W. A. Berry High School

Andy Openshaw

Then

Now

Birthday:November 08, 1951 Occupation:IT/Data Manager- Aerotec LLC Marital Status:Married No. of Children:2

From Andy:After I left Berry (finally in '70 actually..I had some unfinished business with Ms Autrey) I wandered around doing all kinds of jobs including working a shipyard, taxicab driver, cable technician, short order cook, you name it. I then went to UAB and majored in Physics, got a job at the NBC affiliate in Birmingham as a news photographer and worked there for 12 years. Got married to my co-worker Jenny and then started my own media/software business which I sold 12 years later. I found Jesus 14 years ago which obviously changed the direction of my life from that point on. I worked in missions to Tanzania, Africa for a year and then went to work for current employer Aerotec LLC as their IT Director and Data Manager. Jenny and I have been married 26 years and have two sons, 24 and 15. I still enjoy playing the guitar and acting as crew chief on my younger son's sprint car. We are so blessed and thankful for all that God has given us. It has been fun to read everyone's story.

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Dean Pappas

Then

Now

Website:deanpappas.net Marital Status:Married

From Dean:While completing a Master's Degree in Biology and Chemistry, I worked in Cardiovascular Research at UAB with Dr. Kirklin and the other cardiovascular surgeons conducting clinical and laboratory research and publishing our results with the American Heart Association between 1971 and 1979. A friend introduced me to an opportunity with State Farm Insurance company in 1979 and I made a slight career change and opened my independent State Farm Agency. It was the right decision that has had a positive impact on my life and others for the past 30 plus years. I enjoy golf and boating. Myra and I have had the opportunity to work with a number of charities and participate in their fund-raising activities, and have enjoyed the beach, lake, and traveling. We are having a good time working with the reunion committee and look forward to catching up with each of you during April 16 and 17.

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Myra Helen Mills (Pappas)

Then

Now

Marital Status:Married

From Myra Helen:After graduating from Berry, I started to UAB in June, 1969, and in 1972, received my B.S and Masters Degrees in English, married Dean Pappas in a " Big Fat Greek Wedding", and started teaching school in the Jefferson County System. I taught junior and senior English at Berry High School from 1974-1981, and attend my former students class reunions as old Mrs. "PappASS". I went to work for AT&T as an account executive in marketing in 1981 and that led to my being VP Sales for telecommunications companies with corporate headquarters in Chicago, San Francisco, and Minn. from 1985 through 2004. Dean and I enjoy our homes and friends in both Panama City Beach and Birmingham. I paint (acrylic on canvas) and my work is in homes and commercial areas and is on exhibit at Daniel Day Gallery in Birmingham. (I have an art show at The Club in Birmingham, April 15-17). Dean and I look forward to seeing each of you at the reunion events!

PLEASE COME TO MY BOOK SIGNING AT VESTAVIA HILLS LIBRARY, SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2012, 1-5 PM. NEW BOOK CONDO-CRIMINALS AT THE BEACH

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Ronald (Ron) Parker

Then

Now

Birthday:June 29, 1951 Occupation:Director of Operations Long-Lewis Inc. Marital Status:Single No. of Children:1

From Ronald (Ron):Have 24 year old son (Justin) stationed at the Jacksonville Naval Air Station and a 4 year old granddaughter (Phoebe) the love of my life.

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Pat Vestner (Parkhurst)

Then

Birthday:January 28, 1951 Occupation:Teacher Marital Status:Divorced No. of Children:2

From Pat:This reunion sounds like so much fun! I'm not able to come this year but I'll be there for our 42nd!!!
I am currently teaching Kindergarten in Cumming, Georgia and loving it! I'm fortunate to have my two children living in the Atlanta area...my son is getting his MBA from Georgia Tech and will graduate in May and my daughter is an Environmental Scientist in Alpharetta.
It has been great reading about everyone and thinking back about all the simple pleasures of high school. Thanks to all that have put so much time and energy into this and hope to see you in the future!

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Martin Peacock

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Then

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Laura Pettigrew

Then

Birthday:June 15, 1951 Marital Status:Single

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Edward Pickett

Then

Birthday:October 28, 1951 Marital Status:Divorced No. of Children:2

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Pamela Pilling

Then

Birthday:May 17, 1951 Occupation:teacher/media specialist Marital Status:Married No. of Children:2

Kyla Crank (Pirani)

Then

Birthday:October 02, 1951 Occupation:Program Specialist - AR Dept Higher Education Marital Status:Divorced No. of Children:2

From Kyla:

I went to UofA my freshman year, but my family moved to Little Rock, I went to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. At first I was devastated, but Arkansas is a lot like Alabama. I taught school, I have worked as a florist, I have worked for a US Senate campaign, I have worked in a community college and now I am with the AR Dept of Higher Education. Once a teacher, always a teacher. I have 2 daughters. One will be 34 and lives in Memphis. She just gave me my first grandchild. My other daughter is 30 and lives in Dallas. Both are in sales which is so not me.
Days at Berry were some of the best of my life. There are so many great memories both of classmates and faculty. I think I drove Mr. Gann crazy. Thanks again to the great group of girls who threw me a surprise going away party when they learned my family was moving.

I hope some of you will write. I'd love to hear from you.

Kyla

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