The annual Laredo School Alumni Banquet was held Saturday, May 12 at the school gymnasium with 110 members and guests attending.
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The evening began with hospitality and refreshments until the catered dinner began. President, Linda Urich welcomed all alumni and guests and also led the pledge to the U.S. flag and gave the invocation. Entertainment was provided by “Calvary’s Grace,” a trio of ladies who presented songs of the 50’s and 60’s.
The business meeting began with secretary Rita Jacobs reading last year’s minutes and treasurer’s report. Kathy Waits began the roll call with the oldest graduate present, Marjorie Mallett Olson, who was graduated in 1939. The 70-year honor class of 1942 included Dorotha Berry and guests, Ron and Mary Coffman Forbis; and Franklin Engleman and guest, Debbie Anderson.
Others attending were:
Class of 1943, Marian Pollock Campbell; Class of 1944, Mary Jackson Freeman; Class of 1945, Bob Burtch and guest, Frances Vaughn; and Roberta Owens Brick; 65-year honor class of 1947, Betty Bethards Routh and guest; Class of 1948, Lorea Todd Ingraham and guest, Kenneth and Lillian Eaton; Class of 1951, Betty Barnett Peterie and guest, Eldon and Dale Gardner and guest, Peggy; 60-year honor class of 1952, Bonnie Elliott Peterie and Charles Still and guests; Class of 1954, Bill Burtch and guests, Alice Burtch, Candy Keown, Avery Keown, Bill Meeker and guest, Dorothy, Colleen Bennett Ameson and guest, Arnie and Bill Mantlo; Class of 1955, Beverly Cooper Howey and guests, Linda Cooper Katz, Mary Cooper LaRiver, W.R. Bill Cooper and Bob Cooper; Class of 1956, Rita Sowder Jacobs and guest, Dean, Ronald Willis and guest, Mary and George Hale and guest,Doris Hale; 35-year year honor class of 1957, Barbara Burtch Vile and guest, David, Lena Mantlo Cooksey, Henry Vandevender and guest, Sue, Wendell Ishmael, and Ronnie Funk and guest, Martha.
Class of 1958, Mary Marrs Bethards and guest, Donna Kay Holloway and JoAnn Bishop Mantlo and guest, Kevin; Class of 1959, Clarence Hess and guest, Donna Roberts and James McMillen and guest, Mary Ellen; Class of 1960, Linda Tolson Urich and guest, John; Class of 1961, Theresa Lutz McCarl and guests, Denise Welsh and Scott Merrill; 50-year honor class of 1962, Dolly Holloway Nibarger, Martha Gardner Schlosser and Kathy Shores; Class of 1963, Frances Sheppard Engleman and guest, Johnnie, Jerry Sowder and guest, Connie, Charles Bowe and guest, Vickie, Ann Emmons, and Lila Cartwright Searcy and guest, Billy; Class of 1964, Jackie Gardner Owens, Donita Little, Shila Williams Childs and Richard Gardner; Class of 1965, Alan Tolson, John Dunkin and Wayne Holden; Class of 1966, Janet Broyles Hiers and Kathy Cunnihngham Waits; 45-Year honor class of 1967, Bill Waits, Jerry Engleman, Connie Gardner Miller and guest, Betty Gardner, Dale Bowe and guest, Linda Bowe, Bill Koetting and Roger Brick and guest, Debra;
Class of 1968, Billy Larson and Gary Tate and guest, Nancy; Class of 1969, Jim Ingraham: Class of 1974, Marlene Engleman; Other guests, Kay Holden Thomas, Barbara Spainhouer Utley and Emma Gardner.
Letters were read from Jerry and Lois Pomerenke, who sent their regrets along with a donation. A letter from Letha Tromerhouser was also read. Also shared was a picture and obituary of classmate Harold Sherrow.
Former teachers recognized were Emma Gardner and Roberta Brick. All veterans were recognized and applauded as were all the mothers present. The oldest alumni, Marge Olson, was honored and presented a corsage. She has also attended every banquet. At least one other member, Betty Peterie, has attended every banquet.
Beverly Cooper Howey from Mesa, AZ and Dick McMillen of Chesapeake, VA were recognized for traveling the farthest distances.
Couples both graduating from Laredo were Bill and JoAnn Mantlo and Bill and Kathy Waits.
The Murphy Scholarship was presented to Loren Fox, daughter of Phil and Kristie Fox and granddaughter of Wayne and Lillian Eaton.
The memorial for deceased members was given by JoAnn Mantlo and Kathy Waits. Mrs. Mantlo read a poem she had written especially for this evening and honored the following, by placing a rose in a vase for each one: Evelyn Tracy Burton, class of 1930; Aldean Griffin Eitel, class of 1935; Harold Sherrow, class of 1939; Carol Probst Corcoran and Harold Sherrow, class of 1943; and Lyle Eckert, class of 1969.
Alumni board members were introduced, New members, Jackie Owens and Lena Cooksey, and returning member, Jerry Sowder, were elected by acclamation. Retiring members Betty Peterie and Bill Meeker were thanked for their service.
Dorotha Berry, corresponding secretary for 28 years, was honored with a plaque and corsage thanking her for a job well done for so long.
The benediction was given by Jerry Sowder.