49 years in the making

This weekend, I witnessed a beautiful love story between two of our Burbank High School classmates which unfolded after a period of 49 YEARS, and was so excited about it that I kept checking Facebook every hour for updates!

What a bright light in the midst of another mass shooting this weekend, when we learned about the love story between Tonia Szilagyi Mapston and George Frigerio which has just happened in the last year. In case you missed it, you can read the previous post, “A BHS love story,” on this blog—which apparently started with Mr. Buckner’s biology class.

It all happened in Mr. Buckner’s biology class!

And how perfect is this: the 1968 Ceralbus was dedicated to Mr. Kenneth Buckner!

In appreciation to Mr. Kenneth Buckner for the tremendous amount of devotion he has shown to his students, we would like to dedicate the 1968 Ceralbus. Mr. Buckner, who teaches biology, is also head of the science department at Burbank High. He is not only a devoted and interested teacher, but a wonderful person to know, with a cheerful and friendly personality.

Mr. Buckner is the kind of teacher who does not simply impart knowledge to his students, but he awakens their interest in it and makes them eager to pursue it on their own. It is not unusual for him to spend many extra hours helping students who show such an interest.

We hope by this dedication, Mr. Buckner, to express our sincere gratitude and thanks for your contribution as a friend and teacher to the students of Burbank High School.

Dedication to Mr. Kenneth Buckner

Little did Mr. Buckner know that 49 years later two of his students would get together!

Along the way, Tonia posted images on her Facebook page, which I am reposting here—all clues to this developing love relationship! What is so miraculous is the last time these two saw each other in person (outside of Facebook, text messaging, and videochatting)—was Grad Night 6/13/68! Isn’t that incredible! Since mid-July 2017, they have been videochatting every morning, and falling in love as they went.

For those who do not have a Facebook account, I thought you’d be interested in some of the comments on the blog post— and a reminder: there is a comments section on the bottom of each post. If you write your comments there, everybody will be able to see them!

Sallie Shelton Thomas I was right there with you, Katherine. I thought I was going to wear out my iPad checking Facebook all the time the past few days to see what was happening with these two. May the giddiness and happiness never fade.

John Ferguson What a great story!

Norm Sabin With all the garbage going on in the world today, it was incredible to watch a true love story unfold before our eyes. Kinda puts things in perspective. I wish each of you the best.

Jan DeJaegher Love wins! Again!!❤️❤️ SO happy for you both. Tonia, your Girl Scout Troop 50 pals should be your attendants. Loving all this nostalgia! George and Tonia, now NEITHER of you can hide!😎Nor can your kids.😄We who are your friends will ALL find you…😉 Your news is a bright light in all the craziness going on right now.

Annette Dinolfo Bennett Good luck to both of you💑 for finding each other after all these years❤️

Robyn Campbell Morrow The stuff dreams are made of. Soap Operas too! Ha!

Katherine Crosier I suspected as much when I saw them commenting each other’s posts so often. Wow, what a great story!

Dale Rubin What great news. Congratulations to you both!

Jill Gipson I didn’t know either of these “kids” during my time in Burbank, but I’m a sap for a love story and this is one of the best I’ve heard in a long time. Congratulations to you both! ❤

Alice Hanson I didn’t know them either; but so very happy for the both of them ❤️

Laura L. Young Congrats to both of you!!! Let everyone know when!! Finding Love at this stage of our lives is outstanding…enjoy every minute you have together!!!!! ♡♡♡

Les Heller Totally Jealous….On SO Many Levels !!!!!

Jan P. Williams Soo happy for you Both!! Congratulations 🥂

Larry O’Brien Got ya, hook line and sinker. George and Tonia sitting in a tree, kiss..ing , first comes love, then comes Marriage; then comes baby in a baby carriage.

Jodi Tillotson Huddleston We are so happy for you and we’ll see you next year!

Robyn Campbell Morrow It’s like hitting the lottery! Congrats!

Teri Clark I’ll leave you two alone now 😄❤

Tonia Szilagyi Mapston Watch for relationship status in the near future …

Jerel Perry West How about a Christmas Wedding, fun!!!

George Frigerio if y’all haven’t figured it out,,,i asked toni to go steady and she stayed,,i guess that’s a yes, boy…  i’m in trouble… we’re happy and in amoree… i won the lotto.

I found the perfect song for Tonia and George:

Reunited, and it feels so good
Reunited ’cause we understood
There’s one perfect fit
And, sugar, this one is it
We both are so excited ’cause we’re reunited, hey, hey.