on the radio so I could record it on my cassette player.

I’d watch all the classics with Mom again—Murder, She Wrote, Walker, Texas Ranger, and every great episode of TGIF. I’d run during commercial breaks for a quick bathroom stop or snack, because there was no pausing, no streaming, hardly any recording.

I’d walk Main Street with my friends and stop at that payphone, the one that took nickels and dimes. We’d call our crushes’ phones and always get their moms on the other end, because no one had a cell phone.

I’d watch Titanic in the theater with my friends—all five times. And I’d still never understand why Rose couldn’t move over for Jack. I’d sob through it all anyway.

I’d sit in a classroom where the teacher rolled in the TV cart, and I’d help clean chalkboard erasers, clapping the dust into the air.

I’d go back to the library where I created my very first email address and this time, I’d choose a better username.

I’d pass notes to Jessica and Sara and Nikki and Jodi and all my best girlfriends because that was our social media, long before social media.

I’d stop at the old café, the one that let us rent Duck Hunt, Paperboy, and Super Mario Bros. Then I would spend hours playing the video games with my sister and Dad.

I’d be thrilled all over again that one Christmas when Grandma gave me a silk shirt and Mom and Dad gave me a 3-disc CD player. Then I’d play Mariah Carey’s Butterfly CD over and over until it skipped so badly, I could hardly stand it.

I’d cut my hair short and twist it into rows, held back with butterfly clips.

I’d go back to those cornfield bonfires and drop Jolly Ranchers in our Zima. Those nights when we felt alive and free and grown-up, but we were only 18.

I’d sign everyone’s yearbook and promise to be best friends forever just like our graduation song said—even though deep down, we all knew that wouldn’t happen.

We didn’t know how good we had it. We grew up in a time before the world truly changed. We were the last generation before technology took over everything.

We lived in both worlds. And gosh, it was fun.

I’d go back to being a teenager in the ’90s...
just for a moment...
to feel it all again.

✍️ Leslie Means

'98 Spartans! Please fill out this quick survey and spread the word about our potential 25th H.S. reunion. We need your input now on whether to move forward. Thanks! https://www.classcreator.com/St-Petersburg-FL-Lakewood-1998/member_survey_form.cfm?SurveyID=39978

Free Art Contest! Literacy leadership company Living Libraries, run by ℅ '98 Kristi Cruise is seeking your child's art for publication! We are looking all kinds of (non-offensive) art, of all genres, from children of all ages to publish as a part of a huge illustrative collaboration in our next children's book. (No experience necessary!) This exciting book, which helps children WANT to read more, will be our 8th in production!
If your child loves reading, being creative, and think it would be super cool to be named as a "contributing illustrator" in a real children's book, submit here today! https://bit.ly/illustrationcontest

Art Credit: Contest submissions from Bella and Savannah Ramirez

If you are in the Burg on Memorial Day weekend, some of us Spartans are getting together for a dinner at Bernie Moran's CD Roma Restaurant! Join us on 5/30 at 6pm for dinner and drinks, dutch treat. Great idea Kevin Singh!

Hi Class...Some very sad news to share. Another one of our own has passed away, too soon. Ed Cullen https://www.facebook.com/Edward.B.Cullen, class of '97 passed last week ago of a suspected heart attack. Funeral services are today. He leaves behind a wife and 4 young children. Many of us knew Ed well because he was just that kind of guy--always there, always involved, always easy to get to know. He was super involved in swimming and student government, among other things. He was just one of the nicest people ever. I guess it's true what they say, only the good die young. (Please feel free to share your memories of Ed below.)

If you feel moved to help the family with expenses, Sarina Kay https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=12718013 has helped set up a go fund me account: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ed-cullen-family-fundraiser

Obit:
https://www.jeffersmortuary.com/obituary/lee-cullen?lud=72F10F40D78DE7FDB8B57D6F40B5D7DD&fbclid=IwAR0ac4aos8_4ENZZooc1cSUmsLJDKqiaSM_GcubV1Jz5sCeEMeD74krHAY0

Obituary for Lee Edward "ED" Baker Cullen at Jeffers Funeral and Cremation Service Lee Edward Baker Ed Cullen, age 42 of Limestone passed away at home surrounded by family on Wednesday, April 7,2021. He is survived by his wife Makita Cullen. Four children Lee Edward Baker EddieCullen Jr., Sullivan Dale Van Cullen, Malakai Daniel Kai Cullen and Olivia Ryan Liv Cullen. Parents Bill

Our heart goes out to the family of Daniel Oberg. His father, Peter Oberg, was an inspiration for many of us as a teacher and administrator at Lakewood.

Obituary for Daniel P.B. Oberg at Serenity Meadows Memorial Park Funeral Home & Crematory Oberg, Daniel P.B. 37, of Brandon, went home to Jesus on June 7, 2020. Beloved son of Peter and Linda Oberg, brother to Amy Haas Jibilian, Sara Unterfer, and John Pallini, fianc of Brittany Hail, nephew of Paul Oberg and uncle to Megan, Christine, Rachel, Amy, Stephen, Joey, Amanda and

Thanks to those of you who joined us at the 20th Reunion Happy "Hour" on Saturday. Many were missed, but there's always next time. The class really seemed to like the relaxed, drop in atmosphere, folks coming and going as they pleased. Since the format was so well received, we will do the same for our 25th in 2023.

A huge thank you to classmate Bernie Moran for opening up CD Roma's to us. The "Bernie Cocktail" and other drink specials were top-notch, service was excellent and the cuisine especially delicious. If you live in the St. Pete area, we highly encourage you to stop by for lunch or dinner. Bernie might just be there! We personally suggest the homemade fried mozzarella and meatball sub. So, so good!

