Florence alumni association holds 106th annual banquet years ago
The 106th annual banquet of the Florence Memorial High School Alumni Association was held May 25 at the Florence gymnasium. Those in attendance included 225 alumni, former classmates, guests, and teachers.
President Wayne Hoffman, Class of 1970, presided over the banquet. Estelle McCarty, '52, gave the invocation before the meal which was catered by Ray's Countryside Catering of Colwich.
Vice president Willie Rodriquez, '57, introduced the Marion High School 2002 graduating seniors. Attending their first banquet were Jayme Steele, Dainne Shipman, Maggie Powers, Andrew Brookens, William Scriven, Christina McCarty, Amanda Hoffman, and Matt Williams, who was introduced by Max Williams, '66. The seniors' response was given by Andrew Brookens, president of the Class of 2002.
Robert McMillen introduced his fellow classmates of the Class of 1952. The 50-year reunion class had spent the weekend together, reminiscing and catching up.
Andrew Brookens entertained with two special numbers. He sang "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" and a special song for the Class of 1952, "I Believe," which happened to have been written in 1952. Andrew was accompanied on the piano by Anita Brookens.
President Hoffman then recognized the reunion classes starting with 1932 and concluding with 1997. Each class had a representative stand and introduce classmates in attendance.
Cheryl Doty, '77, provided two very special songs. The first one, "I Hope You Dance," was dedicated to the graduating seniors. The second, "God Bless America," was enjoyed by all with the audience joining in the chorus.
The business meeting included routine reports and the election of officers. Officers for 2002 will be Willie Rodriquez, president; Max Williams, vice president; Kathy Inlow, secretary; and Daniel Ludwig, treasurer.
It was announced that William Scriven is the 2002 scholarship recipient.
The evening concluded with Reah Ireland Shaw, '62, leading in the school song. She was accompanied on the piano by Helen Ireland Shaw, '45.
