PAXINOS - The Shamokin Area High School Alumni Association met Saturday, May 28, for the 128th annual reunion at Masser's Banquet Hall.
Charmaine Tetkoskie, '82, president, welcomed those in attendance and called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Invocation was by Shirley Fisher Jackson, '51. Pledge of Allegiance and "God Bless America" were led by Irvin Liachowitz, '42, accompanist.
The Shamokin Area High School students presented numbers from the musical "Little House of Horrors," directed by Rachel F.W. Ulsh, while alumni dined.
Officers and guests introduced at the business meeting by Tetkoskie. A moment of silent prayer was held in memory of deceased alumni members.
Secretary's report by Jackson was moved for approval by Jim Latshaw, '56, seconded by John Shankweiler, '53, and was unanimous. Treasurer's report by William Korbich, '54, was moved for approval by Bob Karr, '54, seconded by Joe Haddock, '74, and was unanimous.
Tetkoskie recognized the class of 2011 and received the banner from class president, Kendra Maschuck.
Prize drawings were held with the students assisting Mary Anne Pitorak Miller, '74, in delivering gifts to the winners.
H. Robert Mattis, '68, vice president, recognized the anniversary classes and their donations as follows:
- Five Year: Class of 2006.
- 10 Year: Class of 2001.
- 15 Year: Class of 1996 ($25 to educational fund).
- 20 Year: Class of 1991.
- 30 Year: Class of 1981 ($300 to general fund; $250 to educational fund).
- 35 Year: Class of 1976.
- 40 Year: Class of 1971 ($200 to educational fund).
- 45 Year: Class of 1966 (previous donations).
- 55 Year: Class of 1956 (previous donations).
- 60 Year: Class of 1951 ($2,500 to general fund; $2,500 to educational fund).
- 65 Year: Class of 1946 ($831 to general fund; $255 to educational fund).
- 70 Year: Class of 1941 ($500 to scholarship fund)
- 75 Year: Class of 1936 ($l,956 to be used at treasurer's discretion).
- 80 Year: Class of 1931 (previous donations).
- Silver Anniversary: Class of 1986 (previous donations).
- Golden Anniversary: Class of 1961 ($12,000 to scholarship fund).
- Diamond Anniversary: Class of 1936 ($618 to general fund; $610 to scholarship fund).
Mattis also acknowledged the presence of Millie Bixler Sharp, '31, and gave her the class flowers in colors from her class. She had been his second grade teacher. Mention was also made that Sara Neidig Zerby, who had attended 68 consecutive alumni association gatherings, had planned to attend this one but had fallen and was in the hospital.
Tetkoskie reminded the Golden Anniversary Class that they would receive a gift from the SAHS Alumni Association. She also recognized the past presidents of the Alumni Association as well as those present who were veterans.
Mattis also named the distance award winner as Joseph J. Shecora, '49, from San Diago, Calif.
Liachowitz presented the Alumni Scholarship Awards. Thirty-four students took the test. Congratulations were extended to all. Recipients and awards are presented from both Shamokin Area Alumni Association and Coal Township Alumni Association. Recipients of the Coal Townships awards were invited to attend the Coal Township Banquet in the same location Sunday evening.
- Coal Township, $3,000, Eric Shultz, Penn State University, Broadcast Journalism.
- Shamokin Area, $2,700, Patrick Erickson, University of Pittsburgh, Pharmacy.
- Coal Township, $2,500, Christina Coller, Shippensburg University, Forensic Psychology.
- Shamokin Area, $2,200, Blake Sandri, Bloomsburg University, Accounting.
- Coal Township, $2,000, Dylan Dombroski, Kutztown University, Psychology.
- Coal Township, $2,000, Timothy Huxta, Misericordia, Psychology.
- Coal Township, $2,000, Madeline Shappell, Messiah College, Broadcasting.
- Shamokin Area, $1,900, Kasi Ristine, West Chester University, Music Education.
- Shamokin Area, $1,700, Cassidy Coveleski, Lycoming University, Chemistry.
- Shamokin Area, $1,500, Hannah Martin, Kutztown University, Human Kinetics.
- Shamokin Area, $1,200, Kristin Kozar, Lock Haven University, Athletic Training.
- Coal Township, $900, Casey Bradigan, Millersville University, Psychology.
Principal Chris J. Venna gave a report on the SAHS and included information on academics, athletics, music and computer technology. Congratulations on a job well done by administration, teachers, students and parents.
John Schankweiler, '53, presented for ratification three directors to the Education (Scholarship) Committee: Tom Olcese, '48, and Myron Moskowitz, '42, for five year terms and James Backes for a one year term to fill Jim Booth's, '48, term. Backes has resigned due to illness.
Ratification of officers who were nominated by the Executive Committee were Mattis, who will become president of the 129th Reunion and Maxine Howerter-Harvey, '83, who will become vice president.
Led by the senior class the school alma mater was sung by those present.
Benediction by Jackson concluded the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
After Glow followed the general meeting with music by the Vic Boris Trio. Liachowitz and Dorothy Goodman, '44, encouraged dancing and musical chairs as they judged and awarded prizes. Snacks were provided.