Wagner Memories - Marie Bissell Velilla '77

This year, Marie and Rick will celebrate 25 years of marriage! In fact, April 1st marks 31 years since they first started dating at Wagner. They have four sons, two have graduated from college. Rick II, graduated with a major in computer science, and minors in math and Bible. He now lives in the Dayton, Ohio area, working as a computer software developer and is buying his first house. Josh graduated with honors in communications with an emphasis in public speaking and is now in seminary school, working for a masters in youth ministry. Micah is a sophomore at Emory University, majoring in Business Finance.

Rick and Marie have one more at home, Nicolas, who is finishing his junior year. He plans to attend Liberty Univ. through their Army ROTC program. His goal is to be a ranger in Special Forces. In between home schooling, Marie helps Rick lead their church youth group, and Marie leads their high school support group and a small women's Bible study. Rick still has his stucco company and is currently training to cycle in several events this year!

What was your first impression of Clark and Wagner? I was too young to remember my first impression, but as a young girl who watched her older siblings attend Wagner HS, I remember thinking that I couldn't wait to get there myself.

What surprised you the most about the Philippines? What did you like best about living there? I enjoyed the fruits, the seafood, and my cousins.

Did you really miss anything from the States and if so, what? This one doesn't apply to me, since I never lived there growing up!

Who were your good buddies? So many to name! Gina Crynes Burgess, Yolanda Fisherman Santana, Robert Cantos, Gena Carrasca, Kimi Cantos, the Burdicks, Cathy Forren, the Shustermans, the Youngs, the Lamberts, Renee Livingston, Pam Grice, Gabe Montes, . . . I could go on and on!

Where did you hang out? It changed from year to year: the pavillion, between the 2nd and 3rd wing, between the 3rd and 4th wing, I cruised the halls….

Who was your favorite teacher/class? I enjoyed Mr. Carmone’s class the most, but there was also Mr. Quayle and Ms. Jewitt

Did you have a part time job - what was it? I did, but I can't remember the name of the office! It was for one summer, and I made $4 a week, if I remember correctly. I helped process local employees who needed to get chest x-rays, sputum tests, and other medical procedures, then filed their files.

Did you have a crush on anyone? (We're all grown up now - it's okay to spill the beans!) Hmm. . .

Have you become closer to a Wagnerite that you didn't know well in high school because of a reunion? Yes! All of you!!!

Do you think your experience living overseas made you a better person? Definitely. Growing up in a third world country that also had a period of martial law and now living in America, I truly appreciate the riches and comforts of this blessed nation. However, I am careful not to take things for granted, which is so easy to do, because it could all be gone in a moment. I feel humbled and blessed that my family is not suffering hardship. We have a house, cars, food to eat, and clothes to wear. I feel sorry for those in the P.I. and other countries that don't have these, plus the freedoms we enjoy in America.

Pictures: #1 Marie's Senior picture #2 Marie & Rick with their sons in 2005 #3 At the San Diego reunion with Joey Montes '78, Julie Gonzales '77, Robert Cantos '77 and Bill Boling '77. #4 Dancing the night away at the SD reunion!

Comments

[Gabe Montes]

Hey Marie,

You still look the same as you did back in the day! You and Rick certainly have lots to be proud of. And congratulations on your anniversary. That's awesome.

It was great seeing you again at the San Diego reunion. Looking forward to seeing you guys and the rest of the Wagner gang in DC.

[Lisa Ramos Wilcox]

Hey Marie,
Congrats on 25 yrs! Heidi & I will also celebrate that this summer. Sounds like your family is doing well & you are keeping busy w/ the important things in life. =)Hugs!

[Jason Roosma '76]

Hi Marie!!