Alumni banquet welcomes back Manchester grads

MHS Varsity Choir Alumni provided entertainment for the MHSAA Banquet. Photo courtesy of Manchester High School Alumni Association.

submitted by Colleen Kemner

Entertainment by MHS Varsity Choir Alumni kicked off the evening as the Manchester High School Alumni Association (MHSAA) recently held their 146th Annual Banquet, held in the High School Commons. Close to 180 MHS Alumni and guests attended this multi-generational event, including graduates from the class of 1943, current graduates from the class of 2025, and anywhere in between. A delicious dinner was served, catered by Gene Davis & Sons Catering.

The 50th year class of 1975 was honored, with keynote speakers Nicki Lentz Kennedy and Gary Voegeding. They shared many memories, many of which their parents probably never heard! Responders from honored classes, the classes of 2025 (Lila Harvey), 1985 (Beth Fahey Noble), 1965 (Don Mann), and 1955 (Richard Fahey, read by his daughter, Beth) provided thoughtful reflections on their days at MHS, and on classmates and teachers who made a positive impact on their lives.

During his response, Don Mann held up a pen (the pen he happened to pick up when he was filling out his reservation for the banquet) and stated that 70% of the attendees had touched that pen. Most of us were a bit confused by that statement. But he went on to say that the pen was made by Ron Mann using wood from the seats in the “old” high school on City Road. So, indeed, many of us had touched the wood used to make that pen when we were in high school or junior high, but not with our fingers!

Don wasn’t the only alumnus to bring MHS memorabilia. Chuck Steele brought his MHS yearbook from the class of 1948 to share with the guests. According to Chuck, this was the first ever MHS yearbook.

The MHSAA was proud to award nearly $16,000 in scholarships to deserving graduates of the class of 2025 at the banquet this year! In addition to the MHSAA scholarships, Pastor Tom Waller presented a $2,000 scholarship from Sharon Church, and $4,000 in scholarships were awarded from the American Legion Auxiliary. Many of the scholarships were awarded from the Alumni Association’s Endowed Scholarship Fund.

The MHSAA is a 501(c)(3) Michigan Incorporated Entity. Tax-deductible donations can be made by mailing them to MHSAA, PO Box 254, Manchester, MI 48158. Thank you to all the MHS alumni who through their generous donations make these scholarships possible.

Did you know that the Manchester District Library has a collection of MHS yearbooks? The library gladly accepts any MHS yearbooks for their collection, but are in most need of those from the 1980s.

The MHS Alumni Association continues to exist due to strong support from the Manchester community and the school district. You can contact the board at mhsdutchalumni@yahoo.com if you have any questions regarding the MHSAA or are interested in becoming more involved. You can use this same email to send address corrections or to inquire about purchasing a copy of the MHS Alumni Directory (i.e., the Yellow Book) for $7. We only have a few left.

Mark your calendar! Next year’s banquet will be on Saturday, June 20, 2026. All MHS alumni and guests are welcome.

2025 MHSAA, American Legion Auxiliary, and Sharon Church Scholarship
Awardees — Bottom row, L to R: Rebecca Clark, Memphis Conklin, Lila Harvey, Lilly Smith. Middle row, L to R: Drake Neff, Thomas Johnson, Gunner Carson, Sarah Stommen. Top row, L to R: Neil Gebhardt, Nathan Fletcher, Jase Punches. Not Pictured: Jesse Sangster. Photo courtesy of Manchester High School Alumni Association.

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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.