The Mount Ayr High School Alumni Reunion was held Saturday, May 24 at the Mount Ayr High Schools commons
and auditorium. Alumni Association President Sherry (Norris) Allen, class of 1966, welcomed everyone and outlined the evening's
activities. The Alumni Association officers were introduced as Sherry Allen, president; Bernard Crawford, vice-president;
and Mike Avitt, secretary-treasurer. Art Allen, class of 1966, then gave the invocation.The guests then sat down to a
meal of roast beef, chicken breasts, vegetables, and dessert catered by Donetta Phelps and her crew. We then adjourned
to the auditorium for the program.
We began the program by recognizing the fifty-year class, 1964, and the sixty-year
class, 1954. Then, recognition was given to Ruth Angus for being the earliest graduate, 1934, and to LaDonna Prime
for being the latest graduate, 1976. The furthest traveled graduate was Jim Faris of Lancaster, CA. The Ingram family
was recognized as having the most alumni present with five. This was followed by recognition of graduates by decade.
Janet (Hudson) Hickman gave the scholarship committee report and announced the recipients of this year's awards. Leah
Klejch, Dawson Knapp, Weston Schnoor, Trevor Shelley, Hagan Willis, and Kyle Young all received $100 scholarships from the
committee. If you are interested in being on the scholarship committee, please contact Janet Hickman, Martha Landphair,
or Theola Weeda.
Mike Avitt gave the secretary/treasurer's report and gave the evening's paid attendance at 126. The
balance as of April 2014 was $1,753.51.
Sherry Allen took the podium and began to tell the audience about
Mount Ayr High School's new Hall of Fame program. During her explanation, she stopped, looked up and said, "I believe
Mr. Showalter has an announcement for us." Delwyn Showalter approached the podium and announced the Mount Ayr High School
Boys Track team had
just won the Class 1A State Tournament. While Mr. Showalter was turning the podium over to Coach Brad Elliott, the young
men from the track team entered the auditorium and took the state to a standing ovation. Coach Elliott told about the
contest in Des Moines and introduced track team point-getters in their events. Many photographs were taken as we
celebrated with the track team, coaches, parents and friends.
Members of the 1964 track team also had their photos
taken as this team finished 2nd in state (both indoor and outdoor) that year, Mount Ayr's previous best finish in
boys' track. The alumni again gave a standing ovation as the team left the state.
Delwyn Showalter, football coach,
teacher, and our special speaker for the program, then spoke on Mount Ayr High School's commitment to excellence and
the community. He repeatedly pointed out how supportive the community has been in supporting the school district's
goals. Accomplishments and endeavors were cited as Mr. Showalter gave an informative and truly inspirational account
of the school district and its supporters. Neither is the dedication of students, faculty and parents to be overlooked.
Next up was the slide show. Mike Avitt commented on photos from the past and we saw many pictures from the 1963 undefeated football
season which garnered Coach Joe McNeill the Des Moines Register's Prep Coach of the year award. Other
pictures included the Shamrock Cafe, Princess Theater and other well-known student hang-outs and some past teachers.
About 45 photos were shown.
Art and Sherry Allen concluded the program by leading the audience in both the past
and present school fight songs. We had a great time and look forward to seeing everyone (and more) again at next year's
Mount Ayr High School Alumni Reunion.
Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, June of 2014
