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Emmitsburg High School Alumni Celebrates 99th Anniversary

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Alumni and guests met at the Emmitsburg Ambulance Building on October 21, 2023, to renew friendships and share memories. Approximately 130 people were present. Dinner was served by Keystone Restaurant. Bill Wivell offered the blessing.

The program began with prayer and the pledge. President Alan Brauer recognized Veterans and public service personnel. Secretary Connie Baker Fisher’s minutes and treasurer Sam Valentine’s report were approved.

Assistant Secretary Vickie Valentine Frushour shared the names of the five scholarship winners: Lily Clare Bingman, Rianna Chaney, Sheridan Chaney, Savannah Morris, and Mackenizie Orndorff. She introduced Savannah and Mackenize to the groups. A short introduction was shared on each of the scholars.

During the business meeting, President Brauer brought up the possibility of moving an evening dinner banquet to a luncheon, so the aging group would not have to drive after dark. The audience was asked to think about it, and the topic would be revisited at next year’s banquet.

Three copies of “Emmitsburg High School in The Emmitsburg Chronicle” were given as a result of a drawing.

Historian Joyce Meadows Bruchey acknowledged the honor classes: 1948, 1953, 1958, 1963, and 1968. Each graduate introduced themselves. A drawing for each class resulted in a person from that class winning a $25.00 gift card. Bruchey then shared information about the class and its year.

There was no one present from the class of 1948, the last class to only attend 11 years. Mrs. Leary, a favorite first-grade teacher, began her teaching career. Future Farmers of America had 33 members, reflecting the strong agricultural community.

Class of 1953 graduated the year when WFMD radio station came on the air, and Route 15, between Emmitsburg and Thurmont, began improvements. Emmitsburg Community Show was held on October 31. This class was the first class to graduate in the new auditorium. Currently, the old school auditorium was being converted to two classrooms where town offices are located today. Discussion began on the need for a kindergarten.

The class of 1958 was the smallest of the honored classes—11 students, with 3 boys and 8 girls. The girls’ basketball team had a successful season. Christmas break ran from December 20 to January 6. That winter saw two big snow storms. The one in mid-February closed school for most of the week for rural children. The mid-March storm was reported as one of the worst in a quarter century. All power lines were down and no help was available from surrounding areas because the blizzard impacted those states as well.

The class of 1963 saw the introduction of zip codes and polio vaccinations. Land negotiations began for the new Catoctin High School. Christmas assembly presented the Prince of Peace, with caroling in the main hall to start the school day.

The last class to graduate from Emmitsburg High was the class of 1968. It was also the largest class. The junior and senior classes were so large they were divided into two sections. Seven new teachers joined the faculty. The class recognized the custodian, cafeteria staff, and bus drivers who had served the school through the years. The boards of education were debating introducing sex education.

At the end of her presentation, Bruchey shared that the class of 1928 had only eight members, and not only had they created a 40-page yearbook, but they printed an entire issue of The Chronicle. At the class’ 54th reunion, seven of the eight attended. Next year, the alumni will celebrate its 100th anniversary, and may the class of 1928 be an inspiration for attendance.

The meeting was closed with a reading of the current year’s obituaries by Phyliss Chatlos Kelly, and a moment of silence was observed. President Brauer closed the evening by thanking all who helped make the evening successful.

The last and largest class to graduate from Emmitsburg High School was the class of 1968: (from left) Lena Wastler Stull, George Baker, Dennis Valentine, Robert Saylor, Wanda Meadows Valentine, Terry Maddox, Frances Wagerman Black, and Dale Valentine.

George Kuhn, who was the last boys’ coach at Emmitsburg High School, shared his enjoyable experience while coaching there for five years.

2023 Colorfest’s remarkable turnout; Photo by Helen Xia

Emmitsburg High School Alumni Association Holds 93rd Reunion

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Grace Eyler

The Emmitsburg High School Alumni Association held its 93rd reunion on Saturday, October 21, 2017, at the Emmitsburg Ambulance Building in Emmitsburg. Two hundred ten guests checked in and grabbed a name tag. Many didn’t make it too far in the door before seeing long-time friends and classmates, happily taking a moment to share greetings. For some, the reunion is even a family reunion of sorts. Dale Valentine, (Class of ‘68) attended with his wife, Wanda, and pointed out different family relations throughout the crowd. He joked, “You’ll never hear so many conversations on medical procedures,” while friends at his table talked about recent knee operations.

Bill Wivell greeted the audience by saying, “Emmitsburg was a great time for everyone sitting here! We had a great time at EHS.” He recognized Juanita Harner (class of ‘57), who even wore her poodle skirt and saddle shoes. This year’s honorary classes were comprised of all years that ended with either a two or a seven, beginning at 1937.

Phyllis Kelly provided the evening’s special recognitions. The “Oldest Lady” in attendance was Lucille Valentine, who was born in 1923. The “Oldest Man” in attendance was Thomas Hoke, who is ninety-three this year.

Mike Humerick, who is normally awarded for “Traveling the farthest” from Alaska to attend, passed the torch to Jeanne Angleberger, who traveled from Florida to attend. The teachers of EHS were recognized, one being Mary Fiery, who said, “Thank you so much for all of the wonderful memories,” as she reminisced about her teaching career that started with her teaching third and fifth grades at Emmitsburg Elementary School and ended with retirement from the Frederick County Board of Education. Betty Ann Hollinger-Baker also started her teaching career in Emmitsburg at the elementary school, teaching third and fifth grades. Joyce Bruchey (Class of ’62) recalled that in the beginning of her career, she actually had one of her sisters in her class as a student.

Military Veterans were recognized for serving our country. To honor those who served, William Simmons (Class of ’41) stood to sing “God Bless America.”

Phyllis Kelly presented this year’s scholarship awards. In twenty-four years, the EHS Alumni Association has given a total of $68,000 to the youth of Emmitsburg to better their education. This year, $4,625 was distributed to five recipients: Alexi Baumgardner, Michaela Persinger, Nicholas Little, Rebecca Thompson and Mya Swiderski.

Joyce Bruchey directed guests to the small pamphlet on their tables. The small book was the first graduation souvenir for the first graduating class at Emmitsburg High in 1910. She referenced that in the booklet, the debate team had a piece on immigration. She commented, “Not much has changed.”

Later, she quizzed the room to see who remembered things they did in high school such as dancing at lunchtime, participating in the senior play, participating in a cake walk at the school, or purchasing war bonds. In some cases, a room full of hands would dart into the air, others would spout laughter.

The honorary classes were asked to stand, and introduce themselves while Joyce Bruchey provided class statistics and interesting tidbits about each honorary class. At the end of the evening, Bill Wivell reminded everyone that he looked forward to seeing them again next year on October 20, 2018.


Pictured from left are: (back row) James Seiss, Edie Long, Michael Smith; (front row) Joyce Philpott, Gloria Gardner, Carolyn Lewis, and Rachel Wivell.