Distinguished Alumni Award Presented At Reunion
Leo Judy, left, received a distinguished alumni award from Manchester High School principal Nancy Alspaugh, right. Judy was one of five recipients of the award at the annual Manchester alumni reunion June 27. (Photo provided)
Becky Sue Ayres Long, Dr. Paul Grossnickle, Dr. Benjamin Wright, Leo Judy and Dr. David McFadden were presented 2015 distinguished alumni awards at the Manchester High School Alumni reunion Saturday, June 27.
Nancy Alspaugh, Manchester High School principal, presented the awards. All recipients are nominated by alumni, must be an alumnus of Manchester, Chester, Central or Laketon High School and have graduated prior to 2005. All are accomplished in their own endeavors and deserving of community pride and recognition.
The sixth annual reunion saw graduates from Florida, California, Minnesota, Tennessee and states between gathered to celebrate. The oldest graduate in attendance from the Chester class of 1937 was Jean Loucks Renschler and the youngest, Bradley Wood, was a 2004 graduate.
Jim Myer, former Manchester teacher and 2013 Mr. Alumni, emceed the program from welcome through closing. Introductions of school administration, former teachers and the alumni committee preceded recognition of the 50th anniversary class of 1965, as well as the classes of 1960 (55 years) and 1965 (60 years).
Sixty lives, now gone, were recognized with the annual remembrance, Celebration of Life. That number, 60, is equivalent to two-thirds of this years graduating class. Those few moments make poignant the quote I believe that you should always leave loved ones with loving words, it may be the last time you see them, source unknown. Attendance at the annual event gave the opportunity to acknowledge acquaintances from the past.
The Chain-o-Lakes Barbershop Harmony Chorus provided the entertainment with patriotic, spiritual and love songs as well as closing the gathering with An Irish Blessing. Dick Holderman, Central 1954, as spokesman for the group introduced their selections and pointed out the Manchester connections, including Jim Hearn, Central 1953, and Dick Sutton, who stole a Manchester girl, Kay Wible, Central 1956.
The next reunion is scheduled for June 25, 2016. Mark the Date.
