Politicians, scientists, pioneering athletes and filmmakers and at least one billionaire gathered in Midwood last weekend to mark the 100th anniversary of their alma mater, James Madison High School.

Known for its many renowned alumni, including U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer and Bernie Sanders, environmentalist Barry Commoner, singer-songwriter Carole King, Judge Judith “Judy” Blum Sheindlinand, the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and about six Nobel prize winners, JMHS celebrated the school’s legacy, memories, and hopes for more in the coming years.

“It’s absolutely surreal,” said principal Jodie Cohen, herself a member of the Class of 1989. Her mother is also an alum, while her two children graduated from JMHS in 2020 and 2022.

“It’s been a beautiful reunion,”

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