The annual Thurmont High School Alumni Banquet was held June 2, 2018, at the Thurmont Event Complex. Alumni president, Don Dougherty (Class of 1969) served as the master of ceremonies. Audrey Ecker Coe, Class of 1940, was the oldest in attendance. She first attended alumni banquets in 1933 at the age of nine. She would tap dance and sing. Ironically, Audrey’s great, great nephew received a scholarship.
Scholarships are an important part of the alumni’s purpose: supporting continued education. This year’s recipients were Edison Hatter (grandson of Mayor James Black), Keren June Ott (related to Kenneth Ott), Hayden Spalding (related to Mary Fraley Lawyer, Robert Abraham, Barbara Bittner Abraham, Donald Spalding, and Joan Lawyer Spalding), Nikita James Miller (related to James E. Miller, Sr. and James E. Miller, Jr.), and Casey Ecker (related to Larry Ecker).
Gayle Slezak was in attendance representing former teachers. Former alumni officers were recognized and thanked. Those who served in the military were recognized and thanked.
Addison Eyler sang the “Star Spangled Banner,” and Larry Freshman read a poem he wrote about growing up in Thurmont.
Honors classes were 1948, 1953, 1958, 1963, and 1968. Fred Addison came the farthest, traveling from Texas. Thanks to the many businesses who donated door prizes for the banquet. Next year’s banquet will be held Saturday, June 1, 2019. Anniversary class years end in a 4 or a 9.
Pictured from left are Nikita James Miller; Edison Hatter; Jeff Ott, excepting for his daughter, Keren June Ott; Casey Ecker; and Hayden Spalding.
