Seventy-four New Vienna High School alumni and guests reunited to recall their high school days, renew friendships, and catch up on each other’s lives on Saturday, May 27.
The evening began with Larry Blackburn welcoming everyone to the banquet and introducing Jay Carey as the emcee for the night. Mr. Carey relayed many interesting facts throughout the evening, including that: the first New Vienna schoolhouse was on Derivan Road in 1812; New Vienna High School was formed in 1878; the largest graduating class was 31 in 1924; and the smallest graduating class was just one in 1905.
After Donald McKamey gave the invocation, a delicious meal was served by Shoelaces Catering.
Entertainment was provided by Robyn McMillan. Mrs. McMillan sang many songs that took the alumni back in time. Her selection of songs was outstanding and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.
Honored classes this year were 1942, 1947, 1952, 1957, and 1962.
Those attending the banquet from these classes were Margaret (Jones) Rulon class of 1942; Walter Smithson class of 1947; John Bernard, Karen (Hughes) Bernard, Don Robbins, Paul Pinkerton, Eugene Engle, and Jerry Davis class of 1962. No one attended from the classes of 1952 and 1957.
Four members from East Clinton’s 1964 and two members from 1966 graduating classes were present. Members from these classes were invited to attend and we hope others from 1964, 1965, and 1966 attend in the future.
Several graduates from these three years attended one to three years at New Vienna High School before consolidating and establishing East Clinton High School in 1965.
The 2017 inductees into the New Vienna High School Hall of Fame were Paul and Virginia Pinkerton. Their names have been added to a plaque that hangs in the lobby of Peoples Bank in New Vienna.
John Bernard announced the recipient of the Mary & Russell Fenwick Scholarship. This year’s scholarship was given to Mindy Bean, the daughter of Bill and Mel Bean. Miss Bean plans on attending The Ohio State University.
The Fenwick Scholarship has been in existence for 20 years and has awarded scholarships to 23 students graduating from East Clinton High School.
Recognition was given to all veterans present by Paul Pinkerton, and Robyn McMillan led the singing of God Bless America.
The earliest graduate present was Margaret (Jones) Rulon from the class of 1942, Sue Davis was the youngest graduate from the class of 1963, and Don Robbins came from the greatest distance.
Thank you to the planning committee of Donald and Sandy Anderson, Jack and Judy Palmer, Carolyn Harris, David and Ruby Henderson, Jay and Carol Carey, and Larry and Penny Blackburn.
