First-Ever Fire Drill Picnic
Honors 6 Retirees

The very secretive first-ever “Fire Drill Picnic” brought together the entire population of the school Wednesday afternoon in a ceremony and celebration that honored the six retiring teachers, Madame Johnsen, Ms. Eileen Backofen, Mr. Michael Hoover, Ms. Grace Rissetto, Mr. David Applegate, and Ms Cay Wiant. The whole shebang had been kept secret from these teachers until the moment they arrived. The brainstorm of principal Bob Snee, the complicated proceedings which began with the monthly fire drill, had 800 students line up in a gauntlet leading down to the football field. The retirees, several accompanied by family members, walked through this gauntlet to wild applause. Then several students made brief speeches honoring each retiring teacher. Then, what is believed to be the first-ever photograph of the entire population of George Mason, 800 students grades 8-12, as well as the whole faculty, was taken by Mr. Bob Morrison. Then everyone had a picnic of pizza, hot dogs, chips, and bottled water. “Mr. Snee really did a good job pulling this unbelievable day off,” said rising senior K-K Bracken. Snee was quick to point out that literally scores of students, faculty members, custodians, cafeteria workers and more made the event so successful. Even Mother Nature chipped in with a picture-perfect day.(Click on the picture for full size photo.) 6-8-07
(Photo by Bob Morrison, Bonnie Briar Productions LLC)