Laughter to benefit Project Graduation
For the fourth straight year, the Middletown (CT) High School Project Graduation Committee turned to humor to fund a very worthy cause. Project Graduation hosted the Bayside High Comedy Alumni Reunion, a production by the New York Dinner Theater. The original show is a funny and interactive performance and dinner, designed to involve the audience as the “alumni.”
The brand new show is a humorous take on a high school class reunion, complete with audience cheerleader contests and king and queen elections. Audience participation is very important, and the cast actively engages diners in conversation as part of the show. The humor can be a little racy, so it’s not recommended for children. However, open-minded individuals will get a chance to laugh at fellow “alumni,” as well as subjecting themselves to a bit of good-natured ridicule. The script includes love triangles and plenty of petty class politics. Since its inception, Project Graduation has been dedicated to providing graduating students with an alcohol- and drug-free celebration to the end of high school.
From an article by Matthew Engelhardt in the Middletown Press, Middletown, Connecticut
Stonewall graduates planning first all-class reunion
“The West Side is the best side,” was the theme for Stonewall Jackson West High School’s first all-class (1941-1989) reunion, which was also a fundraiser for Stonewall Jackson Middle School. Activities included a social with a six-piece band and appetizers, a golf tournament, doubles tennis tournament, open house, brunch at Stonewall Jackson Middle and a dinner dance.
The dinner dance band performed songs from the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s, while another band played music from the ’70s and ’80s. Former men’s and women’s coaches from Stonewall Jackson High School were honored.
Money raised from the reunion goes to middle school maintenance, its athletic programs and other academic needs. The school’s priorities include an expanded Accelerated Reader program, updated computer labs, new desks, additional Advanced Placement teacher training and dry-erase boards for classrooms.
Reunion organizers are hopeful the reunion will spark interest among local businesses to take ownership in the school and community. Contact Stonewall Jackson Alumni Association, PO Box 6283, Charleston WV 25362; www.stonewallreunion.com.
From an article by Jessica M. Karmasek in the Daily Mail – Charleston, Charleston, West Virginia.
Memories after the war: Class donates memorabilia
Sometimes memories are less important to those who make them than to generations that follow.
Batesville (Arkansas) High School Class of 1946 members donated important memorabilia to the high school as part of the class’s 60th reunion weekend. Class members spent months digging through boxes, envelopes and parcels sent by ’46ers and their families. Members were asked to donate school items: yearbooks, letterman jackets, photos, report cards, yearbooks, embroidered sweaters, programs, notes and a letter signed by the mayor proclaiming a special appreciation day for the class of 1946. These items will be displayed permanently at the high school.
The class of ’46 members hope future generations learn from their accomplishments and take steps to safeguard their own histories. Donated memorabilia can be a wonderful reminder to students. If you don’t tell them how things were, how are they going to know?
From a story by Jon Trobaugh in the Batesville Daily Guard, Batesville, Arkansas
Reunion gets fund off to good start
A reunion held to help raise funds for athletics at Arthur Voaden Secondary School, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, got the drive off to a healthy start toward its $25,000 goal. A recent Vikings reunion weekend attracted close to 500 alumni to celebrate athletic and academic achievements over the past 79 years, and netted $7,000 to help relaunch the junior football program.
Organizers said they wanted to hold an event in which enjoyment and socializing accompanied fund-raising for new helmets and shoulder pads. The drive got a boost from an anonymous donation of 17 football helmets. Other fundraising events include a Poor Boy’s Lunch in fall and a golf tournament in spring.
From the St. Thomas Times-Journal, Canada
Class of 1956 endows student assistance
Members of the Ottawa, Illinois, Marquette High School (MHS) Class of 1956 announced that their endowment is now fully funded at more than $50,000. They will begin providing financial assistance grants to MHS students for the 2007-2008 school year.
The Open Endowment Fund was created in 2001 by class members as appreciation for the education they received at MHS and as a means to help insure these same opportunities will be available to future generations of young people. The MHS Foundation will manage the fund.
From MyWebTimes.com, Ottawa, Ilinois
Friends, classmates build scholarship fund in former Senator’s name
The late Larry Trail was a Tennessee state senator, lawyer and farmer. A scholarship fund was started by his Woodbury Central High School, Class of 1970, classmates to honor his legacy and promote student success.
His friends and family wanted him remembered in a special way, and the idea for the scholarship fund evolved. The $1,000 Larry Trail Memorial scholarship award will be given to a Cannon County (Tennessee) High School student who maintains at least a 3.5 GPA. Candidates must submit a 500-700 word essay explaining their academic accomplishments. To donate or apply to the Larry Trail Memorial scholarship fund, contact Cannon County High School, 1 Lion Drive, Woodbury TN 37190; 615-563-2144.
From a story by Alicia Pickett in the Daily News Journal, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
