101st Banquet Report

 

THS 101st Alumni Association Banquet

Thorntown Alumni and guests met at Thorntown Elementary School on May 10, 2014, to celebrate their 101st Alumni Banquet with 232 in attendance. The gym was alive with lots of red, white and blue: American flags, an 8’x8’ barn quilt, and table decorations all created a patriotic atmosphere as we participated in a day of honoring the ‘Veterans of Thorntown’. There were also attendees sporting patriotic attire. Several veterans displayed memorabilia relating to their time in the service. We enjoyed seeing two veterans present in their dress uniforms. A group picture was taken of the veterans only, followed by all other alumni and guests being included in a second large photo. These photos were made available for purchase at the close of the banquet for $5 each. Copies are still available for purchase; please contact Bev Ramsey.

Alumni President Karen Allen Coffman ‘64 welcomed everyone in attendance followed by everyone joining in ‘The Pledge of Allegiance’ and the singing of the THS Loyalty. Rev. Bud Moody ’56 offered the invocation prior to the buffet luncheon prepared by Cochran’s Catering of Jamestown. As each class proceeded to the buffet tables, individual class pictures were taken by Alumni Terry Fisher ’62. These pictures will be posted to the www.keewasakee.org website for viewing and downloading.

The afternoon program began with several announcements by the President, followed by the Treasurer’s Report given by Marvin Wilson ’56. Marvin was then honored with a plaque, presented by Larry Randel ’63, in appreciation of 20 years of service as treasurer of the Alumni. Marvin is stepping down from this position following the 2014 banquet. The Election of Officers for 2015 was held. New officers are: Co-Presidents - Martha Maiden Randel, Linda Hayden Prage and Shirley Bunch Isenhower ‘65; Co-Vice Presidents - David Robbins, Linda Martin Cooney, Alice Ward Kinslow and Don Johnson ‘66; Secretary, Bev Fairfield Ramsey ’58; Treasurer, Lois Way Hammons ’62.

Special recognition was given to six teachers in attendance. Gifts were presented to the oldest male veteran, Marvin White ’43; youngest male veteran, Melvin Rader ’69; and male veteran traveling the farthest, Sam Cranford ’54 from Nevada. There was one female veteran, Karen Sering Miller ’74, who was also presented with a gift covering all of the above categories.

The Invitation to the 2015 Alumni Banquet, on May 9, 2014, was given by Martha Maiden Randel, Linda Hayden Prage and Shirley Bunch Isenhower ’65. They were supported by a rousing cheer block comprised of several other members of the Class of ’65.

Song leader Janet Gant Neff ’57 and pianist Linda Hayden Prage ’65 led the members in the singing of military songs representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. Veterans stood in recognition as their branch song was sung.

Rev. Larry Truitt gave a short presentation recognizing several veterans, beginning with the Revolutionary War and beyond, who were instrumental in the founding, settling and progress of Thorntown. Several of those soldiers are buried in the older cemeteries of our community.

The program was brought to a close with everyone singing ‘God Bless America’ followed by the playing of ‘Taps" by Kaylee Miller, a student at Western Boone High School

End of Report