May 27, 2023

 

140^th Annual Reunion

 

Saturday May 27, 2023 - Masser’s Banquet Hall - Paxinos PA - 5:45pm.

 

The opening invocation was given by Rev. Alfred Bashore.

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  Irving Berlin’s song “GOD BLESS AMERICA” was sung by all attending with Mary Anne Brennan Stump ‘00 as the accompanist.

 

Mary Anne Brennan Stump ‘00 - President of the Alumni Association - provided the banquet introductions.  A delicious meal was provided by Masser’s Catering.  After dessert, the business meeting started with a silent prayer in memory of deceased members.

 

The Secretary’s Report is in the April 2023 Newsletter.  With a motion by Mary Anne Pitorak Miller ‘74 and seconded by John Clutcher ‘74, the report was approved as printed.  All were in favor.

 

The Treasurer’s Report is in the April 2023 Newsletter.  With a motion by Rob Ensinger 74 and seconded by Erik Anderson ‘97, the report was approved as printed and will be put on file for audit.  All were in favor.

 

President Mary Anne Brennan Stump ‘00 presented the Class of 2023 to those attending the banquet, welcoming them to the Alumni Association.  Each student provided an update on their future plans after graduation.  Brett Nye - Senior Class President, along with Hannah Bashore (designer and creator of the class pennant) presented the 2023 class pennant to the Association.

 

Entertainment for 228 alumni, seniors, parents, and friends was presented by members of the Senior High Chorus.  They provided two selections:

• “For Good” - from the Musical Wicked.
• "I Put a Spell on You" - a 1956 song written and composed by Jalacy "Screamin' Jay" Hawkins.

 

Mary Anne Pitorak Miller ’74, coordinated the prize drawing activities and was assisted by seniors for gift delivery.

 

 

Charles Wayne ‘77, Vice-President, recognized the various anniversary classes and, where applicable, their contributions to the Education and General Funds:

 

1948 Class - 75 years - 3 members attended.  They provided a class gift of $300.

 

1953 Class - 70 years - 1 member attended.

 

1958 Class - 65 years - 5 members attended.

 

1963 Class - 60 years - 4 members attended.  Frances Lee Culp provided a class donation of $7,050 from their class gathering yesterday.

 

1968 Class - 55 years - 8 members attended.  John Klinger reported they have an event scheduled for Saturday September 9th, 2023 at The Hideaway Banquet Hall – 1028 Poplar St, Kulpmont, Pa. 17834.  The class plans to donate to the alumni association after that event.

 

1973 Class - 50 years - 5 members attended.  Jeff Schlader reported they have an event scheduled for Saturday August 5th, 2023 - Springfield Banquet Hall - 23 Sheridan St. Coal Township, PA 17866.  The class plans to donate to the alumni association after that event.

 

1978 Class - 45 years - 2 members attended.  They plan to have a gathering on Labor Day Weekend.

 

1983 Class - 40 years - 2 members attended.

 

1988 Class - 35 years - 1 members attended.

 

1993 Class - 30 years - 2 members attended.

 

1998 Class - 25 years - 0 members were available.

 

2003 Class - 20 years - 0 members were available.

 

2008 Class - 15 years - 0 members were available.

 

2013 Class - 10 years - 0 members were available.

 

2018 Class - 5 years - 0 members were available.

 

 

The distance award was presented by Charles Wayne ‘77 to Kelly Moore Apichell ’87 from Fort Myers, Florida.

 

Gregory Dwulet ’68 - alumni treasurer - presented an award for the oldest graduate traveling at least 75 miles to attend the banquet.  This went to John Reichley ’48 from Ashburn, Virginia.

 

 

Matt Weller ’91 - Educational Fund President presented the Alumni Scholarship Awards.  These are awards for four years.

