From 29 to 31 August 2025, not only did the late summer sky glow, but the city also lit up in a vibrant red. The traditional graduation caps worn by former students of the Georgianum and Johanneum grammar schools were impossible to miss. For the 18th time, over 600 alumni from both grammar schools, from recent graduates to those who have been working or retired for five, six or seven decades, celebrated their reunion.
The traditional torchlight procession from Pferdemarkt through the city centre to Wilhelmshöhe opened the programme on Friday evening and brought numerous guests together for the welcome evening.
The event was framed by musical contributions from the school – here the Groovebox (with Noel Johannigmann, Josef Menger, Jonas Sander and Theo Schoppe. Supported by trainee teacher Felicitas Funke).
Under the title "Medicus curat – nataura sanat – Advances in Cardiovascular Medicine," the physician shed light on the saying: "The doctor treats – nature heals."
Jaïra Hibbel gave a solo performance on the piano, and Franziska Scheffer played the violin (accompanied by Johannes Badde on the piano).
A big thank you from the school community for the new roundabout – donated by the Georgian Alumni Association
The morning pint on the market square allowed the joy of reunion to blossom once again before the guests departed in all directions. Back to Germany, to Austria, departures to the USA and even to Australia.
The red caps awarded at graduation are still the visible bond that connects everyone externally and internally, and were an unmistakable sign of the motto: "Where memories come alive."
In 2030, it will ring out again: Gaudeamus Igitur – Let us be merry. A sense of togetherness that is second to none.
Text and photos: Johannes Franke