Reunion 2000: Alums From 23 States

Four hundred seventy-six persons attended the Fayette High School all-classes alumni reunion at the Eyrie ballroom on the Central Methodist College campus Saturday night (August 5, 2000).

They included 313 former students or faculty; and 163 spouses and guests.

The eldest graduate was Nellie Swearingen of Fayette, who was graduated in 1923. She represents the eldest of four generations of her family who have attended the high school; including one present-day student.

The Johnmeyer family had the most alumni present, nine. There were eight Frinks, eight Slagles, and seven Williamses.

Of the 313 graduates attending, 56 came from out of state; 123 from Fayette; 24 from nearby towns; 45 from Columbia; and 65 from distant Missouri towns.

States represented were Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Washington state, and Wisconsin.

The present superintendent of schools, Larry Leech, was master of Ceremonies. He is an alumnus. Dean Keith Keeling gave a welcome on behalf of Central Methodist College. Gardel Powell gave the invocation. Musical entertainment was by Mike Thornton and his three sons.

Leech noted the first Fayette High School, of which he could find any record, was built between 1880 and 1890, and graduated its first class in 1892. A later high school was built in 1911 and served through June of 1957, or for 46 years.

The present high school was built in 1957 and has served for 43 years. Its cost was $457,000. Costs have risen; just to build an addition to the school library this year will cost $175,000.

He noted the tower bell from the 1911 high school was saved, and stands on the highway side of the present high school. It is a tradition to ring it after Fayette wins a football game.

He said the high school enrollment the past year was 220 students. There were 480 pupils in the elementary and middle schools.

The district has 70 certified teachers and staff; and 30 non-certified.

The schools are fully accredited by the state, and ranked AAA. All three schools are fully accredited by the North Central Association.

Another big hit of the evening was a dance sponsored by the FHS Class of 1973, open to alumni of other classes as well, at the McMillan's Cafe banquet room. Hundreds attended. The crowd overflowed the banquet room and restaurant, and spilled out onto the sidewalks and to the parking lot across the street, where many set up lawn chairs.

(From The Fayette Advertiser, Wednesday, August 9, 2000)

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

As General Manager and Executive catering director for Sodexho Marriott Services, I would like to dispel some of the rumors and comments I have heard about Saturday night's dinner.

The one that disturbs me the most is that many felt that $12.50 was too much to charge for the menu that was offered. I need to point out that $12.50 was the price of admission to the event, not the price of the meal. When a committee puts together such an event there are many costs involved besides paying for the meal, room rental, table and chair rental, custodial services, advertising costs, linen rentals, etc. Often the sponsors of such an event also try to end with a small surplus to fund the initial costs of the next year's event.

The other thing I have heard and actually agree with was that the room was far too warm. Although this was not even close to being within my control, I do apologize. The AC was running full blast the entire time but the room was just way too full; 480 to 500 people in a room that size will create a tremendous amount of body heat.

I do thank everyone who attended, all who turned out to help, and of course our very excellent staff for all their efforts in making this event successful. As I prepare to leave Fayette, I realize that I will miss a great many good people. Thanks to all of you.

--- Daniel D. Thomas
Fayette

(From The Fayette Advertiser, Wednesday, August 9, 2000)

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

You are aware of the reunion efforts that took place this weekend at McMillan's Cafe. We of the organizing group at the party at Mac's want to thank those who came and joined in our celebration. We had first planned a smaller get-together; but were glad to allow those from the other classes to come in and celebrate with us. It turned out to be one of the finest celebrations that we can ever remember. To all the alumni of Fayette High School, you are great and we came away with a sense of community. We now know we are unique and privileged to have attended FHS. Again we say thanks and hope to do it again someday.

--- Mike Newman,
Tony Patterson

(From The Fayette Advertiser, Wednesday, August 9, 2000)