In true reunion fashion and in light of the television news Emmy's which were also last night, we want to honor some Spartans with few choice awards:

"Official" LHS 20th Reunion Happy Hour Awards

Jared Lessl: "The Travelin' Trooper Award" Jared was the first to arrive, possibly the last to leave and trekked all the way from Kentucky! Jarred has three kiddos, a fly job in IT and a killer bushy beard.

Donny Ross: "The Zach Morris Award" Timeout! All the way from Dallas, Texas, Donny may not have stepped foot in the LHS halls for this reunion trip, but with his charming good looks and personally to match he will always rule the school.

Mark Winfrey: "The Better Late than Never Award" Mark was the last to roll in 3 hours after the party started and delighted us with jokes we haven't heard since the 1990's. Blast from the past indeed!

Darwin Santos: "Die Hard Award" Darwin and his (very) lovely wife managed to spend quality reunion time before hitting up the Luke Bryan concert. Epic night!

Evan Kostreva: "So Close Award" Evan regrettably missed the reunion as he was doing some work on his computer when he realized it too late! You were truly missed Evan, but we honor you for your willing attempt! Next time!

Chris Warren: "Pinellas County Godfather Award" Not only is he as debonair as he ever was, Chris also runs an incredible foundation serving youth in Pinellas County. Check out listenlearnandteach.com

Gina Gallizzi: "Two Places at Once Award" It seemed to a few in the class that Gina was among us-- until she turned around. It's wasn't her, but we wished it was! This pediatrician voted "Most Likely to Succeed" now lives and works in D.C.

Katie Klinkenburg: "Honeymooners Award" KTK was stunning as ever sporting a warm newlywed's glow. The happy couple who live in NYC were married just a few short weeks ago in Italy!

Bernie Moran "Host with the Most Award" Seriously, CD Roma's is awesome. Bernie is awesome. Nuf said.

Heather Tank "Still Spirited Award" She was voted "Most Spirited" in the Senior Superlatives for her sweetness and her spunkiness. We adore her. Some things never change because they were perfect from the start.

Josh Chewning "Three for Three Award" Congrats to Josh for attending all three reunions, making this one just barely ; )

Andre Beckus: "Perpetual Student Award" Andre is getting yet another degree at UCF. (These Spartans sure love their diplomas!)

Sarah McDougal: "Cross Country Kudos Awards" for being involved with all things reunion for 2+ decades now, despite her very full schedule and Seattle zip code. Speaking of excessive diplomas, Sarah will graduate with a physician's assistant degree in August.

Kate Dollen "PhDelicious Award" Kate has a PhD in something amazing--so amazing, (and over my head) I've already forgotten what it is in! Way to go Kate!

Mike Kangas: "Spartan Staple Award" Our class truly wouldn't be the same without Kangas, right?! Right.

Kimberly Belicka: "Sparkling Smile Award" Kim had the freshest smile in the joint. It's no wonder she's a great hygienist in Tampa Bay!

Christina Woolums: "Fancy Fiancée Award" Christina entered proudly with her cute beau Alan, much her junior! We approve!

Mike Diaczyk "Finally Every After Award" After missing the 10th and 15th, Mike had been enthusiastically looking forward to the 20th reunion for a very long time and really seemed to enjoy himself! Glad you finally made it!

Casey Gregoire "Best Reunion Dad Award" Casey rocked the reunion with his incredible cute son Harvey. Casey also dabbles in amateur midwifery, successfully delivering his second child after a very sudden labor onset!

John Inman and Marissa Venuiti: "High School Sweethearts Award" Did you know two Spartan '98ers are married with children! Super cool!

Sarah Phillips: "Closing Down the House Award" Sarah came early and stayed late! Who says a happy "hour" can't last 4+ hours! : ) Here's one who lovely lady who has only gotten better with age!

Patrick Intravichit takes home the coveted "Mr. LHS 20th Year Reunion Award" for being so awesome and helpful leading up to the reunion and making everyone feel so welcome night of. So grateful for you, Patrick!

As always, I am grateful to do whatever I can within my means to assist in reunion ventures. It's part of the territory, and luckily for me it suits my personality quite well. When I'm not busy planning graduation anniversary parties, I'm running www.promisingpages.org, a literacy up-cycling non-profit I founded in Charlotte, NC.

Until next time, stay Spartan Strong.

Forever Black and Gold,
Kristina Denta

Hey all, some quick snaps to put you in the throwback mood. See you all tonight.

Plan B: Greetings LHS classmates. We did not hit our minimum for renting out the restaurant so we are switching to plan B. Same time, same place: June 23rd @ 5:30p at CD Roma. No tickets, no RSVP, no hassle. Just come, bring your kids if you'd like, and pay for your own food and drinks. Bernie will have some drink specials for the class. The restaurant will remain open to the public. We will refund all purchased tickets less the cc transaction fee shortly. We hope to see you there and if not that's cool too. Participation will determine how much effort we put into future reunions so we hope to see you there. Thanks much to those of you who have been supportive throughout. Looking forward to a chill night of catching up with the class of '98 and friends. Please direct all questions to Kristina Denta Cruise [email protected].

Less than 3 weeks left to purchase reunion tickets!
http://www.classcreator.com/St-Petersburg-FL-Lakewood-1998/

Important Reunion Announcement: 3 weeks left to purchase your tickets for the 20th year reunion on 6/23/18 at CD Roma's. We must pre-sell 100 tickets by 6/1. Please spread the word to your fellow classmates. Purchase tickets here: http://www.classcreator.com/St-Petersburg-FL-Lakewood-1998/

Check out these great photos from our ten year reunion!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lakewood98/with/2767883857/

Lakewood Reunion Explore Lakewood Reunion's 58 photos on Flickr!