The 2011 Elgin High School Alumni Banquet was held on Saturday, June 25, in the EHS gym. A total of 82 alumni, spouses, and guests from all over the United States attended the 7 p.m. banquet.
Laurie Schindler Waterbury, Class of 1980, served as the master of ceremonies. Randy Nelson, Class of 1980, gave the prayer and then JW Catering of York served a delicious meal.
Representing the Class of 1961 was Sharon Braband Klein
David Currie, speaker for the Class of 1971
Carole Schrage Tharnish spoke for the Class of 1981
Shanna Koenig told about the Class of 2001
Randy Nelson
Jessica receives her scholarship
Brieann is given her scholarship award
2011 Honored Alumnus Donna Payne
Class of 1981 leading the school song to close the evening
Following the meal, EHS Superintendent Steve Dennis was introduced along with the 2011 alumni committee. Bessie Nissen Hawks, Class of 1929, was recognized as the oldest alumnus present. Lyle Miller, Class of 1936, and Dorsey Schalk, Class of 1938, were also recognized as longtime alumni members.
Pam Reidmiller Heithoff, Class of 1984, gave the welcome to the Class of 2011 and Jessica Heithoff, a 2011 graduate, gave the response.
AJ Braband, a 2011 graduate, entertained the group with his musical talents. Mr. Steve Dennis provided information about the past school year, building improvements, and future activities.
Recognized were the 5-year classes of 1936, 1946, 1956, 1966, 1976, 1996, and 2006. The honored classes of 1941, 1951, 1961, 1971, 1981, 2001, and 2011 were represented and provided entertaining speakers.
The alumni awarded $500.00 scholarships to two members of the Class of 2011. Receiving scholarships were Jessica Heithoff and Brieann Grosserode. The Honored Alumnus Award was presented to 1943 graduate Donna Payne for contributions to her school, community and society.
During the business meeting, the 2010 Alumni Banquet Minutes and 2010 Financial Reports were reviewed. It was stated that the Alumni Committee will continue to discuss the options for relocating the banquet in the future. However, the goal will be to keep the same date – the fourth Saturday in June. The tentative date for next year’s banquet will be June 23, 2012.
The banquet concluded with the school song led by the Class of 1981. After the banquet, many people took advantage of an open house at the school.
Jessica Heithoff and Brieann Grosserode received the Alumni Scholarships
Noreen Peters Weidner presenting Donna Payne with the Honored Alumnus Award
Donna Payne, our 2011 Honored Alumnus
Class of 2011-Jessica Heithoff, A.J. Braband and Brieann Grosserode
Class of 2001-Shanna Koenig, Marissa Meis Olson,Melodie Koenig Puffer
Thank you to the Elgin Review for providing the rosters!
Class of 1981-Back Row-Diane Heithoff Charles,Sarah Sprout and William Henery
Middle Row-Gretchen Garwood Vautier, Elizabeth Norton, Noreen Peters Weidner, Alan Haskin, Karen Voborny Strong and Gerald Camp Front Row-Mary Jillson Heesacker, Carole Schrage Tharnish, Mark Bettendorf and Bob Kamphaus
Class of 1971-David Currie, Richard Miller,Rich Kinney, Janell Hutchinsen Chamberlain and Bruce Anderson
Class of 1961-Sharon Braband Klein
Class of 1951-Marlene Peterson Welding, Harold Grosskopf, Nancy Hinman Norton
Class of 1941-K.D. Bennett and Beth Carmichael Knudson
Bessie Hawks EHS Alumni and long term teacher, visits with a former student
4 generations of EHS graduates. Bessie Nissen Hawks-1929, Darlene Hawks Heithoff-1954, Calvin Heithoff-1983 and Jessica Heithoff-2011
