During Homecoming weekend, Lower Moreland’s Class of 1975 marked a significant milestone: 50 years since they last walked the halls of the “old” high school. In this special Dear Lomo feature, I met with Ron Sliwinski, a Class of 1975 graduate who leads the organizing committee for this year’s 50th anniversary reunion. As we spoke, he thoughtfully shared stories about his time at LMHS from high above the city of New York in a skyscraper overlooking the East River.
This year’s Homecoming brought a full-circle moment as Lower Moreland faced Bristol in this year’s game, mirroring the class of 1975’s own homecoming game 51 years ago – a win that the team vividly remembers, when Ron Sliwinski snapped the ball for Larry Zeitz to heroically make the winning field goal. This familiar matchup set the stage perfectly to revisit his memories and insights from Lower Moreland High School.
Setting the 1975 Lower Moreland Atmosphere
Mr. Sliwinski expressed an overall positive mood looking back on his senior year, despite some of the political controversies at the time. He recalls senior year as a time when students felt secure in their “own bubble,” while historical events like President Nixon’s resignation as a result of the Watergate scandal and the Vietnam War ending just before graduation occurred outside of their realm.
Teachers like Bill Pezza left a lasting impression both in and out of the classroom. “Bill Pezza had the most influence on me, as an inspiring government and social sciences teacher, my football lineman coach, and as the sponsor of the student council when I was president my senior year.” Meanwhile, memorable staff personalities like Mr. Leong, who would call students “Goats!” for acting out, added humor to the school environment.
Beyond the classroom, Ron explains, “Most of my high school socializing centered around sports and get-togethers with teammates and others in various circles.” He also shares that in place of the Wawa we have today, students often hung out at Bill’s Market, a former nearby hoagie spot. Class of 1975 member George Brauckman explains that Bill’s Market was once located just north of Red Lion Road on the east side of Huntingdon Pike.
Even class traditions reflected this warm community, like the humble senior prank. “Some class members put an alarm clock in their locker set for 11 AM on senior day… I don’t think it was as big of a hoopla as it could’ve been, but it was a cool idea.”
Reunions and Lasting Connections
Ron Sliwinski now serves as Vice President of Surgical Services at NYU Langone Hospital–Long Island, one of the nation’s major medical centers. His journey took him from Montgomery County Community College to La Salle University, followed by a Master’s degree in public administration from Columbia University.
Throughout the years, Mr. Sliwinski has remained close with a handful of classmates, reconnecting with many others during reunions and through platforms like Facebook. Working together on the 50th reunion committee brought back fond memories and renewed old ties. He shared, “It’s been a tremendous experience reacquainting with the 10 or so people on our committee, and caused us all to go down memory lane.”
Top Row (left to right): Bob Mills, Ron Sliwinski, Nancy Schenk, Linda Reichart Macht, Brent Thompson, George Brauckman
Bottom Row (left to right): Rachel Eisner Weil, Sue Uhlig Duda, Betty Ann Sonneborn, Lola Teigland, Donna Burke Geiger
The reunion kicked off with the homecoming football game on Saturday the 18th. Prior to the game, members of the Class of 1975 toured the new high school, marveling at its modern design and technology. Many alumni expressed how impressed they were by the school’s transformation while emphasizing the importance of continuing to meet in person to preserve the close-knit bonds that have defined their class for half a century.
Advice from Ron
Looking back, Ron Sliwinski credits Lower Moreland with teaching him the importance of perseverance, kindness, and openness to new experiences.
1) Embrace Growth – Even if it Feels Uncomfortable
Mr. Sliwinksi came to LMHS from Saint Albert’s and acknowledges the initial challenge of being new to the school and feeling unsure of himself. He admitted,
“I was intimidated by some people/situations, mostly because of my own insecurities. My advice to high school students is to recognize that others are also insecure. It is OK to feel uncomfortable, and in fact, the most growth (throughout life) comes from being willing to get out of one’s comfort zone, meet new people, and be open to new and different ideas and interests.”
That sentiment turned out to be a common theme at the reunion as the class members, after many years out of high school, realized how they weren’t the only ones who had felt uncertain or shy as teenagers. Looking back, they wished they had reached out more, connected with people who were different, and explored new experiences.
2) Kindness is Key
Ron emphasizes that kindness, to both others and oneself, is essential, especially in times when social media makes navigating teenage years more complicated.
“Be kind to others and be kind to yourself. When someone or some situation doesn’t quite feel right, don’t let yourself cross the line and do anything your gut tells you not to just because the group is doing it. If you see someone who needs a friend, get to know them and see if something clicks. Don’t judge a book by its cover, as they say.”
3) Keep Going
He shares how important it is to work hard and stay determined.
“I am most proud of being able to hold my own, blocking the best player… I dug deep, and I do try to tap into that determination in my life. My motto is ‘I will not be denied….’”
He also shares:
“Have faith, stay determined… you’ll be ok through ups and downs!”
