While winter weather is hopefully in the rear-view mirror, the Sistersville High School Alumni Association is hard at work preparing for another alumni weekend celebration. This year’s festivities will take place Memorial Day weekend beginning Friday, May 22nd and Saturday, May 23rd, honoring classes ending in 1 and 6. The 2026 SHS Alumni Officers are President Jennifer Headly Miller, Class of 1992; First Vice President Stacey Young Kasun, Class of 1991; and Second Vice President Audist Henderson Pancake, Class of 1979.

The 2026 theme, “Welcome to the Wild West” is set to bring a boot-stompin’ celebration of frontier spirit and SHS hometown tradition to the Ville. Join the fun by dressing in your best cowboy costumes! The alumni association invites all celebrating SHS and TCHS classes, businesses, clubs, youth leagues, and area groups to participate in the weekend’s events.

As always, Chapel will be held on Friday morning at the old SHS gym at 9:00 a.m. We encourage celebrating classes to appoint a class member as your speaker. Chapel Information Packets are available by contacting First Vice President Stacey Young Kasun at 304-771-2790 or any alumni officer for more information.

Chapel is followed by the noon luncheon at the Elk’s ballroom. The price of tickets will remain at $15.00 for the luncheon. And as a reminder, tickets sold out last year, so don’t wait until the last minute. Tickets are available at the First Community Bank (old Union Bank) or Bell Chevrolet. Out-of-town alumni may mail a check to SHSAA, PO Box 81, Sistersville WV 26175.

Also, on Friday starting at noon, the annual golf tournament will get under way at the Sistersville Country Club. For more information or to register a team, please contact Randy Rutherford at 616-638-5062. The price remains $60 a man. Good luck to all the golfers out there!

On Friday night, The Remedy Band, will take the stage downstairs at the Elks Club in the Riverboat Lounge. They put on a great show so come out and enjoy a night of fantastic live music while reminiscing with old friends.

Saturday’s festivities begin with the annual Alumni Parade. Float participants should arrive on Riverside Drive by 11 a.m. and be lined up and parked no later than noon. Those unsure of their lineup location are encouraged to report to the Baptist Church parking lot, where volunteers will be available; simply flag down a golf cart for assistance. The parade will step off at 1 p.m., bringing Cowboy themed Alumni, organizations, and community groups together for a well-loved highlight of the weekend.

Voting for the People’s Choice Award will open immediately following the parade at the Sistersville Museum. Visitors can also view SHS state championship trophies and a wide collection of Tiger memorabilia on display. The museum, a true treasure trove of SHS history, operates through donations, and visitors are encouraged to give generously to help preserve the many memories it safeguards for the community. Any questions concerning the parade, please contact Second Vice President Audist Henderson Pancake (304-771-1476).

And while you are downtown, Alumni President Jennifer Headly Miller reminds folks, “Don’t forget to check out the class window displays in various business windows downtown.”

The Awards Reception will begin at 7 p.m. in the Elk’s ballroom and segue into the dance at 8:00 p.m. Entry into the ballroom is by donation. A second donation is not needed if you go to the reception and stay for the dance. This year’s entertainment for the dance is Top Gun Entertainment, a DJ company local to the tri-state area. You may bring your own cooler/beverage of choice into the ballroom, but no glass containers are allowed. The dance will end at midnight.

And finally, the SHSAA is currently accepting nominations of candidates to be considered for induction as Distinguished Alumni for the 2026 SHS Hall of Fame. Written nominations will be accepted until April 1st, 2026. Please send nominees addressed to SHS Distinguished Alumni Nomination, SHS Alumni Association, PO Box 81, Sistersville, WV 26175. If you have any questions, contact President Jennifer Headly Miller at 304-815-5874.

As this year’s theme, “Welcome to the Wild West,” reminds us, the spirit of Sistersville has always been built on tradition and the love of community. The SHS Alumni Association invites graduates, families, and friends near and far to come home, reconnect with old classmates, make new memories and celebrate the pride that unites generations. Whether you’ve been away for years or never left, saddle up and join us for a weekend filled with laughter and some down-hometown spirit because there’s no place quite like the Ville on alumni weekend!