May 8, 2008

In spite of the storm that bashed our community Friday morning, the alumni committee decided to host the 2008 Alumni Banquet Saturday evening with or without power, and with approximately 170 alumni and guests in attendance for the affair, the event was deemed a success. The emcee and coordinator of the event this year was Carol Bell Silvey, Class of 1961, and Chester Jenkins, Class of 1954, had the honor of announcing Hall of Fame inductee, Mary Bressie. Mrs. Bressie, a teacher at Ava High School for eleven years, was embraced as a special individual and a notable teacher for many who attended Ava High School. According to a 1958 issue of the Herald, Mrs. Bressie began teaching at Ava High School in 1947 where she taught for eleven years before retiring in 1958. Prior to her retirement in '58, high school students honored Mrs. Bressie with a presentation of "This Is Your Life" and recognized her for many worthwhile deeds and memorable incidents. According to the article, Mary Bressie was revered by stuŽdents and faculty for her faithfulness, sense of humor and loyalty to the school. With this honor, Mary Bressie will now be added to the Hall of Fame list. David Norman, Class of 1960, gave an update on the latest news from the alumni association, and provided information about the group's recent purchase of the neon marquee for the high school. Norman also noted the organization continues to search for comŽposite photos for graduating classes from the following years: 1931, 1932, 1933, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, and 1944. If anyone has a composite photo or can help with this project, please contact Larry Silvey, athletic director at Ava High School. Light-hearted prizes were also given Saturday evening when Dale Davis, Class of 1957 and Carol Bell Silvey, Class of 1961, recognized several alumni for memorable achievements. Awards were given as follows: Tom Johnson from Alaska, longest distance traveled; Don Sallee, most alumni banquets attended; Gwen (Burdett) Harley, Class of 1929, most senior graduate in attendance; Nancy (Martin) Lawler, alum in attendance with a child under 10 years-old; Sharon (Burke) Shelburn, Class of 1958, most grandkids, with 23 grandchildren; and Betty (Epps) Moore and Lois (Manis) Bushman, tied for the most children to graduate from Ava category, both had five. The banquet meal was catered by David and Mary Kay (Harnden) Davidson, Class of 1964. The evening concluded with the singing of the school song, which was led by Jim Norman, and the announcement Charles Mason will assume responsibilities for the 2009 Alumni Banquet.