Nappanee Advance-News, Volume 120, Number 42, Nappanee, Elkhart County, 15 October 1997 — Page 8

Page 8

Nappanee Advance News Wednesday, October 15,1997

NHS alumni gather for first-ever reunion

By Barb Keiser Editor Nappanee High School graduates, friends, teachers and other special guests gathered in the old high school gymnasium (now Nappanee Elementary School) Saturday afternoon and evening, October 11, for several hours filled with remembering times past. The event was made possible by a group of about 35 persons who have been meeting since spring to consider the first-ever gathering of NHS alumni. Spearheaded by Frank Hartman, Mary Clouse and Marge Jensen, the committee expanded to include persons responsible for invitations, decorations, tables and chairs, food, etc. Hartman initially commented, “If we have 100-200 persons at this first dinner, we will consider it a success.” Little did he know that reservations would come rolling in to the tune of over 675, with most of those persons, and a good representation of the teaching staff, showing up for the big celebration. The halls of NHS rang out with greetings, as former students encountered classmates and school friends not seen for years. Most eventually wound up at the memorabilia tables, which included yearbooks from all of the school’s 99-year history, as well as trophies, letter jackets, photos, and letters from those who couldn’t come to the banquet. Following a reception which

r >*y ~ k|' ot 1 ? . L^i

, V v s ; ■■£ ■ : ’' ’V 4 J >’> { 4Y|*' ' ' -4|3n*b.* sL -v <^H . jr£v ■WI9BBHHI I OSjCN :■

lasted from 4-6p.m., those in attendance gathered in the gym for dinner, catered in a very efficient manner by the staff of Dal-Mar Catering, Nappanee. Many good comments were heard regarding the good dinner and the expert manner in which it was served. Thank you! Max Bigler, emcee for the evening, offered an official welcome, after which the Rev. David Widmoyer offered an invocation, and chats resumed over dinner.

Nappanee Mayor Larry Thompson was present to read his proclamation regarding “Bulldog Day” in Nappanee, and Peg Hoffer stood in for former teacher Esther Hoover Metzler, in recalling the early school history of NHS. Former cheerleader, led by Pat Lehman, Donna Mishler, Pat Parks and Amy Strang, led everyone in singing the NHS fight song. Words were printed in the program for those who had forgotten, but not many needed them—and the cheerleaders present remembered

A9A7 iss e ts ° w

all the right moves! Committee member John Stahly offered a special recognition to teachers who were present, and Bigler even introduced a former long-time cafeteria worker. Mary Clouse and Marge Jensen recognized the earliest graduates of NHS, from the Class of 1917, on through the 20s. Wilma George had the distinction of being the earliest graduate present, and received special honors, with flowers presented to all graduates through 1929. Spokesmen representing each decade of Nappanee High School recalled important events of their decade, with Chet McCuen representing the 20s, Dale Christner the 30s, Ken Walters 40s, Ron Fields 50s, and Brad Newcomer 60s. Bigler also recognized two members of the Class of 1970, which had been Nappanee and Wakarusa, but came together for graduation as North Wood. Bigler referred to them as “orphans,” and welcomed them to the celebration. Don Ruhl won the RCA minicamcorder, donated by NHS graduates Fred Curtis and Gordon “Short” McCormick, of Curtis TV & Appliance, and McCormick Motors. Curtis remarked that Short had initially offered to donate a car, but backed off when Curtis reminded him that “everyone has a car!” “Nappanee Our Heritage” throws were also awarded to lucky graduates through a drawing. The three gifts were donated by the committee and by Don and Pat Miller. Pastor Janet McFall Brown led the closing remarks, repeating words to the Nappanee High School Alma Mater, and offering prayer, during which she thanked

B^Hfl , ~ bi 1 W 1 /1 m i -'f^R.'Z ■ Be ' ■'■ *v|p "^p I / VI ft bbMBIWW ■ I'M IT-H m\ J^^Wb | If 1 m ' >* ■ i ”’>*-* '| p BT

God “for name tags!” Special thanks were given to those who donated prizes, to the Evelyn Lehman Culp Heritage Center at the Nappanee Public Library, for display items, to Hartman Furniture and Ray Hopewell for monetary donations to the event, and to all classes and individuals for donations of monies used for postage and planning expenses. Hartman closed with the offer to begin plans for a similar event in 1998 —the 100th anniversary year for Nappanee High School. A resounding “Yes” came from those gathered when he asked, “If we plan it, will you come?” See you next year!

Uz* o’'' 0 ’''

i(B-jfe f jfSg mj jf**' ' ,jST >’* ',. '.v j| jB > Jfs ^n 4b % ’Anl * *y*|M - B/l ■ m -Jsjm ■HHHH H

■

;■■■ ■■' ■■ ; Z:J||y% ':: iß^HHß^nV’' -v 1 V BL ■ ■ I ■ I I ‘ ■*' ■ ■ *V, - | B^^^K I BBBiB^^BhPBv ■ fl

AN photos by Ron Keiser

Mer your 3T(mstmas Car&£ Coftay!

Nappanee Advance-News t&fo: 158 W. Market St. Mgr Nappanee, IN 46550 219-773-367

■% 1 *