Jo Ann Baker Lathrop
Date Submitted: 8/28/05
Jo Ann writes:
Jo Ann graduated from Olean Business Institute in 1979 and married Kirk
Lathrop after he completed naval school but before being sent to Japan. We were
in Japan for our honeymoon, then returned to the states for Kirk's first duty. At that
point, we had to decide whether to stay in the Navy and move around the world or to
stay here in the states. My father had cancer during our deployment so Kirk went into
the reserves and we looked for a job in the Washington, DC area. We have lived here ever
since November 1982, 22 years.
We have three wonderful daughters following their dreams of traveling the world:
- Victoria is attending the community college full time before embarking on World
International Studies overseas in fall of 2006. She is presently in Japan with friends,
has been to England twice, and Scotland, Ireland and Wales. She
received her Silver Trefoil and Gold Award, which is equivalent to being an Eagle
Scout for building bat houses for federal and county parks. She has worked as a Congressional
Aide on Capitol Hill and participated as a volunteer at the recent Presidential Inauguration.
She works both at the AMC movie theater and for a photographer, learning to take portraits. She attends
many events in DC with diplomats.
- Leanna is in Poland doing an introductory internship at the U.S. Embassy and is
enjoying visiting friends. She will travel to Italy next spring with Latin Club. She plans to
go to Mary Washington College or American University for Political Science and will
minor in International Studies. She has also worked on the Capitol Hill as a Congressional
Aide, volunteered at the recent Presidential Inauguration. She attended Virginia Girl State,
has been recognized in the Youth Salute for Virginia and earned her Silver Trefoil for leadership
hours provided to the state and country in scouting, international studies, politics and for the community.
She also works at AMC movie theater and for a photographer. She is a dance team member, no cheerleaders!!
Leanna is finishing her Gold Award with an urban exchange of students from DC. The students
will attend Leanna's international studies and languages school.
- Alexandra is in Japan too, and will be a freshman next year. She is an avid skier and
snowboarder and spends time in Colorado on the slopes as much as possible. Horses and
fencing are her second love ... hard to have a stable in DC.
Jo Ann started worked in Japan as a payroll clerk for the Navy. Back in the states, she
worked for a Veterinary Clinic as manager for 10 years, then was a Hallmark manager for two years.
After Victoria was born, I was basically a stay-at-home mom and like to be home for the girls to volunteer
for their many clubs and activities. I have been a Girl Scout Leader since 1990 and a Trainer since
1996. I recently added the hat of Boy Scout Venture Crew Leader in 2001.
Jo Ann and Kirk love to travel in the USA and overseas. Japan will always be our favorite.
Our other favorites are Chincoteague, VA (pony swim), Yellowstone (everyone should go once to see),
Yosemite, New York City, Key West, Charleston, Vail, Colorado (skiing) and
Washington, DC. The door is always open -- call and we will meet you for lunch or dinner. It is only 30
miles away from us here in Viginia. If you have been to Potomac Mills or IKEA on Interstate
95 then you are 5 minutes from our house.
We try to get home at least once a year but it is difficult with Kirk traveling. We flew away 26 years
ago, time for another reunion!! There were some fond memories and good friends, we would love to hear from you.
Washington is beautiful!!
My email address is jkvla@aol.com
See the rest of the Class of 1978