The Mountain Grove High School Alumni Association Board has set Saturday, July 2 as the date for the 2011 Alumni Parade and Banquet. Dr. David Barbe, Alumni Association president stated. "We are very excited that the parade and banquet fall so close to July 4 again this year. The Alumni Association events will give the entire community an opportunity to celebrate not only our alumni, but also our nation's independence."
The Alumni Association will be offering several scholarships to graduating MGHS seniors. Generous donations from several classes, an endowed scholarship in memory of Joe Dennis, and a good turnout at last year's banquet make it possible for the Association to offer these scholarships. Dr. Barbe noted that the alumni banquet is the principal fundraiser for the MGHS Alumni Association. "When alumni come to the banquet it not only helps us raise the funds we need to provide these scholarships, but everyone seems to really enjoy the opportunity to see classmates and reminisce about 'old times' said Barbe. MGHS students interested in applying for MGHS Alumni scholarships may contact the High School Counselors.
The 25th year class of 1986 will coordinate the Alumni banquet. The banquet will again be held at the YMCA. Tickets will be $14 in advance and $17 on the day of the banquet and at the door. Classes and individuals are strongly encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance. Only a very limited number of banquet tickets will be available on the day of the banquet. Class reservations and group ticket purchases may be made now by contacting Connie Brown at 417-926-4434. Individual tickets for the banquet will go on sale in local banks and other area merchants beginning June 1.
The Alumni parade is one of the highlights of the weekend festivities. The 50th year class of 1961 will coordinate the parade, which will take place at 11 a.m. on July 3. Norma (Malone) Ogletree, Class of '61 stated, "we're looking forward to another great parade this year. I encourage car clubs, saddle clubs, businesses, churches, and other civic organizations and , of course, MGHS alumni classes to show your support for MGHS and our country by participating in the parade." Groups interested in being in the parade may contact Norma Ogletree at 417-926-5860. The 'Alumni Band' will play again this year in the parade and at the Alumni Park following the parade. All current and former MGHS band members are encouraged to participate with the group in the parade. Music to 'Panther Boy' will be available.
The MGHS Alumni Memorial Foundation, which operates the Alumni Memorial Park, will also be hosting activities on July 2. As in prior years, lunch will be served after the parade at the Alumni Memorial Park.
For more information on MGHS Alumni Association activities, contact Dr. David Barbe '72, President, Kim (Penner) Darrah '82, Treasurer, or the members of the 25th and 50th year classes listed above. Other Alumni Board members are Alvin Barnhart '59, Dixie (Isenberg) Gaddis '60, Jim Breedlove'62, All Altis '63, Vaneeta (Tapp) Gray '84, Doug Coday '85, or Missy (Pamperien) Dugger '86 and Steve Turner '86.