GHS all-school reunion to be held Sept. 4
Times file photo / Sue Ann Jones Among the 300 graduates and family members who attended the Gainesville High School all-school reunion in 2015 were, from left, Ralph Young (class of 1956), Ray Strong (1960), Golden Beard Strong (1963), Arlene Smith Eccardt (1960) and Evalee Smith Young (1956).
Organizers with the Gainesville High School all-school reunion have been busy mailing out invitations for this year’s Sept. 4 event, which will be held at GHS.
Event organizer Paula Rose and a dedicated committee of 20 to 25 other community members have spent months on the phone, on social media and searching online to update and correct addresses before they mailed out the invitations.
“We sent out paper mailed invitations to graduates from the classes of 1939 through 1989 and are relying on social media and word of mouth to reach the more recent graduates,” Rose told the Times this week, emphasizing that GHS grads from the class of 1990 through the present day are also invited. “If you didn’t receive an invitation, please know that it isn’t intentional. We might not have a correct address for you. If you’d like more information, please contact me.”
Rose said those interested in the all-school reunion can call or text her at 417-989-1282 or email paularose1797@gmail.com to ask questions, update mailing addresses or find out more information about the event.
The all-school reunion is open to anyone who attended classes at GHS as well as former teachers, administrators, school staff or anyone who is or was affiliated with the school in any way.
“We want people to know they can bring their families too,” Rose said. “We welcome them too.”
The reunion is planned from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday,
Sept. 4, at the high school. Attendees are asked to pay a $5 registration fee and $10 each for lunch.
Registration will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. in the high school lobby.
Specific-year class meetings will let graduates catch up and visit with former classmates and old friends. Attendees are encouraged to bring photos, yearbooks and other school memorabilia. Cookies will be served in the hospitality room through 1 p.m.
Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is $10 per person. The menu includes pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, desert and a drink. The deadline to sign up for lunch is Aug. 15.
A program will be held following lunch, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the high school gym. The program will include recognition of a variety of alumni, teachers and staff including the “Outstanding Alumni Award.”
Musical entertainment will be provided throughout the event by former GHS graduates.
To register for this year’s event, contact Rose or fill out the form on the lower left portion of this page and mail it to Paula Rose, PO Box 642, Gainesville, MO 65655.