PEOPLES ACADEMY ALUMNI MINUTES

submitted by

Janet Lanphear, Sec.

The Peoples Academy Alumni Association held its 111th Alumni Banquet on Saturday, June 12, 2004 at Sam’s Charlmont Restaurant.

Alumni President, Richard Shanley, introduced Rev. Jim Paige who invoked the blessing. Sam’s Charlmont prepared the delicious meal with 140 meals being served. This year we had one-third of the graduating class present.

The evening began with the P.A. Select Chorus singing an original song by Paul Adams and Hannah Rossman. This number, which was sung at Last Chapel, was a gift from them to the Class of 2004. The second number by the Chorus was “Stand By Me”. We, the Alumni Committee, appreciate the P.A. Chorus taking time out of their busy schedules to perform for us.

Richard Shanley, President of the Alumni Association, presented a check of $250 to Otho Thompson, Principal of P.A., to be put towards another trophy case which is badly needed.

Toastmistress for the evening was Penny Mason-Anderson, Class of 1984. Penny is the President of the Lamoille Valley Chamber of Commerce. She graduated from Champlain College with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Penny brought the Seniors advice, which she said took her 20 years to learn. She advised the Seniors to set goals for themselves, do their best, arrive on time, smile and have fun. There are three bad guys out there: Visa, MasterCard and American Express, which can damage you. She said you can set goals, but they can quickly change. Find a mentor, learn from him or her, ask questions, and when at the bottom, climb up, as this is a journey of a lifetime.

Otho Thompson, Principal of Peoples Academy, was then introduced. He thanked the Seniors for coming and told how proud he was of P.A. The girls softball team had just won the Division III softball game that very afternoon against South Royalton, the score being 4-1. He thanked the Alumni Committee for the generous gift, which will be put towards a trophy case. The front steps of P.A. are now restored to their original condition, as well as lights, iron railing and flag pole. Mr. Thompson was extremely proud to announce that Jeremiah Church was named National Merit Scholar, which is the highest award that a high school student can receive. He recognized the Class of 2004 as being sharp academically, dramatically, musically and athletically.

The microphone was then handed to Michelle Limoge, President of the Senior Class. Michelle mentioned it was the 156^th commencement at Peoples Academy. She said her diploma was more than a plaque, but a reminder of memories, friendships and unforgettable experiences of high school. She then passed it to each individual Senior. They all told of their plans after graduation and where some would be attending college.

The Toastmaster then had a member from each class introduce themselves and tell how many were present from their class. Responses were given from the classes of: 1939, 1944, 1949, 1954, 1959, 1969, 1974, 1984, 1989, 1994 and 1999. Some Alumni members traveled many miles to attend the banquet. A gift of maple syrup was presented to Ina Ring Thurber, for being the longest-standing member (Class of 1938) and also to Natsumi Mukouyama (Class of 2004) for coming the furthest, this being Japan.

The business meeting was then opened. The Secretary and Treasurer Reports were read and approved. There was no old business. Under new business Alan read off the Slate of Officers for the following year: Richard Shanley, President; Alan Deuso, Vice President; Janet Lanphear, Secretary; and Betty Ingalls, Treasurer. Members on the Executive Committee are: Verlie Tillotson, Fred Reed, Ron Stancliff, Cynthia Bryer and Maureen Cheney. This Slate of Officers was moved and accepted.

Alan Deuso urged members who have moved to please inform the Alumni Committee, so their address can be corrected. Some members are not getting the announcement of the Alumni Banquet because of this. There was a 50/50 raffle which was well received. He also thanked the Class of 1954 and the Class of 2004 for being so well represented and urged those present to stay for the dance which would follow.

Rev. Jim Paige gave the Benediction. The Senior Class then led the audience in singing "Dear Old P.A."