Time is of the essence. At least, that is according to Teresa Allen-Martin.

Allen-Martin was the class president for Bothell High School’s (BHS) graduating class of 1979. As class president, one of the responsibilities is organizing class reunions.

She said the class of ‘79 was particularly close.

“A lot of us still keep in touch one way or another,” she said. “Social media has been one of the greatest tools.”

Allen-Martin has organized every class reunion. After the 20-year reunion, she has held a reunion every five years.

“We’re starting to lose some classmates, so I really think time is of the essence,” she said. “People keep asking me to organize the reunions…I think as we’re getting older, we’re seeing the value in relationships and that’s why we keep having these get-togethers.”

The 40-year BHS reunion was held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bothell on July 20. Former BHS counselor, Jonn Wartes, was the guest of honor.

Jonn Wartes began as a BHS counselor in the fall of 1978. He said he credits the class of ‘79 with “breaking” him into his role.

“I have a real affection for this class,” Wartes said at the event. “I feel really delighted to be here.”

“We all had a fondness for him,” Allen-Martin said. “He was always very available, encouraging and just an all-around great person.”

Classmates and significant others shared stories and life updates while looking at old class photos.

Joe and Kathy Hanrahan have been together since high school. Joe, class of ‘79, was a senior and Kathy, class of ‘82, was a sophomore.

“We met at a church dance on Halloween,” Joe said. “I remember trying to get my brother to ask her to dance and he wouldn’t. So, I stepped in.”

“And the rest is history,” Kathy said. “It was funny because we later found out that we lived a street apart.”

For Pat Sage, one of his fondest high school memories include being crowned homecoming king.

“It was really fun,” he said. “Girls groveled at my feet.”

As the night continued, classmates recounted what it was like to grow up in Bothell.

“Bothell was a great place to grow up,” Vince Mazziotti said. “It was before it became a big city…before Microsoft. It was a good time.”

With light refreshments in hand, classmates sat and listened to Wartes address the audience of about former 140 classmates.

For Holly Hirai, she said she’s looking forward to the next reunion.

“It was a great turn out and it was great to have this time together,” she said.

Bothell High School class of 1979 reunite for 40-year reunion. Madison Miller / staff photo

Photo by Madison Miller / staff photo Joe and Kathy Hanrahan look at old photos of classmates at the Bothell High School 40-year reunion. Joe, class of ‘79, and Kathy, class of ‘82, met in high school.

Jonn Wartes was a Bothell High School counselor. His first year was 1979. He credits the BHS class of ‘79 with “breaking” him into his role. Madison Miller / staff photo