Van Nuys High School welcomed back alumni from the class of 1965 on Sept. 19 at a surprise memorial event hosted by the Associated Student Body (ASB).

The former Wolves were taken on a tour of the campus and then brought to the big gym, where they were greeted by the cheer team holding their blown up yearbook photos while the marching band played the school’s alma mater.

The alumni were teary-eyed as they took in the decked out gym that had been set up by ASB Sports Representative Maria Mungia, along with the help of other ASB members, sports captains and coaches.

After their entrance ASB President Rimon Debnath officially welcomed the guests with a stirring speech, expressing his gratitude for those in attendance and his appreciation for the legacy they left behind. 

His speech was followed by remarks from the football, baseball, basketball, tennis, cross country, wrestling and cheer captains. All of the captains shared how Van Nuys sports have positively impacted their lives and thanked the alumni for setting up a foundation from which their teams have been able to build upon. 

The event ended with a performance by cheer and alumni were then able to walk by tables filled with awards and memorabilia from the various sports teams on campus.

Mungia, who was the main organizer of the event, shared how overjoyed she was to provide this experience for the class of ‘65. 

“Seeing how the event brought back such fond memories for these alumni is something that I will never forget,” Mungia said, “I’m so grateful for everyone who helped me bring this moment together”

The event was a huge success, according to ASB representatives.

“Things turned out far greater than I could have imagined,” Debnath said, “Seeing how far the alumni have come in life and then seeing how they still care about their old high school was very inspiring and a bit emotional, because I know one day that will be us.”