Maria de Melo Gulla

Hello:
My years as a student at New Bedford High School are still very meaningful to me. I'm proud to be part of such a unique place and time. So much of what I am now started there.
I attended Junior college in Boston, got married to Frank, moved to Florida, graduated from Florida Atlantic with a Masters Degree in Education, became a teacher, a mother and consider myself very happy and fortunate. I enjoy the theater, the outdoors Florida life style including the beach, travel, performing arts and family time.
I still have four sisters living in the greater New Bedford area and visit most years. I am fortunate to enjoy good health.
We have traveled widely, but find ourselves returning to Massachusetts to reconnect with our roots as our children were growing up and for the fun of it. For a little personal history: I was born in Portugal, came to America at age 12, so I'm a product of the blended cultures that is our old hometown. I marvel at at the history we've seen as a group of students. I still remember walking down William Street to our graduation in June 17, 1965. less than two years earlier walking that same route was haunted by reports of Kennedy's assasination. But we also saw much joy and changes as we matured. I look forward to reconnecting with old friends and classmates. Hurray to us!

Personal e-mail --Mom56067@aol.com

When I first logged in to this site, the picture of President Kennedy startled me and I silently thought, this this was the defining moment. We all remember. But forgive me, I want to share. I was in study hall sitting next to Richard Landreville when Mr. Gracia came on the speaker to say he had shocking news and some of us snickered. Really, what shocking news could he have? It was November 22, 1963. He told us the president had been shot and to stay calm. We were dismissed to home room and as we walked in, kids were asking Mr. Kroudvird, our homeroom teacher if there would be a war. He said that we were a nation of laws not personalities and that our laws would protect us and we'd be all right. I never had Mr. Kroudvird in a "real class." I don't know if he was a good teacher, but those words have stayed with me and in times of trouble I feel that a kind hand touches my shoulder and that sense of optimism has influenced my life all these years and I'm grateful.