Emmitsburg High School Alumni Association Holds 93rd Reunion
Grace Eyler
The Emmitsburg High School Alumni Association held its 93rd reunion on Saturday, October 21, 2017, at the Emmitsburg Ambulance Building in Emmitsburg. Two hundred ten guests checked in and grabbed a name tag. Many didn’t make it too far in the door before seeing long-time friends and classmates, happily taking a moment to share greetings. For some, the reunion is even a family reunion of sorts. Dale Valentine, (Class of ‘68) attended with his wife, Wanda, and pointed out different family relations throughout the crowd. He joked, “You’ll never hear so many conversations on medical procedures,” while friends at his table talked about recent knee operations.
Bill Wivell greeted the audience by saying, “Emmitsburg was a great time for everyone sitting here! We had a great time at EHS.” He recognized Juanita Harner (class of ‘57), who even wore her poodle skirt and saddle shoes. This year’s honorary classes were comprised of all years that ended with either a two or a seven, beginning at 1937.
Phyllis Kelly provided the evening’s special recognitions. The “Oldest Lady” in attendance was Lucille Valentine, who was born in 1923. The “Oldest Man” in attendance was Thomas Hoke, who is ninety-three this year.
Mike Humerick, who is normally awarded for “Traveling the farthest” from Alaska to attend, passed the torch to Jeanne Angleberger, who traveled from Florida to attend. The teachers of EHS were recognized, one being Mary Fiery, who said, “Thank you so much for all of the wonderful memories,” as she reminisced about her teaching career that started with her teaching third and fifth grades at Emmitsburg Elementary School and ended with retirement from the Frederick County Board of Education. Betty Ann Hollinger-Baker also started her teaching career in Emmitsburg at the elementary school, teaching third and fifth grades. Joyce Bruchey (Class of ’62) recalled that in the beginning of her career, she actually had one of her sisters in her class as a student.
Military Veterans were recognized for serving our country. To honor those who served, William Simmons (Class of ’41) stood to sing “God Bless America.”
Phyllis Kelly presented this year’s scholarship awards. In twenty-four years, the EHS Alumni Association has given a total of $68,000 to the youth of Emmitsburg to better their education. This year, $4,625 was distributed to five recipients: Alexi Baumgardner, Michaela Persinger, Nicholas Little, Rebecca Thompson and Mya Swiderski.
Joyce Bruchey directed guests to the small pamphlet on their tables. The small book was the first graduation souvenir for the first graduating class at Emmitsburg High in 1910. She referenced that in the booklet, the debate team had a piece on immigration. She commented, “Not much has changed.”
Later, she quizzed the room to see who remembered things they did in high school such as dancing at lunchtime, participating in the senior play, participating in a cake walk at the school, or purchasing war bonds. In some cases, a room full of hands would dart into the air, others would spout laughter.
The honorary classes were asked to stand, and introduce themselves while Joyce Bruchey provided class statistics and interesting tidbits about each honorary class. At the end of the evening, Bill Wivell reminded everyone that he looked forward to seeing them again next year on October 20, 2018.
Pictured from left are: (back row) James Seiss, Edie Long, Michael Smith; (front row) Joyce Philpott, Gloria Gardner, Carolyn Lewis, and Rachel Wivell.
Pictured from left are: (back row) James Seiss, Edie Long, Michael Smith; (front row) Joyce Philpott, Gloria Gardner, Carolyn Lewis, and Rachel Wivell.