GAA 'Goes Hollywood' in 2010 event at TCA
July 29, 2019 at 12:37 p.m.
It started with the tap-dancing Jerry Lewis look-alikes. Later, a prancing rat accompanied elaborately choreographed French waiters and chefs. There were also the 20 female boxers and the 10 Marilyn Monroes.
Just an average night at Trenton Catholic Academy? No, it was the second GAA (Girls Athletic Association) Reunion Show, held Nov. 11, 12, 13 on the school’s Hamilton campus.
For more than 30 years, the GAA would hold its annual competition at St. Anthony and McCorristin High Schools in Hamilton. Separated into teams with the school colors of Brown and Gold, high school girls would compete in dance, art, talent and athletic events. The competition was fierce and preparation would take months, but the GAA ceased in 2002.
Last year, alumna Tracey Destribats (Class of 1981) approached TCA president Sister Dorothy Payne with the idea of staging a reunion show to raise money for TCA’s Scholarship Fund. The 2009 event netted nearly $30,000.
This year’s event expanded to three nights. Nearly 100 women participated in one of the night’s seven dances, the elaborate decorations on the gym windows, or the obstacle and volleyball events.
“One thing that really made this event fun this year was the involvement of many current TCA students on the teams, and even one teacher at the school,” said Destribats, who is program coordinator for Hamilton’s Grafton House, Kuser Mansion & Sayen House. “We had alumni from the 1970s dancing with students younger than their own children.
“It was a great opportunity to see generations not only mix, but also bond as they practiced intricate jazz and hip-hop dances over the last several months. The fun and enthusiasm was as strong as it was when I was in school,” she said. “There was a tremendous amount of commitment and hard work put in by all these women.”
“We love to see the alumni come back and get involved with the school and the students,” said Sister Dorothy. “This is still their school building, and it’s been a special place for thousands of students, both past and present.”
At this time, there are no firm plans for a third GAA Reunion Show. But the memories of this year’s show will live on for a long time.
[[In-content Ad]]Related Stories
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
E-Editions
Events
It started with the tap-dancing Jerry Lewis look-alikes. Later, a prancing rat accompanied elaborately choreographed French waiters and chefs. There were also the 20 female boxers and the 10 Marilyn Monroes.
Just an average night at Trenton Catholic Academy? No, it was the second GAA (Girls Athletic Association) Reunion Show, held Nov. 11, 12, 13 on the school’s Hamilton campus.
For more than 30 years, the GAA would hold its annual competition at St. Anthony and McCorristin High Schools in Hamilton. Separated into teams with the school colors of Brown and Gold, high school girls would compete in dance, art, talent and athletic events. The competition was fierce and preparation would take months, but the GAA ceased in 2002.
Last year, alumna Tracey Destribats (Class of 1981) approached TCA president Sister Dorothy Payne with the idea of staging a reunion show to raise money for TCA’s Scholarship Fund. The 2009 event netted nearly $30,000.
This year’s event expanded to three nights. Nearly 100 women participated in one of the night’s seven dances, the elaborate decorations on the gym windows, or the obstacle and volleyball events.
“One thing that really made this event fun this year was the involvement of many current TCA students on the teams, and even one teacher at the school,” said Destribats, who is program coordinator for Hamilton’s Grafton House, Kuser Mansion & Sayen House. “We had alumni from the 1970s dancing with students younger than their own children.
“It was a great opportunity to see generations not only mix, but also bond as they practiced intricate jazz and hip-hop dances over the last several months. The fun and enthusiasm was as strong as it was when I was in school,” she said. “There was a tremendous amount of commitment and hard work put in by all these women.”
“We love to see the alumni come back and get involved with the school and the students,” said Sister Dorothy. “This is still their school building, and it’s been a special place for thousands of students, both past and present.”
At this time, there are no firm plans for a third GAA Reunion Show. But the memories of this year’s show will live on for a long time.
[[In-content Ad]]