The 1976 cohort proved one thing beyond doubt at this year’s OL 112th Dinner — some bonds only get stronger with time.

With John Lyon celebrating its remarkable 150th anniversary, it felt especially fitting to welcome back the Class of 1976 and mark their own golden milestone of 50 years since leaving school. And what a reunion it was.

Thanks in no small part to the tireless efforts of Rick Harragin, nearly 30 OLs from the era gathered for an evening packed with laughter, memories, and the unmistakable feeling that, despite the passing decades, some friendships simply pick up where they left off. Rick took the helm months ago, persistently tracking down contact details, chasing elusive classmates across continents and gently refusing to let anyone slip through the net. His determination paid off handsomely.

The result? OLs travelling from far and wide to reconnect with old friends and celebrate the shared experience that still unites them half a century later.

Before the main event, the cohort gathered at the ever-reliable White Horse for pre-dinner drinks, where stories flowed and from there, the group made their way to the School’s annual OL Dinner, joining generations of former pupils in a celebration made more special by the School’s anniversary year. The atmosphere throughout the evening perfectly captured what the OL community is all about: lifelong friendships, shared history, and a connection to the School that remains strong decades after leaving its gates.

For many attending, the evening was more than just a dinner — it was a reminder of how important these reunions are. Lives may have taken classmates across the globe, into different careers, countries, and chapters of life, but the camaraderie of the 1976 cohort was unmistakably intact.