Paden City Alumni officially kicked off Alumni week on Monday, July 1 as they gathered at the Jess Brown Memorial Hall to open the week of celebrating with a concert from the St. Marys Community Band. The band is comprised of talented musicians from all over the area. Alumni and residents of the community spent a pleasant evening enjoying the fresh upbeat sounds, including an arrangement by Isaac Price that intertwined songs associated with West Virginia and Paden City. The Alumni of Paden City is pleased that the Community Band selected Paden City as one of their performance locations.

Tuesday, the annual Alumni Memorial Service was held at the Jess Brown Memorial Hall. The touching ceremony offered fellow alumni the opportunity to pay their respects to the Paden City graduates who have passed on. Paden City has always been a proud community that knows how to respect and appreciate everyone. One alumni said, “While they may not be with us today, they will never be forgotten.” The service was held at 7 p.m. with good attendance. Following the ceremony, Alumni and friends met at Jing Chin Chen’s Garden Restaurant across from the High School for good food and conversation. The Class of 1959 graciously provided Egg Rolls and Chinese Donuts.

Wednesday and Thursday, July 4 and 5, has been set aside as a floating day for Alumni to visit with old friends and neighbors. The two days provide a good opportunity to take a dip in the towns swimming pool or take a walk through the park and enjoy the atmosphere of the small town they once called home. It’s a time to just relax, take part in a cookout, walk through town, visit the museum or one of the local businesses, and get ready to rock and roll as the festivities start to heat up on Friday.

Class party’s kickoff Friday, July 5 with the Class of 1959 opening things up with a get together at the Paden City Senior Center beginning at 3:30. Drop by and say hello to someone you may know. From there, the Class of 1969 will gather at the home of Frank and Kathy Gallo to celebrate their 50th graduation anniversary. I was told one unnamed class member asked for a senior discount on his $15.00 donation towards the party.

The Class of 1974 is scheduled to meet at the Dos Hermanos Restaurant beginning at 6:30 to celebrate being the newest senior citizens and with hopes of hearing “wasting away again in Margaritaville.” Also looking to party will be the Class of 1979 as they meet at the Spielers Club in Proctor to celebrate their “Double Twenty”. All Alumni are invited to drop in. The action starts at 6 p.m. Not to be forgotten is the Class of 1989 who will occupy the Matt Barker building starting at 7 p.m. It’s sure to be a great time with plenty of long-lost secrets revealed. Also, at 7 p.m. Ricky and Kelsey Wright will host the Class of 2009 get together. There is sure to be some memories exchanged at this party.

Saturday, July 6, is the grand finale of the week with a whole day of activity planned. Starting things off bright and early will be the annual Alumni Golf Tournament at Sistersville Country Club starting at 8 a.m. It’s a good way to work up an appetite for the Paden City Volunteer Fire Department all-you-can-eat breakfast starting at 8 a.m. and ending at noon. The breakfast is a local favorite and a major fundraiser for the department. Make plans to attend; the menu includes pancakes, eggs, bacon, hash browns, toast, French toast, coffee, tea, orange juice, and much more.

It’s a great opportunity to make new acquaintances while scarfing down a delicious meal. These folks have been supporting Paden City for decades. This Auxiliary Group has served Paden City from the beginning. They usually raffle off something nice. Take a chance; it could be your lucky day. Plus, you will see folks that you have not seen in years. They may remind you of who you are. Some members of the fire department have been volunteering for over 60 years. Now that is commitment.

Later on Saturday, the Wildcat walk for ALS Awareness will take place in the park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. We hope to see you in the park for this special walk. Thanks to the Wildcat walk for ALS Awareness for sponsoring a free swim day on Saturday at the swimming pool.

Beginning at 4 p.m. the Distinguished Alumni Award ceremony will take place at the High School. Over 3,100 students have graduated from Paden City High School in its 67-year history. Only 20 distinguished alumni have been recognized. In addition, the Cornerstone Project was recognized for its strong effort to ensure PCHS still exists. Please join in the excitement as this years Distinguished Alumni is recognized.

At 6 p.m. in the Jess Brown Memorial Hall, the Annual Alumni Banquet will take place. The exciting week draws to a conclusion at this time by celebrating the Alumni representing the year of 9’s. The classes of 1959, 1969, 1979, 1989, 1999, and 2009 will share the podium with our graduating Class of 2019. Come and enjoy good food, camaraderie, and win a prize or two.

A special thank you is sent out to all Alumni officers who work so hard every year in and out to maintain this Alumni Association. Thank you to all the volunteers for making Alumni week so enjoyable. Thanks to the high school Class that serves the meal. This is a truly special time to reflect and be grateful. Please join your fellow Alums in celebration. Congratulations to all Paden City High School Wildcat graduates. Proud to be a Wildcat.