Alumni Association holds 145th annual banquet; honors 2024 scholars

Alumni Scholarship and Sharon Church awardees (courtesy MHS Alumni Association). Bottom row, L–R: Peyton Klein, Emma Woods, Lydia Bennett, Meghan Somerville. Middle row, L–R: Peyton Fether, Lauren Blaine, Kannon Duffing. Top row, L–R: Carson Horky, Mason Meyer, Damien Evans, Luke Blumenauer.

submitted by Colleen Kemner

The Manchester High School Alumni Association (MHSAA) recently held their 145th Annual Banquet. More than 150 MHS alumni attended the banquet.

The 50th year class of 1974 was honored with keynote speaker, classmate Becky Evilsizer Pazkowski. Attendees were delighted by a surprise musical performance from another of their classmates, Brad Frey! Responders from the classes of 2024 (Carson Horky), 1984 (Jan Coval Little), 1964 (Marlene Uphaus), and 1954 (Gary Dresselhouse) provided thoughtful reflections on their days at MHS and on our beautiful little community of Manchester.

We were also treated to an alumnus response from Reno Feldkamp (class of 1943), one of our oldest living alumni. During the invocation, Rev. David Bucholtz (class of 1971) thoughtfully honored John Korican in memoriam. John was a well-loved coach, teacher, and superintendent in the Manchester School District for many, many years.

The MHSAA was proud to award over $12,000 in scholarships to deserving graduates of the class of 2024 this year! In addition to the MHSAA scholarships, Pastor Tom Waller presented $5,000 in scholarships from Sharon Church. Thank you to all the MHS alumni who, through their generous donations, make these scholarships possible.

Mark your calendar! Next year’s banquet will be on Saturday, June 21, 2025. All MHS alumni and guests are welcome.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.