Home Days 2024 Wrap-Up

A big success and a shout-out to volunteers!

Both the Alumni tent and the Sunday brunch in Kiwanis pavilion were well attended! There were 140 alumni who signed the visitor's roster, along with many who visited the tent but didn't sign the visitor's log. The weekend festivities had alumni attendees covering a span of 68 graduating classes. All but 14 classes had at least one representative sign-in at the Home Days tent or Sunday brunch. The Class of 2024 had Nine alumni sign in at the tent. Sunday brunch hosted 10 alumni from the Class of 1970 and six alumni from the Class of 1977.

All told, 49 alumni from 1957 through 1999 attended Sunday brunch. The two Alumni who traveled the greatest distance were Joe Bernstein (2015) from New Jersey and Katie Gaab Scott (1973) from Minnesota.

All this would not be possible without the help of those who volunteered their time to greet visitors at our Alumni tent and provide help at the Sunday brunch: Jackie Baraona, Judy Barone, Donna Belitz, John Blonski, Elise Derbin, Tony DiGeronimo, Lisa Flesse, Renee Flower, Kelly Hatfield, Dan Konfal, Peggy Korecko, Cathy Krolikowski, Don Krolikowski, Carolyn Kuczmarski, Terry Gaab Niemczura, Bonnie Pandin, Sharon Miklovic Rogers, Debbie Bokmuller Schmidt, Marty Schmidt, Ron Shadrach, Katie Gaab Shaw, Karen Skutt, Dave Stefanski, Kathryn Sutherland, Dale Veverka, Kathleen Vijaywergiya, Bob Wagner and PJ Wagner. (Apologies if someone has been overlooked!)

Special Medal of Honor Presentation

Looking ahead to the next Alumni Meeting
Monday, September 9, 7:00 p.m.

Our September meeting will feature Alumni guest speaker Ron Shadrach '75, who was invited to attend the recent Medal of Honor Award Ceremony on July 3, 2024, at the White House honoring Ron's ancestor, Pvt. Philip G. Shadrach and Pvt. George D. Wilson. On March 25, 1863, Secretary of War Stanton awarded the first Medals of Honor to members of the Andrews Raid that had been repatriated to the United States in a prisoner of war exchange. It occurred following deposition of the excursion behind enemy lines to capture Chattanooga in what has become known as the Great Locomotive Chase before Judge Advocate General Joseph Holt of the United States Army. The award ceremony was completed with a visit and discussion with President Abraham Lincoln. At the time that Secretary of War Stanton awarded those first medals he declared that as they become known, all men of the party shall receive this award. However, at that time, Private Wilson and Private Shadrach continued to be overlooked to the present day even though 2008 legislation had authorized the President to make the award. Attendees at the meeting will learn about this piece of history and how it has been corrected through the efforts of Ron.

Join us for Happy Hour

Hosted by the Alumni Association

All graduates and their significant others are welcome on Friday October 11th, 4-7 p.m.

The Alumni Association is sponsoring our second BYO Happy Hour at the Independence Civic Center. Yes, beer and wine are permitted in the civic center for this event! This "Bring Your Own Beverage," is approved by the Independence Civic Center. There is no cost, but a donation to the Independence High School Alumni Association would be appreciated. You may also bring soft beverages and we encourage guests to bring an appetizer or snack to share. You must be 21 years or older to consume alcoholic beverages on the premises.

For more information please contact one of these IHS Alumni:
Dale: 216-407-8657
Kelly: 216-410-6151
Joanie: 216-233-1885

Mark Your Calendar for these Meetings & Important Dates

The Alumni Association meets quarterly on the second Monday of the month in March, June, September and November.

Newsletter Submission Deadline for the Winter Spectator is Sunday, November 17th, 2024.

Newsletter Submission Deadline for the Spring Spectator is Sunday, May 18th, 2025.

Donations and Memorabilia

We are always looking for Memorabilia from your high school years. If you have rings, class photos, yearbooks or other memorabilia, particularly from 1926 thru 1928, 1931 thru 1944, 1946 thru 1951, 1992 and 1994, you would like to donate, please email Bob Wagner ('66), at goawagner@aol.com.

Want to join the Alumni Association?

Promoting educational memories, one class at a time. The Alumni Association welcomes all graduates from Independence High School. Membership is $10.00 a year or five years for $40.00, saving you $10! Join and receive the bi-annual editions of the "Spectator" newsletter! Click here to join the Alumni Association, or email Bob Wagner ('66), at goawagner@aol.com.