I’ve been chatting with many of my high school senior patients — often by telemedicine — and hearing both the successes and frustrations of a wholly changed experience during a viral pandemic. Some had modified ceremonies… some are planned but still delayed.. some did it all by video or drive-by. I think they realize they got dealt a short hand, but not too many are dwelling on that and most are simply looking forward to the future.

So as it’s graduation season, I selected this celebratory shot of Jerry Chapman and Judy DeVoe, the future Mrs. Chapman… my maternal aunt and uncle.

They appear to be in the Janice St Chapman house living room — familiar plates and candles behind them that feature later in their wedding shots. I spy boy photos of I presume Jerry and his younger brother Jim on the end-table. One is a Jerry toddler photo that I have already restored and will post later as I work my way through this motherlode of Chapman photos — thanks again to Terri, who furnished them a few years back when I started this project. [aside: She really ought to fashion those quarantine teddy photos that circulate digitally into a blog of her own.].

We know this is the class of 1957 for Lodi High School — Jerry confirmed for me in person last year. Perhaps we’ll track down the exact date at some point — should be findable. It’s good to see the joy and pride on Judy’s face while Jerry maintains that cool and composed look of, don’t worry — I’ve got the whole future plan figured out…

Colorized version

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Questions:

• Any favorite high school memories from Jerry?