My 30th annual high school reunion was held a few years ago, and I recently heard that they were already planning the next one. It is always interesting to hear what people say about attending their high school reunion. When asked if they are planning to go to their reunion, some say, "No way. I hated high school. I will never go to a reunion." Then there are those who are interested in going, but they are so nervous about facing their high school peers, they decline. Others report that they just needed a little push to go and ended up having a good time. And finally, some explain that they seriously thought about going, but decided it was too much for them, expressing regret that they didn't attend.

I have attended all of my high school reunions, except for my 20th, because I was away. I must say, I have enjoyed every one. For our 30th, many classmates flew in from as far as California to attend. It was interesting to talk with people that I never hung out with in high school. I connected with friends and some of us realized that we lived right next to each other, in neighboring towns. Following the reunion, many of us even got together with our families to catch up, and ended up staying in touch.

What is the appeal of reunions that keeps us interested? What explains their longevity of 50 or 60 or more years? What is so important that some people gear up for their reunion by getting in shape to look their best and fly many miles to attend? Reunions speak to our most critical human need - our need to connect, to be part of a community, and develop relationships. Once you are part of a community, like high school, there is something that draws you back to it even after 50 years.

LABBB has held its reunion for the past 21 years and last year 85 LABBB graduates attended. Some graduates arrived in limos, dressed in tuxes and elegant dresses ready to see and talk with old friends. It is a special occasion and many of the graduates attend every year. In our 41st year as a collaborative, it is great to see so many graduates excited about attending this event. Many of our graduates and their families have kept in touch and see each other at social activities. We get many calls from graduates and their parents asking when the LABBB reunion will be held each year. They are connected to the LABBB community.

I am sure there are many other LABBB graduates who would attend; but, like many, they may be nervous or reluctant to come because they do not know what to expect or feel like they will not know anyone.

What does it mean when we speak of the LABBB community? It is not just sharing resources for events and activities in a community; it is the actual development, identity, and participation within a community. For example, the annual BBQ Festival draws thousands of people who recognize that they are participating in a LABBB community event. When I attend this event, I certainly see all the people who are part of LABBB, but I also connect with non-affiliated community members who ask how LABBB is doing. This brings awareness that our community is alive and thriving. The craft fair and Special Olympics cultivate this same spirit.

We need to think about how our students will socialize and connect when they graduate. We place great emphasis on transition skills, and this has to include relationship and community building. The time to start developing these relationships is during the high school years. It doesn't just happen on its own when our students graduate. In most cases, strong social connections are the difference between a student holding a job or losing it. Relationships are the glue we rely on to support us, give us purpose, and help make us successful and happy.

We need to be mindful that the LABBB community can be a long-term resource for graduates and their families. Natural supports are built within our schools and local businesses because the citizens in our community learn from and connect with our students. Even families that do not have a connection to LABBB, but know about what we do, support us because they are knowledgeable about what our students can offer.