Independence High School Alumni Association

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.




Alumni Association Executive Board

Dale Veverka ’70, President
Joan Mencl ’70, Vice President
Bob Wagner ’66, Treasurer

Need More Information?

Alumni Integral Chairpersons

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.

Important Dates:

Newsletter Submission Deadlines
Winter 2025 – Sunday, November 9

 

Latest News from the Alumni...

IHS Alumni Quarterly Meeting

September 8, 7:00pm High School Media Center

  • Featured Guest: Independence Schools Superintendent Kelli Cogan
  • Board Recommendations: Possible changes to Alumni practices
  • Home Days: A review of 2025 Home Days

Our most recent broadcast

Randi. M (Ostry) Thomas ’78

Randi Marie (Ostry) Thomas, 63, of Lakeside and formerly of Cleveland, passed away Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Stein Hospice Care Center, Sandusky, OH. Randi was a graduate of Independence High School, Class of 1978. Post graduation from Independence, Randi became an attorney and an assistant prosecutor for Cuyahoga County and the Managing Attorney of the Cleveland Office of Attorney General Mike DeWine. She was a practicing member of the Ohio Bar Association. Randi had two brothers – Ed (’73) and Ron (’77), as well as cousins – Nancy Rozak Kuthan (’73), Debra Janke Cooper (’83), Victoria Janke Mousty (’88), Jeffry Kuthan (’05), Amy Kuthan (’09), James M Cooper (’12), Kaitlyn Cooper (’14), Cynthia Cooper (’15), Grace Mousty (’19), and Joseph Mousty (’21).

Gary Gawel Celebration of Life

Gary Gawel passed away on 7/9/25. There will be a celebration of life on Wednesday, 8/27/25, at the Independence Civic Center from 4-8pm.
Refreshments will be served. This event is where we can celebrate and remember Gary’s life by sharing stories.
Gary was involved with the Independence swim team and graduated from Independence High School (1975).
He was involved with various groups and hobbies that he loved, and he enjoyed music and living life on his own terms.
Please RSVP by email to Anthonylekan95@gmail.com

Class of 1975, 50th Reunion

Saturday August 2, 2025
6 PM to 12 midnight
Tony & Sue DiGeronimo’s Home
6410 Brecksville Rd., Independence

Reservations required, email classof75@ihsboosters.com

Contact Ron Shadrach 440-570-1923 or email Email Ron Shadrach 

Friday August 1st – 6 to 8 PM Walk our old High School Halls & Tailgate. Gather at front entrance of our school. Park along the drive in front of the school or a parking lot nearby.
Get takeout/delivery of Angie’s or Romito’s pizza or support our hometown Home Days venues in the Park as good options for tailgating … then to Home Days in Elmwood Park and mingling at the Kiwanis Pavilion Beer/ Wine Garden.

Cars may be left at the high school for a walk to the park or catch a city golf cart service.

Saturday August 2nd – 6 PM to 12 midnight Reunion gathering at the home of Tony & Sue DiGeronimo 6410 Brecksville Rd. Independence, Ohio.
Full catered buffet dinner with open bar.

Sunday August 3rd – 9 to 11:30 AM IHS Alumni Association Breakfast Fundraiser at the Elmwood Park Kiwanis Pavilion. Adults $10.00, young kids and non-eaters free.

Find updates on Facebook (IHS Class of ’75 – Independence) at: Facebook IHS Class of ’75

Alumni Breakfast in the Park

 

The I.H.S. Alumni Association Breakfast in the Park is open to all I.H.S. alumni, faculty, family, and friends. The event will include great food, raffles, and camaraderie! This casual event has become a popular place to catch up with former classmates.

  • Date: Sunday, August 3, 2025
  • Time: 9 – 11:30 AM
  • Tickets:
  • Adults (13 & Over): $10
  • Children (6 – 12): $4
  • Children Under 6: FREE
  • Menu: Waffles, Sausage, Pastry, Fresh Fruit, Coffee, and Juice
  • Location: Kiwanis Pavilion, Elmwood Park 6363 Selig Drive, Independence, Ohio 44131

Advance reservations are encouraged, however, tickets will also be available at the Home Days Alumni Tent and at the door the day of the event. Contact Bob Wagner (‘66) for tickets and more information:
Email: Bob Wagner Email Bob Wagner
Phone: 757-202-7750 (call or text)

Homedays Booth Volunteer Sign-up

We are looking for volunteers to help at the Alumni Tent at Home Days on Friday, August 1, and Saturday, August 2! The gig is simple: greet people, have them sign the guestbook, give out alumni stickers, collect membership dues and sell raffle and brunch tickets. Shifts are less than two hours and available on Friday and Saturday. If all shifts are filled you can still come and help out as there’s always people to greet and memories to share!

Sign Up Here

June IHS Alumni Meeting at the High School

Monday, June 9, 7:00 p.m.
Meeting at the High School, Media Center

Please join us for friendship, fellowship, and even a cookie or two. Oh — And we will have a brief business meeting! See you at 7:00 p.m., in the Media Center.