Don Croarkin, executive director of the Bloom High School Alumni Association greeted each Bloom grad as they walked into Scrementi’s Restaurant.  Hugs and greetings filled the banquet room as Bloom alumni spoke about their alma mater.

“I’m happy to be here,” said Bud Kurth of Chicago Heights.  “I’m 87 this coming August. I served in World War II, I've lived in Chicago Heights since 1937 and I’m staying until the end. I don’t know how many Bloom reunions I’ve been to, but every one is just as good as the last one. You get to see a lot of people you never get to see otherwise. I think Bloom is the greatest school in the United States.” 

As Kurth finished his conversation, other Bloom alumni echoed his sentiment, even holding up a Bloom bear to make the point clear.

Bloom graduate from 1941, Frances Somer of Chicago Heights gave her view as well.

"I’m still alive, I’m glad to be here," Somer said. "Every time I pass Bloom – and I do often – I’m so proud. When you see the building listed in newspapers such as the Boston Globe, makes me prouder.”

The room was quiet as the Bloom High Choral ensemble performed old songs for the alumni. Smiles lit up each table, none bigger than 99-year-old Lucy White. 

The year she graduated Bloom in 1929, Chicago Heights was put on the map via prohibition with help from Capone-connected bootleggers. White remembers a better time.  

“I loved Bloom then and I still love it," White said. "I not only graduated from Bloom, I worked at Bloom. My daughter-in-law works at Bloom. We are a family oriented to Bloom High School." 

Sept. 6, Lucy White will be 100.  You couldn’t find a better cheerleader than Lucy White to continue the legacy that Bloom High School has left.