Present:   Dru Harper, Carolyn Howard, Sheila Underwood, Linda Kafer Cain, Barbara Gillum, Carlie Southard, Angela Sullivan, Dana Major, Paula Roark, and Loretta Corley

 

President, Angela Sullivan called the meeting to order.  The purpose of the meeting was two-fold:  1) to get an update on income and expenses associated with the Reunion, and the status of the Association Accounts, and 2)to discuss the 2011 Reunion Weekend, specifically what went well, and what did not. 

 

Loretta Corley gave a summary of the 2011 Alumni Banquet income and expenses.  The net income that was generated by the event will be used as operating money for the Association.  Approximately 237 meal tickets were collected at the cafeteria door, and 186 people paid dues.  The Association Account has funds that have accumulated over the last 3 reunions and the sale of cookbooks that, according to Bylaws, should be added to the Scholarship Fund.  Barbara Gillum made a motion, seconded by Sheilah Underwood, to transfer $1800 from the Alumni Account into the Alumni Scholarship Fund Account.

 

Loretta Corley gave a brief summary of the Scholarship Fund Account.  Donations for 2011 prior to the Reunion Weekend totaled $3000 when Paypal deposits are included.  Donations during the reunion weekend, including Walker and Linda Ryan's Chuckwagon breakfast proceeds, totaled $2,481.  It is anticipated that scholarship awards will be increased again for the 2012 graduating class.  A meeting will be called in March of 2012 to arrive at the scholarship amounts.

 

Discussion was held regarding the activities of the reunion and the following recommendations or ideas were proposed: 

• Need to improve notification of Ryan residents and figure out ways to get more Ryan residents involved, e.g. designate hosts for class get togethers around town after the banquet.

• The chuckwagon breakfast by Walker and Linda Ryan was a great success and hope they can continue to cook for us.

• The midday banquet time was well received.  All comments were positive.

• The entertainmnent was great, but some people thought it was too long. 

• Need to have designated areas in auditorium/school for various classes to meet up with each other.

• Should start banquet at 12:30 or 1:00 p.m. 

• The serving line took a long time.  Check into other alternatives such as people being served or perhaps have a double serving line.

• Need to come up with some gift ideas for oldest, youngest, and graduate traveling the farthest.  Linda Kafer Cain is going to check on making some unique items featuring Ryan Cowboys logo, etc.

• Need to eliminate the gift under the chair routine.

• Need to remember to recognize former teachers as well as classes.

• Consider again how to let everyone identify themselves when standing for class recognitions.

• Consider serving sandwiches, chips/dips, etc. at the Center at the Friday night reception.

• Suggestion of having a 'picture corner' where people or classes could be photographed prior to the banquet.

• Picture boards at the banquet may need some updating.  Remind classes to provide Pernell Williams with photographs for inclusion on that class's picture board.

• The banquet program was well received.  Should do again.

• Idea proposed to have activities in the gym for children, perhaps with the help of high school students.

• If Ryan Leader provides free inclusion of Reunion announcement, be sure to extend complimentary meal tickets to the paper.

• Sheilah Underwood will write up something for the Ryan Leader about the Reunion weekend events.

• Need to line up more activities during the Reunion Weekend on Main Street or other areas around town.

• Proposal was offered that more emphasis be placed on the school as a location for more activities including registration.

•  The idea of assigning people to head the various committees needed to host such an event was an excellent one. 

• Additional help will be needed at the 2013 reunion to take care of ticket sales and dues collections at the door during the weekend.  Reserved tickets could be labeled by purchasers name and available at a "will call" window, which would mean only those not pre-registered and pre-paid would have to visit Registration desk.

• Idea presented of issuing different color tickets for those who make reservations ahead of time.  Those making reservations would be allowed to be served first.  Also limit ticket sales to the number requested of the caterer.  Inform late comers that limited number of tickets are available on a first-come basis.

• Need to print-out all class address listings for review well ahead of invitation mailing dates to secure most up-to-date addresses, including email.

 

  Next meeting will be tentatively planned for March of 2012 unless there is a reason to meet sooner.    Meeting adjourned.

 

Respectfully submitted by Loretta Corley, Secretary/Treasurer