Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, May 29, 2003

The 2003 Mount Ayr high school alumni reunion was held at the high school on Saturday evening, May 24, 2003. Approximately 120 graduates and guests were present for the 6 p.m. meal served by All Seasons Cafe.

The invocation was given by Helen SCARDEIN. Two honored graduates, Junanita WHISLER SHIELDS of Mount Ayr and Russell THOMAS of Lamoni, were the first to go through the food line.

Following the delicious meal, the group was entertained by Joe, Amy and Amanda HYNEK and their friends from Graceland University and Iowa State University. Joe and Amy are graduates of Mount Ayr and Amanda is a student at Mount Ayr. They entertained with several songs they had written, one of which was a tribute to Peggy WHITSON, their neighbor who was an astronaut on the last space flight.

Following the entertainment, a short business meeting was held. Joen BROWN, high school teacher and alumna, spoke words of welcome to the group. Mrs. SHIELDS and Mr. THOMAS were honored as being the earliest graduates present, graduating with the class of 1931. The 50-year class, the class of 1953, had the most graduates prsent, 15. The FARIS family had the most members present . The minutes of the 2002 meeting were read and approved.

It was reported that four $150 scholarships had been presented to the graduating seniors on Senior Awards Day because of the generosity of this group. They were presented to Chance GREENMAN, Jana JOHNSON, Oakel PETTINGER, and Daniel STULL. A free-will offering was taken to add to the fund for next year.

Edna JONES and Kathy SHIELDS led the group in singing the school song as the meeting concluded. The group departed to meet again next year, after much good fellowship.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, September of 2012