PEOPLES ACADEMY ALUMNI BANQUET

  The annual Peoples Academy Alumni Banquet was held in the P.A. cafeteria on Saturday, June 14, 2008. Eighty Alumni and some of the 2008 graduating class attended. Green Mt. Catering Service catered the affair. Richard Shanley, President of the Alumni Association gave the invocation.

  Following a bounteous buffet, President Shanley introduced the Toastmaster for the evening, Donald Blake, Jr., Class of 1973. His advice to the Seniors was “to learn patience, work hard, give 100% and never give up. Success is whatever it means to you.” He also emphasized that family, friends and community play important parts in one's life.

  Andrea Fagnant, 2008 Senior, entertained by singing “My White Knight” from The Music Man accompanied by Suzanna Guthmann at the piano.

  Philip Grant, Principal of Peoples Academy, accepted a check from the Alumni Association for $250 toward a trophy case to hold drama awards, which will be located in the P.A. auditorium. Principal Grant also spoke about accomplishments by various Senior groups and individuals during the school year. He then introduced Class Vice President, Andrea Fagnant, who led other class members in introducing themselves.

  Class responses were made by members of classes from 1943, 1948, 1953, 1958, 1973, 1978 and 1983. The oldest class member, Maurice Kneeland from the Class of 1939, received a gift of maple syrup from the Lanphear Farm. Patty Stafford Fernandez, Class of 1953, was recognized for traveling the farthest from Texas.

  President Shanley conducted the business meeting, during which Betty Ingalls, Treasurer, read both the Secretary's and Treasurer's Reports. Both were accepted as read.

  The Nominating Committee announced the Slate of Officers for 2008-2009: President, Richard Shanley; Vice President, Alan Deuso; Secretary, Janet Lanphear; Treasurer, Betty Ingalls. The Executive Committee consists of: Ron Stancliff, Ida Mae Anderson, and Maureen Cheney. The slate was approved.

  A Moment of Silence was held for Verlie Tillotson, who passed away earlier this year. Verlie kept records of graduates and their addresses and had been on the committee for 32 years.

  Alan Deuso announced that cords of wood will be for sale later on with the receipts to benefit the Alumni Association.

  Under new business, Rachel Stancliff Miller, Class of 1955, proposed setting up a memorial to Verlie Tillotson. It was moved that the Officers and Executive Committee set up a fund or other memorial in her name.

  The banquet concluded with Alan Deuso giving the Benediction followed by the singing of “Dear Old P.A.” accompanied by Suzannah Guthmann at the piano.