Ginger Knott Bentley

It’s hard to believe that it has been 50 years since we graduated.   I’m excited to catch up on all the life stories and journeys of our fellow classmates. (see a larger picture)

And many and much thanks to Amos and Joni for making the 50th reunion into a reality!

Here's a short summary of where I am today.   My husband, Keith, and I have been married for over 48 years.   We have two adult children - Thomas Keith and his wife Cindy (living in Charlotte, NC); Amber and her husband Mark (living in Tolland, CT) with our three beautiful grandchildren, Natasha, Anton, and Chessa!

My husband who is a native Floridian, brought me to Florida after we got married in 1975. In late 2000, we moved to Connecticut for his work.   Then in 2012, we bought a house in Avon Park, Florida, returned full time in 2013, and telecommuted for four years before retiring end of 2017.   (We both worked for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft.)

Now I spend a lot of time volunteering when not traveling to see family and friends.   I play the clarinet in two community bands . . . and this is after a 40-year absence of not playing the instrument!   Also, I volunteer and train new volunteers to usher for seasonal performances at the local performing arts venue.

Currently, my passion is volunteering with the Hands for Homeless organization by helping the homeless, hopeless, and hopeful population within our local community.   “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)

Life is a gift . . .. share it joyfully and abundantly.

Ginger (Knott) Bentley

                        Susan Geuder Braun

I am living my best life ever, retired in St. Augustine, FL.   I am proud mother to Alex Braun, in the picture with me, who is a marine biologist and remarkable musician (happy owner of 9 guitars).   His dad was German; we married in Berlin in 1985.   Before heading abroad, I got my bachelors degree at George Mason and my Masters at U of MD.   In Germany, I studied marketing and international business at the university in Muenster.

After living in Germany for four years, we moved back to the states, where I rejoined the healthcare consulting group I had been with before and during my time abroad.   From there I was hired by Bristol-Myers Squibb in the oncology group, which led me to being the first President and CEO of the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in 1996.   I have also run the ASCO Cancer Foundation, Commonweal, the CURE media group, and the (Jimmy) V Foundation for Cancer Research.   Since leaving Falls Church, I’ve lived in Germany, Austria, Indiana, New Jersey, Alexandria (VA), Texas, California, North Carolina, and now here in FL.

I travel quite a bit; something like 45 countries at last count, and 49 States (missing Idaho).   Last year we went to Italy, Greece and Turkey; next year I head for VietNam, Thailand, Singapore, and Bali.   New Zealand is my all-time favorite.   34 years ago, I was certified as an open water SCUBA diver, my last dive being with my son, from a live-aboard on the Great Barrier Reef.   These days, I read voraciously, play bridge and Bunco, enjoy aqua Zumba and yoga, go to the beach which is about a mile away as the crow flies, and other typical retiree stuff.   I still serve on two boards for the Duke University Cancer Center and the Osteosarcoma Institute, but don't consider that work.

I’m blessed to have all five siblings still on earth; we get together at least once a year for a beach week at Pawleys Island, where my oldest brother lives.   My parents (I know many of you knew Dad, who taught gym at Whittier) were married for 70 years before mom passed away.   Dad followed behind her, at 96. My health has been great, for which I am eternally grateful.   I think that’s partly due to my sweet Havanese pups, whom I adore.   I practice gratitude daily, and try to be the best perfectly imperfect human I can be.

Susan Braun

                    Carol Thomas

Since graduation, Carol has been on the move -- in & out of 2 marriages, living a mobile lifestyle as a military family member, she truly believes that she has been blessed & has gained much more than she ever gave up.   Carol took her "portable profession" as a language teacher & taught language classes everywhere she lived.

Along the way, Carol had 2 children, whom she calls amazing, & now has 2 precious grand-daughters.   In addition to so many good memories, & and planning to enjoy the coming years as Grandma & traveling are Carol's happy outlook.   FCHS Class of 1973 is still a great class of good, talented people, & I'm proud to be a "Jaguar."