Mystery Classmate 110

Congratulations to Joel Borellis, Bob Smith, Amy Chufo Prezelski, Milton Koutavas, Jim Thompson, Tina Schadle Dover, Scott Silverman, Colleen O’Connor Casey, Erin Burgard DiPerna, Mary Bender Knight, Megan Mahoney, Betsy Raible Ford, Ann Broadberry Johnson, Karen Campbell Ricci, Rebecca Canobbio Abel, Ellen Broadberry Gallagher, and Bill Stout, all of whom correctly identified Kristin Burgard (’87) as Mystery Classmate #110 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Barbara Bender Pietro sent the photograph along with this report:

“Kristin is still as hilarious and driven as she has always been, and is a brilliant conversationalist who looks the same as the day she graduated from high school. She has a precious two-year-old daughter named Katie, for Kristin's mom, who is the sweetest little girl. Katie is also verbally gifted and keeps us in stitches with her comments about things. Kristin's husband, Paul Mayer, is a great guy, and he and Kristin seem to have a lot of fun together. They live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Kristin works part time for Wayne State University, as a grant-funded consultant to small business owners in the area. She helps entrepreneurs to connect to the resources they need in order to grow their respective businesses. Kristin is one of the most genuine and wonderful people I know!”

Other classmates had nice things to say about Kristin. Megan Mahoney added, “Besides the fact that she is looking very much like she did in high school, she is an easy pick because she's now my step-sister-in-law. It has been a blast this past year getting re-acquainted with Kristin, Erin and Kara, and meeting their spouses and children. My children are thrilled to have gained their first cousins on the Thompson-side. At recent holiday gatherings I have been enjoying Kristin's sense of humor and ability to laugh at herself - an important life-skill in my book!”

Amy Chufo Prezelski wrote, “We took computers together with Ms. Ritts. I would’ve never survived without her!! We also got to swim together and experience Coach Bass.” Ann Broadberry Johnson remembered, “Kristin and I were homeroom buddies, and we always laughed our rears off together. She prefers to go by the name Sanguita.”

Milton Koutavas called Kristin a fantastic person and a great athlete. Bill Stout recalled that Kristin was a cross-country standout. Jim Thompson added that she is a wonderful stepsister.

Colleen O’Connor Casey noted that Kristin’s daughter “is the image of the Burgard girls that I remember well.”

Kelly O’Connor guessed Kara Burgard. Maribeth Mahoney Misitis wrote, “I am going to guess one of the Burgard sisters, not quite sure which one!”

Donna Andreas Copley guessed Clara Carretta. Jerry Koutavas guessed Tracey Barbarino.

Beth Chufo Nichols did not guess, but thought that Kristin looked familiar.

Later, Bill Stout wrote, “I recall going to the prom with Jennifer Taylor and double dating with last week’s mystery classmate, Kristin Burgard and Lenny Rinchiuso. I think we rode in Lenny's dad's car. I remember, well, being very, very nervous most of the evening.”

Editor's Note: Len's dad Vince smoked these very smelly black cigars, and left the remains in the car ashtray. I think the cigars were Sicilian. Len used to get in trouble for throwing the butts away, and also for changing the radio station.

Donna Andreas Copley wrote, “While I failed to guess correctly, doesn't Kristin look a little like Clara (Carretta)? Yes, I do agree that she does look like herself too and maybe I should have studied the photo a little more before guessing! Anyhow, I knew her from cross country and she was great......she made my last year much more enjoyable. I remember her mom being so nice to all of us and sooooper supportive. Hey Kristin, drop me a line sometime!”