 

Seven awards are from Coal Township Alumni Association (CT) while nine are from Shamokin Area High School Alumni Association (SA).  Congratulations were extended to all.  Recipient’s yearly awards amount, college choice, and their major emphasis are as follows:

 

1^st - Jayden McKeen (SA) - $6,000 - Ursinus College - Biomedical/Chemistry

 

2^nd - Evelyn Murphy (SA) - $5,500 - University of Pittsburgh - Chemistry

 

3^rd - Vance Shiko (SA) - $5,200 - Military

 

4^th - Molly Rossnock (SA) - $5,000 - Gettysburg College - Chemistry

 

5^th - Abigail Noll (SA) - $5,000 - Syracuse University - Engineering

 

6^th - Lauren Noll (SA) - $4,800 - Cornell University - Urban Regional Studies

 

7^th - Samantha Stancavage (SA) - $4,500 - Gettysburg College - Health Science

 

8^th - Agam Patel (SA) - $4,200 - SUNY

 

9^th - Selena Lin (SA) - $4,000 - Carnegie Mellon - Business Administration

 

10^th - Aiden Krebs (CT) - $4,000 - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Mechanical Engineering

 

11^th - Anthony Feudale (CT) - $3,500 - Misericordia University - History

 

12^th - Payten Puttmann (CT) - $3,000 - Texas Lutheran - Biology/Chemistry

 

13^th - Brandon Bellis (CT) - $3,000 - Penn State University - Computer Science

 

14^th - Brett Nye (CT) - $3,000 - Millersville University - Biology/Premed

 

15^th - Madison Rodman (CT) - $3,000 - Luzerne Community College - Undecided

 

16^th - Cameron Annis (CT) - $3,000 - Misericordia University - History/Education

 

 

Additionally, seven Thomas Lynch Awards were presented at the banquet by Matt Weller '91.  They are $5,000 per year for up to 4 years, depending upon the area of study.

 

• Blake Lahr - Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Culinary Arts

 

• Sophia Sienkiewicz - Pennsylvania College of Technology - Graphic Design

 

• Broc Nye - Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology - Welding

 

• MacKenzie Bogetti - University of Pittsburgh - Nursing

 

• Chloe Kalman - Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania - Nursing

 

• Aiden Swisher - Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Culinary Arts

 

• Joseph Dewitt - Pennsylvania College of Technology - Computer Programming

 

 

If all 23 scholarships/awards presented tonight are used for 4 years, the total payout would be $406,800.  Thanks to all who contribute to the scholarship program.  You are helping to make a difference!

 

 

High School Principal Todd Hockenbroch ’97 gave a report on SAHS and included information on academics, athletics, music, and art.  Some highlights:

• Testing - 9 students scored 1200 or higher on their SAT tests.
• Our music program is fully back up and running with modern band program, marching band competition, PMEA festival participation and the high school musical “Sweeney Todd”.
• The success of various activities in the English, Science, Health/Physical Education and Math programs was reviewed.
• National Honor Society, FIOS Club, and the spring Prom were also discussed in detail.
• Athletic achievements were reviewed for a variety of sports with several athletes qualifying and advancing in state tournaments.

 

 

Jeff Clutcher ’78 - President of the education (scholarship) committee asked for ratification of 3 members to the committee.  These are 5-year terms through 2028.

 

H. Robert Mattis ‘68

David B. Marateck ‘72

Jeffrey Clutcher ‘78

 

John Klinger ’68 made a motion to accept and Erik Anderson ‘97 seconded the motion to approve.  All were in favor.

 

 

Mary Anne Brennan Stump ’00 presented the following 2023-2024 officers for ratification.  They were nominated by the Executive Committee.

 

PRESIDENT------------------------------ Charlie Wayne ‘77

VICE-PRESIDENT---------------------- Ann Henninger Watts ‘78

SECRETARY----------------------------- Jamie A. Hoffman Bordell ‘75

TREASURER----------------------------- Gregory Dwulet ‘68

REGISTRAR/HISTORIAN------------- Jeffrey Clutcher ‘78

 

 

Outgoing Alumni President Mary Anne Brennan Stump ’00 introduced the new officers and thanked the many committees and members for their help this past year.  She also encouraged all alumni to become active with the association by attending meetings which are held 3 times per year - fall, winter, and spring.  Check the website for details.

 

https://www.indians.k12.pa.us/alumni.

 

Giving your time to serve on a committee and financially supporting the General and Education funds is appreciated.

 

The Senior Class led the Alumni Association in singing the Alma Mater, which was accompanied by Mary Anne Brennan Stump ’00.

 

Rev. Alfred Bashore delivered the closing benediction.

 

AFTERGLOW:  A Trivia game was held.  Erik Anderson ’97 was the advisor and host for this event.  There were many alumni, seniors and parents participating.  Prizes were given.  The evening was enjoyed by all.

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

John Clutcher ‘74

Acting Secretary