Alumni Mission Statement

Promoting educational memories, one class at a time. Join the Alumni Association! The IHS Alumni Association is a 501(c)(3) organization with meetings held at the Independence High School Media Center.
The Alumni Association, promoting educational memories one class at a time.

Promoting educational memories, one class at a time. Join the Alumni Association! The IHS Alumni Association is a 501(c)(3) organization with meetings held at the Independence High School Media Center.
Dale Veverka ’70, President
Joan Mencl ’70, Vice President
Bob Wagner ’66, Treasurer
Arlene Wojtkiewicz ’70, Secretary
Peggy Korecko ’88, Social Media
Don Krolikowski ’77, Website
Michael Janatovich (IHS Principal), Honorary V.P.
Gwen Schmidt-Manfredi ’68, Pub-Rel.
Amber Veverka ’07, Newsletter Editor
Dave Stefanski ’80, Membership Chair
Nancy McCormick ’75, Hospitality
The Alumni Association meets the second Monday of the month in March, June, September and November.
Newsletter Submission Deadline
Summer 2026 – Sunday, May 10, 2026

Independence High School Alumni Meeting Participants, November 2025

IHS principal Mike Janatovich provides an update on the current school year
Light refreshments were provided.
A highlight of the November, 2025, meeting will be hearing the adventures of Judy Krysciak Okress, Class of ’64, bucket list goal of golfing in each of our 50 States. Her accomplishments leave just one State remaining! Which one is it? Judy will tell us when she started and why she decided to make this her goal. We have questions, like which was the most difficult, the most beautiful and the most fun golf course? Judy will share special memories including the special people she golfed with, the worst weather, where she would never golf again and when she will achieve her milestone goal of the 50th golf course.
Judy grew up in Independence, is well known throughout the City and various alumni groups. She has many family connections in the community including Eileen Krysciak Kearns (’66), Tom Kearns (’61), Carol Krysciak Tyburski (’59), James Tyburski (’57), Riley Wilson (2020), Hanna Wilson (2020) and Haley Wilson (2026).
Please join us for a great time listening to Judy’s story.
Monday, January 26
Cheer on the Independence Varsity Boys Basketball Team as they take the court at Rocket Arena in a special pre-game matchup against Normandy. After the game, the arena will close, giving you time to enjoy dinner on your own at a nearby restaurant (reservations recommended). The arena will reopen at 5:30 PM, when you’ll return to settle in for the main event as the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Orlando Magic.
Registration begins November 12. Registration deadline December 26. Independence residents & residents’ guests are eligible: