Theresa Dardanell
Thurmont High School alumni, along with spouses and guests, gathered together on June 3, 2017, at the Lewistown Fire Hall for their annual banquet. Over 220 people enjoyed a delicious turkey and fried shrimp dinner, served by the Lewistown Volunteer Fire Company. Alumni Association President Don Dougherty (class of 1969) began with a welcome and the Pledge to the Flag. Addison Eyler, eighth-grade student at Thurmont Middle School, sang the “Star-Spangled Banner” and, during dinner, performed the song “Good Morning Baltimore” from the musical Hairspray.
Former Thurmont High School teachers, Donna Fisher, Mary Fisher, Dominic Massett, Gail Slezak, and John Zink, were introduced. They thanked the members of the association for the invitation and for the chance to meet with their former students.
Viola Noffsinger (class of 1958) presented the secretary’s report, and Becky Linton (class of 1958) gave the treasurer’s report. Noffsinger, Linton, and Dougherty will continue in their current positions as officers for the upcoming year.
Matt Wiley (class of 1967), member of the Community Foundation Board of Trustees, provided information about the foundation and the scholarship fund. The 2017 scholarship recipients are Alexi Baumgardner, Athena Fream, Courtney Orndorff, and Meagan Mongold. Relatives of Thurmont High School alumni are eligible to apply for this scholarship.
Special anniversary classes were recognized. Members of the graduating classes in the years 1942, 1947, 1952, 1957, 1962, 1967, and 1972 were introduced. One speaker for each group shared details about their class motto, class colors, and class flower. The 1962 women alumni, led by Judy (Coleman) Knott, sang the pep song “We are the Thurmont Girls” to rousing applause.
Prizes were awarded in several categories: Blanche Long Keilholtz (class of 1940), the oldest graduate, received a beautiful basket of flowers. Joanna Tschiffely (class of 1968) traveled 1900 miles from Fort Collins, Colorado. Susan Long Wireman (class of 1972) was the youngest person in attendance. Wireman and Tschiffely received gift certificates. Gift baskets, created by Carol (Gearhart) Long, with items donated by local businesses, were auctioned to raise money for the scholarship fund.
The first Thurmont High School graduation was held in 1916. The school was replaced in 1969 by Catoctin High School. Alumni celebrated the 100th anniversary of Thurmont High School last year. The next banquet will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2018. Anniversary years ending in 3 and 8 will be recognized.
Ninety-four-year-old Blanche Long Keilholtz, the oldest graduate in attendance, along with Gene Long, Gloria Long Green, Harold Long, and Raymond Long.
