CAROL SHETLER/The Luminary Representing reunion classes at the Hughesville High School Alumni Banquet May 29 were (front left to right): Jasper Smith, '41; Robert Webster, '46; Doris Johnson Figelo, 51; Richard Merrill, 56; (Row 2) Garman Zehner, '61; John Reeder '71, Nancy Starr Hodge, '76, from the class of 2016, Ansley Galicic. president; and Logan Bower. The event was held in the social hall of the Hughesville Area Fire Company.

HUGHESVILLE – Due to the diverse range in age of alumni over a 75-year period, representatives of several classes from 1941 forward, took attendees on a journey through time.

The Hughesville High School’s 80th Alumni Banquet Committee hosted 120 members and guests in the social room of the Hughesville Area Fire Hall on Saturday evening May 29, 2016.

The evening began with a welcome from incoming president, Thomas Smith. During the festivities it was announced that Frank Poust had stepped down from his administrative services after 20 years, many of those as president. Poust and his wife, the former Ruth Temple, will continue volunteering with the committee.

At a previous committee meeting, Ann Myers Rider was elected to fill the vice president’s chair.

Program topics presented included the 80th reunion year by Judy Egly, and Hughesville High School alumni of WWI by Carol Shetler.

CAROL SHETLER/The Luminary Hughesville High School Alumni Committee members marking the association's 80th year include: (Seated left to right) Ruth Temple Poust, Frank Poust, Evelyn McConnell Derrick, Ann Myers Rider, Vice President; (Standing): Carol Sones Shetler, Thomas Smith, President; Paul McCoy, Diane Holiday Shoop, Treasurer; and Judith Egly, Secretary. The event was held in the social hall of the Hughesville Area Fire Company.

Egly gave a summation of the initial alumni banquet held in 1936 in the social hall of the Methodist Church. The meal ticket price of 50 cents included admission to a dance in the high school gymnasium at the conclusion of the festivities.

Cards had been mailed, one to Thelma Montague addressed simply as Mawr Glen. The announcement was displayed by Thelma’s daughter and alumni treasurer, Diane Holiday Shoop.

Coincidentally, the class of 1936 had 36 members. Grant Myers was president, Dorothy Bubb was secretary and high honors was awarded to Clarence Park.

Shetler cited former alumni who 100 years ago, were about to go off to World War I. Among those listed were Harry Odell, class of 1913, and Joseph Seigfried, Jr. class of 1915. As musicians, the young men sought slots in military regimental bands.

The name of soldier Daniel ‘Herman” Baylor honored outgoing alumni president Frank Poust. Frank’s grandfather was the youngest of four brothers headed to WWI. At the time, the family resided at Mooresburg near Danville.

In 1941, the Herman Baylor family relocated to the Hall’s Station area of Muncy Township. Poust submitted the photo, and the story was shared by Don Baylor, the soldier’s son. Don’s association with the school district is as owner/operator of B & S bus services contracted with East Lycoming.

The mini-bios were supported by a display featuring 14 photos of soldiers of the Great War. Guests were encouraged to submit information to The Luminary for possible inclusion in a series currently underway.

Spokespersons and alumni classes represented were as follows: Jasper Smith, 1941; Robert Webster, 1946; Doris Johnson Figelo, 1951; Richard Merrill, 1956; Garman Zehner, 1961; Nancy Starr Hodge, 1971; Joseph Reeder, 1976 and Lynn Egly McLuhan, 1981.

Representing the class of 2016 were president Ansley Galicic and Logan Bower.

Assisted by Ann Myers Rider, Catharine VanHorn pulled Avery Eddy’s name for the Don Myers Memorial Book Award.

This 2016 basket offering will be donated to the Hughesville Area Public Library.

Upon dismissal, “The Alma Mater” was sung by all, with piano accompaniment provided by Evelyn McConnell Derrick.