(Recorded on March 3, 1994)
~ Introductory Text by John Sherin ~
Part One
We open with a brief tour of the Long Island community of Brentwood, showing parts of the Hamlet as they appeared in 1994. You're taken through pine trees and portions of Modern Times to Knoll Farm, St. Joseph's Academy and the High School complex as it was then. Entenmann's Bakery on 5th Avenue was around the corner from Paradise Lane, where the former South Elementary School, the initial home of M-T, once served the school district. Concluding with a backward glance at the decade, our "retrospective" begins during the closing days of the winter of that year.
Parts Two & Three
Gerry Dorrian, Class of '81 and now deceased, was the sole male participant in attendance at this gathering. He chose on this night to listen as his female counterparts, including Patti Gemellaro, now also deceased, recounted their personal memories of M-T and shared experiences as students of the 1975-1976 school year. During a wide-ranging exchange of views, they recount here the highs and lows of attending the alternative school and provide viewers with differing opinions and insights regarding formal education, choice of career and family life. The subjects of Brentwood past and present, the state of contemporary education, childhood influences and the lasting impact of race relations in school and community are touched upon, as well as the value assigned by them to alternative schools at multiple levels.