Many people look forward to attending their class reunions every 10 or 20 years as an opportunity to reconnect to classmates and graduates from their past. The Cary High School Class of 1988 put a twist in their reunions by insuring that they are not only a time to reconnect, but also a time to acknowledge and celebrate a graduate of the current class. They did this by awarding a 2008 Cary High Class of 1988 Humanitarian Leadership Scholarship.

The class of 1988 reunion committee is also very motivated in that they have their reunions every five years. When you consider that 10- and even 20-year reunions can sometimes feel as though they come so quickly, it is amazing that this class is able to plan, organize and enjoy a reunion every five years. It takes a lot of effort and teamwork, yet Cara H. Harmon, class of 1988 president, said that “having the reunion meet so often” keeps them “tight as a group.”

Their frequent reunions sparked their creative juices and encouraged them to give back to the high school that started them on their path of lifelong friendship.

This year’s recipient of the scholarship was Megan Gavin, a Cary High class of 2008 graduate. Gavin was vice president of the environmental club and also sang in the Cary High chorus. She is an environmentally conscious individual who also loves animals. She has been known to spend her spare time traveling to the Outer Banks to learn about coastal life and clean up trash.

Her mother Pam Morris said, “I am very proud. I am a single mom, but [Megan] made it easy because she is such an easy child to parent.”

Megan’s winnings included a certificate, a $690 cash award and a Dell laptop computer. Douglas Shamin presented Megan with her award during the family reunion picnic this past summer.

Shamin praised Megan for her humanitarian efforts. “Thank you for helping others without any expectation of acknowledgement much less reward,” he said.

Megan is a freshman at UNC-Wilmington where she is working toward a biology major.

This scholarship exemplifies one model for how reunion committees and other groups can go outside their regular group activities to not only reach out, but also give back and to encourage forward.