The 2009 Ryan Alumni Reunion and Banquet has come and gone. There will be many pleasant memories
of the event. Be sure to check out
the photographs. If you have any
photos to include on the website, please send them to us.
The Alumni Breakfast at the Senior Citizens Center was well-attended. Several local alumni donated homemade
breakfast casseroles, donuts, fruit and other items. The Association purchased orange
juice, biscuits, and lots of misc items and paper products. The food was good, but it was the
visitation that was the highlight of the event.
It was wonderful to see so many people scattered about the rooms,
laughing and talking with old schoolmates.
The Talent Show featuring Ryan alumni was a big hit. The crowd always loves the Red Hat
Floozies. There is always a rousing
sing-along when they break out singing “Beer, Beer for Old Ryan High”. This year’s line-up also included
Janey Cephus Newton, Charles Heath (cowboy poetry),
and Justin Sullivan.
On Saturday afternoon, various classes met in locations around town. Photographs are posted on this
website from some gatherings.
The Banquet on Saturday evening was well-attended. The local eatery, Circle-D Café,
provided around 200 meals of brisket & chicken, baked potatoes, green beans,
salad, rolls and dessert. Only 117
people had made reservations by the Alumni weekend, but the Association’s
paperwork and proceeds indicated approximately 180 actually attended.
Furman Clark (1967) gave a very nice address to the gathering. He was an exceptionally relaxed and
entertaining speaker. He talked
about his school days and what he learned from various teachers, and about Ryan
in general. He ended his talk with a
challenge to Ryan alumni to step up and be there for the school and for each
other, and to help endow the Alumni Scholarship Fund.
Awards were presented to the following: Oldest
Graduate – Doris Clark, 1939; Youngest Graduate –
Amanda Harvey, 2003; Traveled Farthest – Charlie Jones, 1964, 1900 miles.
A very brief business meeting was held at the end of the banquet. Charles Dalton wanted to step down as
President of the Association.
Barbara Robinson Gillum was nominated and elected as the new President.
A great deal of planning and work went into making the 2009 Reunion a success. There were 8 planning meetings
beginning as early as June 11th.
Over 500 invitations were mailed with 38 returned as undeliverable. Approximately 75 invitations were
successfully e-mailed. Everyone is
encouraged to keep the Association updated with any address or e-mail changes. E-mail addresses are particularly
good for the Association since they allow communication without the expense of
postage.
We hope you will be able to join us in 2011!