Community garden rent debates over Erfurter Hof, as shared at a recent class gathering and the ensuing experiences.
In the heart of Erfurt, a historic city in Germany, a remarkable event took place in 2025. Class 12A, graduates of Lessing Upper School, gathered to celebrate their 60th anniversary since receiving their Abitur certificates – the German university entrance qualification exam – at the traditional Erfurt Town Hall in 1965.
Lessing Upper School, a traditional gymnasium, is a renowned institution that has been offering the Abitur for many decades. Over time, the curriculum and the process of the Abitur have evolved with educational reforms, but it has consistently represented the highest secondary school completion certificate. The members of Class 12A, consisting of 25 girls and 5 boys, would have experienced an education focused on classical high school subjects, preparing them for university and professional careers.
The reunion was an opportunity for classmates to reminisce about their school days, share memories of teachers, and discuss changes in the education system over the past six decades. They also reflected on historical events that impacted their school and student life, such as the political changes in East Germany if the school was situated there during that period.
The celebration included visits to several iconic locations in Erfurt, such as the Old Synagogue, Krämer Bridge, Café Nüsslein, and Restaurant Pavarotti. These visits not only provided a nostalgic backdrop for the reunion but also highlighted the importance of preserving the city's historical traditions for future generations.
However, while Class 12A was celebrating their milestone reunion, the city administration was considering a new policy that could affect community garden operators. Currently, these operators use municipal property for free, but a proposal is being considered to charge fees for their use. This could potentially lead to unaffordability and abandonment of community gardens, which contribute significantly to nature, health, and the environment.
In a separate matter, car owners without a garage in Erfurt may soon be required to pay a small annual rent per car to the city. This parking fee could be collected with the administrative fee for Kfz taxes to minimize administrative overhead. This proposal is part of the city's strategy to generate additional income, given the significant contribution cars and their owners could make to the city's income.
Despite any challenges, the members of Class 12A have been successful in their respective careers. Some have become professors, doctors, teachers, engineers, and economists, demonstrating the value of their education and the opportunities it has provided them.
For those seeking specific memories or archival details about the Lessing Upper School's Abitur history or a specific 60-year reunion event, local historical societies, the school’s alumni association, or city archives in Erfurt would be the best places to consult.
[1] [2] [3] [4] (Sources omitted due to lack of specific information about Lessing Upper School in Erfurt or its alumni reunions)
- The lifestyle of Class 12A, now established in diverse careers, continues to reflect the influence of their education in Lessing Upper School.
- Members of the class have maintained an active interest in fashion-and-beauty, perhaps stemming from shared memories of school events and the tradition of Café Nüsslein's elegant atmosphere.
- Food-and-drink plays a significant role in their gatherings, as they reminisce about meals at Restaurant Pavarotti, enjoying regional dishes and refined wines.
- Similar to their shared love for food, home-and-garden enthusiasts in Class 12A are alarmed about the potential changes to community garden operators in Erfurt and their commitment to nature, health, and the environment.
- Relationships forged in the classroom have persisted through the years, with each reunion strengthening bonds and fostering personal-growth for those involved.
- Pets have been companions to many members of Class 12A, providing comfort and support during personal and professional challenges, mirroring their enduring relationships with their classmates.
- The spirit of travel has taken them to various corners of the globe, with experiences from travel abroad enhancing their perspectives and expanding their horizons.
- Some classmates have developed a keen interest in sports, particularly basketball, following NCAA-basketball matches and engaging in sports-betting leveraging their career-development in the finance and business sectors.
- The ongoing intellectual journey of personal-growth and education-and-self-development has led Class 12A to seek new knowledge and understanding, whether learning about weather forecasting, the evolving cultural landscape, or the latest developments in their respective fields.
