Who, What, When, Where, Why Summary (with emojis):
🦅 Who: Niceville High School Class of 1980 alumni, including Ms. Gelak, Kelly (Norton) Humphrey, Coach Sherman Eller, and Principal Mr. Marello
🔧 What: Refurbished and rededicated the school sign originally gifted by their class
📅 When: Fall 2025, during their 45th reunion celebration
📍 Where: Niceville High School, Niceville, Florida
💡 Why: To celebrate their milestone reunion, give back to their alma mater, and inspire current students to stay connected and uphold the Eagle spirit
Forty-five years after they first crossed the graduation stage, members of the Niceville High School Class of 1980 returned to their alma mater this fall—rekindling friendships, revisiting memories, and restoring a piece of the school’s history that continues to symbolize their shared legacy.
The class, remembered for its unity, spirit, and generosity, donated the school’s first lighted sign as its senior class gift in 1980. The original donation was meant to serve as a landmark and a lasting message of pride for future generations of Eagles. “A sign points the way, but it’s also an identifier,” said class president Ms. Gelak, who helped lead the reunion effort. “As we continue to fly through life, our hearts continue to soar like eagles: ‘80 now, ‘80 then, Niceville Eagles ‘til the end!’”
In the years since, the sign has stood as a familiar sight to thousands of students and community members passing through the school’s campus. But after decades of use, much of the sign’s lighting had failed—leaving only a few words visible.
“Technically, we could only display ‘Go Eagles,’” said Niceville High School Principal Mr. Marello. “It was still symbolic, but not fully functional. Thanks to the Class of 1980’s generosity, it’s been completely refurbished and upgraded. We can now share messages, announcements, and upcoming events with the community again. What’s even more meaningful is that the Class of 1980 was the first alumni group to give something back to the school as part of their reunion. That’s truly special.”
The project was more than just a facelift for the sign—it was a reflection of the same teamwork and dedication that once defined the class more than four decades ago. Planning for the 45th reunion began over a year in advance, with alumni reconnecting through social media and organizing committees to coordinate travel, fundraising, and event logistics.
In total, classmates traveled from 13 different states to attend the reunion weekend in Niceville. The event included a tour of the updated campus, a dinner celebration, and the rededication of the refurbished sign. Class members shared stories from their years at NHS, remembered classmates who have passed away, and took time to reflect on how the school helped shape their lives.
“Our class is special,” Gelak said. “We’ve grown to truly value love, friendship, and the power of connection. That’s what has kept us strong after all these years. Coming back here reminds us that this school was—and still is—a big part of who we are.”
The Class of 1980 also left a message for today’s students—particularly the Class of 2026, who will graduate 46 years after them. Their note encouraged future Eagles to maintain their bonds beyond graduation and to carry the school’s values of unity and service into their adult lives.
“Stay connected with your classmates,” their message read. “Forty-five years from now, you’ll want to be cheering for each other’s triumphs, comforting each other in losses, and continuing to soar above life’s storms. Invest in relationships. Stand for something that lasts.”
The class also celebrated the continuing contributions of two of their own—Mrs. Kelly (Norton) Humphrey and Coach Sherman Eller—both of whom now serve on the Niceville High faculty. Their careers in education, alumni said, show how the Eagle spirit continues to take flight through the next generation.
To the Class of 1980, the sign’s restoration represents more than a maintenance project—it’s a statement about what it means to belong to a community that endures. Just as the refurbished sign lights up the front of the school once again, the class hopes their story will inspire future Eagles to stay grounded in gratitude and connected through service.
“As Eagles, we’re reminded that success isn’t only about where you go or what you do,” Gelak said. “It’s about who you become and how you uplift others. Like our sign, our love and legacy continue to shine—a reminder that it’s great to be blessed, but even greater to be a blessing.”
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
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