June 19 – On Saturday, May 18, 2024, the 38th annual Mays Alumni gathered at Center Christian Church. There were 69 graduates and friends in attendance. After registration, Vice President Linda Lowe welcomed the group. Joe Hodson gave the invocation and then we enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by the Loyal Workers of the Church. Vice President Linda then led us in a moment of silence as we remembered those who had died since we last met.
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 – Teacher Robert Cross – 1960
Next we recognized our veterans. Each stood as the song representing his branch of service was played. Then we all stood up and sang the national anthem. The minutes were not read out as in the letter sent earlier, and the treasurer’s report was on the back of the program.
VP Linda mentioned the list of classes, starting with the honorary classes. The 80 year old class (1944) has only two living members and they were unable to attend. Of the 70-year-old class of 1954, eight are still alive and three were present. Mary Christmas Wooten, Shirley Fergueson Morgan and Don Campbell came all the way from Riverview, Florida. The 60-year class (1964) was the largest graduating class with 30 members and 21 are still living. 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 had flown in from Georgia, but had a last minute change in his plans and was not present. Beginning in 1946 and continuing through 1966 – and we count 1967 as those students – they attended Mays for eleven years before being sent to Rushville for their senior year; those present were asked to report. Almost everyone said they were glad they were still there. Rosemary Jackson Noah from the class of 1967 works at May’s school and said she has a key and would be happy to take anyone who would like to tour 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 in attendance was Mary Ruth Reeves Strain from the class of 1946. The oldest man in attendance was Lynn Addison from the class of 1952. Three are still in perfect attendance: Mary Ruth Reeves Strain (1946), Bob Hallgarth (1962) and Jane Leisure (1964). We had no first participants. Traveling the furthest and receiving a box of chocolates was Don Campbell, who came more than 1,000 miles from Riverview, Florida. Two siblings were present in different families. Winner of next year’s free meal was Laura Priest McDonald (1959).
Next year’s list of officers was presented: 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 next year’s list.
Shared memories: Tyrone Netherly — Winning the provincial baseball championship. Jane Leisure Hallgarth – The County Band Festival and singing with the Chorileers. Jim Bob Brooks – Band Practice “I had to sit across from the nicest clarinetist in Rush County,” he remembers. (You have to try to guess who that might have been.) Judy Gordon McMillin — “I won the typing award on my birthday and it was the last day of eligibility.” Bob Hallgarth — Thankful to play basketball, loved the game. Joan McDaniel Addison shared several memories that are dear to her.
The corresponding meeting date is May 17, 2025. Linda thanked the committees for their hard work. Thank you for all the donations: $668, this year. The committee will hold a follow-up meeting in the Center Church on Wednesday, May 29 at 2 p.m.
The cheerleaders came forward and led the group in singing the school song, On Mays Tigers!
Time was spent enjoying each other’s company. — Information provided
