BARB BARRETT/The Luminary Paul McCoy, class of ’52 and Jill Warg, class of ’86, are part of the Hughesville High School Alumni Committee which is planning a big alumni event on Friday, September 22 at the Hughesville vs Loyalsock football game.

HUGHESVILLE – Everyone who has graduated from Hughesville High School will get a warm reception at next Friday night’s home football game against Loyalsock. The Hughesville Alumni Association has decided to make this a yearly event, and on Friday, September 22, they are hoping for a large gathering of alumni to boost the school spirit.

Preferred seating is just one of the many perks an alumnus will receive that night along with free raffle tickets for some great prizes. Paul McCoy, who is the oldest member on the alumni committee said, “We are looking for more ways to have alumni involved.” The committee also is looking to host other events throughout the year to keep alumni engaged in their home school.

Since the early 50s the alumni have met annually over Memorial Day weekend at a banquet reception, but McCoy said the Association would like to see more activities throughout the year to keep in touch. “Our numbers are dropping,” McCoy said, as he referred to the lower attendance at the banquet last May. At one time the numbers were close to 500 according to McCoy who graduated in 1952. He feels that since the 80s the classes got less involved. “We would like to do something to improve attendance. It would be nice to have something for every home game.”

The committee drafted a letter to all booster clubs asking for assistance to create “the largest alumni event in the history of Hughesville High School.” Alumni who attend the game can register with any booster they belonged to and collect a raffle ticket for a prize. “You can register for more than one booster,” said Jill Warg who also is working on the alumni committee. Special seating between the gold post and the end zone has been arranged and alumni should bring their own chairs if they prefer. “This is prime seating where you can feel the excitement,” said McCoy.

All booster organizations have been invited to set up tables behind the goal posts and they will be handing out raffle tickets to all alumni to win some prizes announced Superintendent Michael Pawlik, who is assisting the organization with the event. “We want to fill the field with Spartan pride,” he said. “This is a fun way to do it.”

Sign-up sheets will allow the organizations to share names with the alumni committee and the oldest class member present will get to toss the ceremonial coin before the game. There also will be a cash prize, some gift certificates and sponsor donations. “Be sure to stop at a booster table and register,” said Jill Warg from the class of ’86. Prizes will be announced at the end of each quarter.

The Hughesville Spartan Band will be performing throughout the evening and will welcome any alumni member to come and play with them. “This is a great way to connect with old friends,” said Warg. Cheerleaders from the past, today and the future will be there cheering too and all school organizations are asking to have alumni come and give them support.

At half time booster groups will announce the alumni and ask them to come to the field to be recognized. The Alumni Association is hoping to host this event every year and make it grow by spreading the word to all Hughesville alumni to come back to “relive old times.”

Other alumni committee members are Tom Smith ’69, President; Ann Rider ’59, Vice-President; Diane Shoop ’64, Treasurer; Judy Egly ’82, Ssecretary; Steve Budman ’89; Frank Poust ’56; Cindy Shaner ’78; Evelyn Derrick ’59; Carol Shetler ’60; Ruth Poust ’58; Donna Gray Kiesinger ’58; Chris Davis ’82; and Alexis Warf ’06.