June 19 — On Saturday, May 18, 2024, alumni of the 38th Annual May gathered at Center Christian Church. 69 graduates and friends were present. After registration, Vice President Linda Lowe welcomed the group. Joe Hodson gave the invocation and afterwards we enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by the Church’s Loyal Workers. Vice President Linda then led us in a moment of silence as we remembered those who had passed away since our last meeting.
Don Small — 1958 (2019) Helen Cranley Vandevender — 1941 (2021)
Kathy Thompson Hiners — 1962 Norman Eckart — 1952
Don Wright – 1955 Jim Dyer – 1945
Joe Leisure – 1961 Sharon Delay Rusch – 1961
Dottie Atkins Horton – 1964 Joyce Wood Springman – 1947
Dean Thompson – 1962 Joyce Moffitt Baynes – 1958
Ken Brashaber – Professor Robert Cross – 1960
Next, we recognize our veterans. Each stood as the song representing their branch of service was played. Then we all stood up and sang the National Anthem. The minutes were not read as in the previously sent letter, and the treasurer’s report was on the back of the program.
Vice President Linda called the classes together, starting with the honors classes. The 80th anniversary class (1944) has only two living members and they were unable to be present. The 70-year-old class of 1954 has eight still alive and three present. Mary Christmas Wooten, Shirley Fergueson Morgan and Don Campbell came from Riverview, Florida. The 60-year-old class (1964) was the largest graduating class, with 30 members and 21 still alive. Seven were present: Sara Hallgarth Keller, Sheryl Peggs Dysert, Denny Peggs, David Reeves, Darlene Custer Richardson, Linda Lord Hall, Jane Leisure Hallgarth. Jim Bob Brooks flew in from Georgia, but changed plans at the last minute and was not present. Starting in 1946 and going through 1966 – and we include 1967 as these students – spent 11 years until May before being sent to Rushville for their senior year; those present were invited to report. Almost everyone said they were happy to still be around. Rosemary Jackson Noah, class of 1967, works at the Mays school and said she has a key and would be happy to give anyone who wants a tour of the school.
There were no teachers present. Our oldest living members are from the class of 1944 – Mary Lou Holloway and her husband Robert Kirkham – and were not present. The oldest lady present was Mary Ruth Reeves Strain of the class of 1946. The oldest man present was Lynn Addison of the class of 1952. Three still have perfect attendance: Mary Ruth Reeves Strain (1946), Bob Hallgarth (1962), and Jane Leisure (1964). We didn’t have any first-time participants. The person who traveled the farthest and received a box of chocolates was Don Campbell, who traveled more than 1,000 miles from Riverview, Florida. Several families had two brothers present. The following year’s free meal winner was Laura Priest McDonald (1959).
The list of officers was presented for the coming year: President Janet McMillin Godby, Vice President: Linda McDaniel Lowe, Secretary/Treasurer: Jane Leisure Hallgarth, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer: Jerry Delay. Everyone was in favor of accepting the ticket for next year.
Shared memories: Tyrone Netherly – Winning the county baseball championship. Jane Leisure Hallgarth — The County Band Festival and singing with the Chorileers. Jim Bob Brooks — band rehearsal “I sat across from the prettiest clarinet player in Rush County,” he recalled. (You’ll have to try to guess who it might have been.) Judy Gordon McMillin – “I won the typing prize on my birthday and it was the last day to qualify.” Bob Hallgarth – Thankful for playing basketball, I loved the game. Joan McDaniel Addison shared several memories that were dear to her.
The corresponding meeting date is May 17, 2025. Linda thanked the committees for their hard work. Thank you for all donations: $668, this year. The committee will have a follow-up meeting at 2pm on Wednesday, May 29, at Central Church.
The cheerleaders stepped forward and led the group in singing the School Song, On Mays Tigers!
The time was spent enjoying each other’s company. – Information provided
