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NFL Kickoff concert
2008 VMA nominations
Celebrity Watch photos
Family represents North's first and last
Uncle was in the first graduating class, nephew is in the last.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
SPRINGFIELD — Richard "Dick" Fralick remembers the mixed emotions of being in the first class to graduate from North High School in 1961 — the excitement of being in a new school and the sadness of leaving some of his friends behind.
More than 40 years later, his nephew Chas, 17, has similar emotions about being in the last class.
Chas Fralick, 17, of North High School Class of 2008, and his uncle, Richard Fralick, 64, North High Class of 1961, reflect on their memories in front of the high school. Like countless other families in Springfield, who have had generations attend both North and South, the school is more than just a learning institution for the Fralick family.
It's tradition.
Standing in the morning sun in front of North while trading recollections during a recent interview, uncle and nephew had similar fond memories of high school.
Teachers, coaches and friends played large roles in both Panthers' high school careers.
"It was a strong faculty," Dick remembered.
The 64-year-old would eventually become part of that faculty as a coach at North and a teacher at South.
During his time as a student, Dick was active in cross-country, the boosters club and had a "fleeting" four-line acting debut in the school's production of "South Pacific."
Chas is involved in soccer, Student Council and cheer block.
Counting on their fingers, Dick and Chas came up with a total of 10 family members who attended North since it opened its doors in 1960, fervently hoping that they didn't leave anyone out.
"A lot of familiar names came through the years," Dick said, speaking not just about his own family, but similar ones across the city.
North is a staple in the Fralick family, nurturing athletics and academics for generations.
But before North closes its doors forever, there is time for one more Fralick to graduate.
Chas will attend Wittenberg University in the fall, majoring in business and environmental science.
"You know, the combining is good for Springfield, but it's still kind of sad," Chas said
"But now there's no rivalry," he added. "There's just one Springfield High."
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0374 or boutten@coxohio.com.
