The 97th annual Fairfax Alumni banquet was held Friday, May 13, 2016, in the high school gymnasium. There were 235 in attendance. The 2016 theme was “Superheroes of Fairfax.”
Mick Lewis, Class of 1966, and Mike Lewis, Class of 1988, gave the welcome. The response was given by Ryan Hopkins, representing the Class of 2016.
Michael Oswald, alumni president gave the invocation. The buffet was served by Nishna Valley Cafe/Al Armstrong, Shenandoah, Iowa.
The oldest graduate in attendance was Doyne Swan, Class of 1941. He was presented a red rose boutonniere. Gene Bradfield was recognized as only missing one alumni banquet since his graduation in 1943, due to being on active duty in the Air Force.
The honor class introductions were given by the following: Norma (Curry) Bradfield, Class of 1946; Sidney (Pearce) Cooper, Class of 1956; Stanley Swan, Class of 1966; Rosalie Graves, Class of 1976; Marty Liles, Class of 1986; and Josh Oswald, Class of 1996.
Fifteen members of the 50 year class were present, as well as their class sponsor, Richard Logerwell.
A program by the Superheroes of Fairfax was presented by the 11 initiates: Garrett Ball, Captain America; Kolbe Cooper, Batman; David Bungenstock, Spiderman; Jayton Johnson, Thor; Amber Clark, Wonder Woman; Emma Morris, Batgirl; Ryan Hopkins, Black Canary; April Clark, Ms. Marvel; Halle Sutter, Raven; Calyn Clark, Superman; and Ashley Beach, Cat Woman.
The business meeting was called to order by the president, Michael Oswald. The minutes and treasurer’s report were presented. It was announced that after 35 years, Betty Wennihan would be stepping down as alumni secretary. Betty was presented a corsage and certificate in appreciation for her many years of dedicated service.
The slate of officers for the upcoming year was presented by Miles Smith: Kerry (Wensel) Baker, president; Tim Oswald, vice-president; Krys (Fisher) Carlock, secretary; and Lisa (Southard) Mitchell, treasurer. The slate was accepted as presented.
The 2016 Alumni Scholarship of $250 was presented to Ryan Hopkins.
Donations in the amount of $1,234.07 were collected for the new stage padding and north wall padding in the gym. Excess funds will go to the music department.
It was announced that new alumni books are being printed. Pre-orders are now being taken for the books, which are $10.
The 2016 Alumni Committee chairmen were: Kerry (Wensel) Baker, program; Ann (Graves) Wensel and Alicia (Wensel) Straub, decorations; and Michael Oswald and Kerry (Wensel) Baker, initiation.
The business meeting was adjourned and the initiation followed.