Christina Tabaczka, a 1976 Community High School graduate, fondly recalls the impact the school had on her life. Entering CHS as a junior after struggling at Pioneer, she found an environment that inspired her to take control of her education.
“I left Community so confident,” Tabaczka shared. “I went from this depressed, 16-year-old to really believing that if I decided to do something, I could do it.”
Now retired after a successful career as a certified public accountant and later a social worker, Tabaczka devotes much of her time to the CHS Alumni Association. As the board secretary, Tabaczka plays an important role in connecting generations of alumni and ensuring that the school’s unique spirit continues to thrive.
The Alumni Association has come a long way from its informal beginnings. For years, reunions were organized solely by volunteers, but the group has since grown into a structured nonprofit.
“Now we’re all grown up because we have, you know, papers and formal documents and bylaws,” Tabaczka said.
In 2024, the Alumni Board participated in Comstock & Arts, Science, Letters Night and Senior Celebration, adding 145 students and faculty to their email list.
Looking ahead, the board is preparing for its annual meeting, which will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams. This format makes it accessible to participants from across the country. During the meeting, board members will outline goals, review progress and discuss plans, including the development of a new website to better serve the alumni community.
The board is also gearing up for the next major reunion, tentatively scheduled for June 25-27, 2027, to celebrate CHS’s 55th anniversary. All are welcome to attend.
“It’s all class, all school, current students, students back from 1972, faculty, everybody,” Tabackza explained.“We don’t celebrate classes. We celebrate the school’s founding, and that’s really the most important thing.”
For those inspired to join the efforts, the Alumni Association is always looking for volunteers.Participating requires minimal commitment in non-reunion years, and meetings are held virtually, making it easy for anyone to get involved. Alumni, current students and faculty can stay connected by joining the Facebook group “Ann Arbor Community High School All-Class Reunion” where updates are posted.
Tabaczka believes the magic of CHS lies in the connections it fosters—bonds that extend far beyond graduation. Whether through chance encounters or lifelong friendships, she has seen time and time again how the school’s unique community continues to bring people together.
“I call it the Community High magic, where you intersect with people that had nothing to do with the school, but somehow our roads lead back to Community,” Tabaczka said.
For her, supporting the Alumni Association is a way to ensure that this magic never fades. By strengthening alumni networks and keeping the school’s traditions alive, Tabaczka hopes to create opportunities for future generations to experience the same sense of belonging that shaped her own journey.
