Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, June 17, 2004

The 2004 Mount Ayr High School alumni reunion was held at the high school on Saturday evening, May 29, 2004. Approximately 150 graduates and guests were present for the 6 p.m. meal served by Kathy COMER and helpers.

The invocation was given by Helen SCHARDEIN. The welcome to the group was given by Bill DECKER, superintendent of Mount Ayr Community High School.

Alumni officers President JoKaye SHIELDS, Vice-President DonElla REED and Secretary/Treasurer Margaret BISHOP had planned the evening. The entertainment was by three students who had received a I rating at state speech contest. They were Amanda HYNEK, Jared BECK, and Josphine HEGER.

Those honored as being the earleist graduates present were the class of 1934 celebrating their 70th anniversary. They were Margaret (EURITT) CAMPBELL, Franklin MAIN, Ruth (MOFFATT) ANGUS, Richard SALTZMAN, and Lois (WILLEY) HAILEY.

The class of 1944 with 13 members present was also recognized. The class of 1949 with seven members present was recognized.

The class of 1954 celebrating their 50th anniversary was honored as having the most members present. Those present were Jean (BRAND) GILLILAND, Sharon (BROWN) COOOPER, Jane (CARR) CONWAY, Joe CUNNING, John DeVRIES, Lee FARIS, Max GLENDENNING, Deloris (GRAVITT) BEAR, Phyllis (HALE) THURMAN, Janet (HUDSON) HICKMAN, Carroll JOHNSON, Rose (JOHNSTON) JAMES, Blondena (KIRBY) THOMPSON, Don LASwELL, Ardis (MORRISON) LANZALOTTA, Sharon (PAYNE) PICKENS, Marjorie PUTNEY, Jeannette (RAUCH) QUICK, Dorothy (REEL) PERRY, Ronnie SHIELDS, Anne (RICHARDS) SICKELS, Evelyn (BROWN) SICKELS, John SHEUMAKER, Mack SICKELS, Ilene (STANLEY) TULL, Patty (STUCK) SMITH, Kay (TAYLOR) TERWILLIGER, Leroy WILLEY and Phyllis (WILSON) HILL.

The family with the most graduates prsent was again the FARIS family with eight graduates present. The latest graduate prsent was Justin FARIS from the class of 2003.

It was reported that again this year four $150 scholarships had been prsented to graduating seniors on Senior Awards Day because of the generosity of this group. They were presented to Dustin ADAMS, Pamela ENGLAND, Callie POORE and Matthew WEEDA. A substantial amount was collected from the free-will offering taken to add to the scholarship fund for next year.

Edna JONES and Neva FISHER led the group in singing the old school song and the new school song. After much reminiscing, the group departed to meet again next year to renew old friendships.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, September of 2012