Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, June 07, 2012

The 2012 Mount Ayr high school alumni reunion was held Saturday evening, May 26, 2012 at the high school commons.

The invocation was given by Helen SCHARDEIN from the class of 1937 to open the reunion. The meal was catered by Jan FORD of Mount Ayr to approximately 145 graduates and guests.

Following the meal, the president, Sherry NORRIS, from the class of 1966 conducted the business meeting and program in the high school auditorium. She introduced Mount Ayr high school superintendent Joe DRAKE, who responded with words of welcome to the graduates and guests in attendance. He introduced his wife Nancy, and told of his family members. He shared his teaching experience of several years as well as serving as a high school principal. He has been the superintendent of Bedford Community School for 19 years, has shared superintendent duties with the Clearfield district for seven years, and the last two years added Mount Ayr.

He grew up in Mount Ayr, but actually spent his senior year and ensuing graduation in Red Oak. He shared delightful memories of his Mount Ayr years.

He noted that we now have new additions to both the high school and elementary school and a plan is underway for renovating the various class rooms (using sales tax moneys).

He felt our board, in hiring him, desired consistency as they had had a number of superintendents in the 10 years prior to his hiring.

He noted his 19 years at Bedford indicated "consistency."

He also noted our district's troubled financial situation had stabilized and felt good about the progress made.

Mike AVITT (1975) presented a slide show and information entitled "It Was Only Yesterday." He truly gave a trip down memory lane with those present enjoying pictures of various school buildings over the years, very early sport teams with the male and female basketball uniforms garnering interest and laughter. He shared a picture of coach Joe McNEIL and an undefeated football team. Also enjoyed were pictures of the Mount Ayr Roller Rink (and Roll-in Cafe), the old Glen Echo dance hall, the early Princess Theater, the old Jalopy Club Race Track, early football programs, first school bus in 1940, etc.

He also shared a picture of Vera DICKENS who was the Ringgold county school superintendent for 32 years.

Everyone is truly grateful for Mike's avid interest in our school history.

A KCCI-TV clip entitled "And Yet Today" featured a John Deere tractor restored in memory of Konnor KLOMMHAUS by his classmates.

The class of 1962 was honored for graduating 50 years ago and Gary KEPLINGER urged those present to support Mount Ayr's effort to build a new pool/aquatic center (the current pool opened June 16, 1963).

The classes of 1947 and 1952 were also well represented.

Ruth MOFFATT ANGUS from the class of 1934 was the earliest graduate present, followed by Juanita MAIN SHAFFER (1936), Helen THOMPSON SCHARDEIN (1937), and Clarice STEPHENS MINNICK (1938). These ladies were warmly received.

Janet HUDSON HICKMAN reported $75.00 scholarships were given to Josh CASE, Austin COX, Kylee KLOMMHAUS, Ethan POLLOCK, Jessie RICKER and Katelyn WARIN on Senior Awards Day.

A freewill offering was received for providing 2013 scholarships. Other scholarship committee members were Theola HIGHTSHOE WEEDA (1944) and Martha DAILEY LANDPHAIR.

Mari REES McGEHEE (1953) gave the secretary-treasurer's report. She, Marilyn PRITCHET JOHNSON (1958), vice-president, and Sherry served as 2012 officers.

The 2013 officers are president Sherry NORRIS (1966), vice-president Bernard CRAWFORD (1972) and secretary-treasurer Mike AVITT (1975).

The evening closed with the old school song "March Forever On" and the new Raider fight song.

After a time of visiting and reminiscing, the group adjourned until the next reunion on May 25, 2013.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, June of 2012