300 Reunited at Manchester
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Staff Report-
Eyes were focused on name tags, producing big smiles and many hugs during the social time prior to the program. The program heading read “Celebrating the 3 R’s” but the celebration was perhaps more about celebrating growing up in a small place where you know your classmates and fellow students, enjoy tremendous community support and know as the years go by you will always be welcome home.
Jim Smith served the Manchester Community Schools in several capacities from 1984 until 1998, including assistant principal, athletic director, high school principal and assistant superintendent. He and his wife returned to North Manchester after retirement and continue to serve the community in a variety of positions. An obvious advocate of North Manchester, Smith was a perfect choice for master of ceremonies. He kept the program moving with precision interspersed with his typical clever comments.
Ruby Muir graduated from Laketon High School in 1936. Derek Self graduated from Manchester High School in 2012. Saturday afternoon, both Muir and Self attended the same event: this all-inclusive reunion. Muir was recognized as the oldest graduate in attendance. One of the youngest in attendance, Derek Self, is a name to remember and follow, judging from his vocal contributions to the program. Someone was overheard commenting, “This young man sings the National Anthem just the way it should be sung.” Equally moving was his rendition of “You Raise Me Up” as the balloons were released to celebrate the lives of those who died this past year.
Aaron Johnson, Sarrah Dierks, Derek Self and Emily Grant are members of the Di Cantanti Choral Groups of Manchester High School under the direction of Marilyn Mason. These students provided musical selections from a diverse genre for an audience who responded with a standing ovation.
New this year to the program was the presentation of Distinguished Alumni Awards. Nominated by friends and family, five former graduates were honored for extraordinary achievement. Presented by Principal Nancy Alspaugh the awards were given to Janene Dawes, John Warren, Nancy Reed, Doug Frantz and Matt White.
The names responsible for this event are familiar to those who regularly attend this annual event. The Alumni Committee consisting of Mary Elizabeth Ayres, Nancy Knapp, Mary Lou Tyner, Jackie Ihnen, Donna Harman, Lois Scott, Jane Ann Airgood, Janene Dawes and Leo Judy work tirelessly to organize the festivities. Assisting the committee with their continued support and effort were Nancy Alspaugh, Randy Self and Jim Myer.
Described in the program as “the best cook and most accommodating lady you will ever meet” Becky Landes, head cook at Manchester High School, and her staff, with unbelievable efficiency, presented those in attendance with a delicious meal highlighted by homemade rolls and pies and everyone’s favorite salad.
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Eyes were focused on name tags, producing big smiles and many hugs during the social time prior to the program. The program heading read “Celebrating the 3 R’s” but the celebration was perhaps more about celebrating growing up in a small place where you know your classmates and fellow students, enjoy tremendous community support and know as the years go by you will always be welcome home.
Jim Smith served the Manchester Community Schools in several capacities from 1984 until 1998, including assistant principal, athletic director, high school principal and assistant superintendent. He and his wife returned to North Manchester after retirement and continue to serve the community in a variety of positions. An obvious advocate of North Manchester, Smith was a perfect choice for master of ceremonies. He kept the program moving with precision interspersed with his typical clever comments.
Ruby Muir graduated from Laketon High School in 1936. Derek Self graduated from Manchester High School in 2012. Saturday afternoon, both Muir and Self attended the same event: this all-inclusive reunion. Muir was recognized as the oldest graduate in attendance. One of the youngest in attendance, Derek Self, is a name to remember and follow, judging from his vocal contributions to the program. Someone was overheard commenting, “This young man sings the National Anthem just the way it should be sung.” Equally moving was his rendition of “You Raise Me Up” as the balloons were released to celebrate the lives of those who died this past year.
Aaron Johnson, Sarrah Dierks, Derek Self and Emily Grant are members of the Di Cantanti Choral Groups of Manchester High School under the direction of Marilyn Mason. These students provided musical selections from a diverse genre for an audience who responded with a standing ovation.
New this year to the program was the presentation of Distinguished Alumni Awards. Nominated by friends and family, five former graduates were honored for extraordinary achievement. Presented by Principal Nancy Alspaugh the awards were given to Janene Dawes, John Warren, Nancy Reed, Doug Frantz and Matt White.
The names responsible for this event are familiar to those who regularly attend this annual event. The Alumni Committee consisting of Mary Elizabeth Ayres, Nancy Knapp, Mary Lou Tyner, Jackie Ihnen, Donna Harman, Lois Scott, Jane Ann Airgood, Janene Dawes and Leo Judy work tirelessly to organize the festivities. Assisting the committee with their continued support and effort were Nancy Alspaugh, Randy Self and Jim Myer.
Described in the program as “the best cook and most accommodating lady you will ever meet” Becky Landes, head cook at Manchester High School, and her staff, with unbelievable efficiency, presented those in attendance with a delicious meal highlighted by homemade rolls and pies and everyone’s favorite salad.
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