The birds were a worry. Fifty-one years ago, the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School class of 1970 was busy planning our senior year events.

How many for Labor Day? Mom would ask at supper the week before. We had to account for ourselves and guests so she could order food.

There was one special responsibility that I was always glad to fulfill and looked forward to each December. “Don’t forget to stop by the school nurse’s office and pick up the Red Stocking.”

It seems the class of 1970 likes to be first. Among our class are past selectmen, town administrators, the county treasurer.