Despite early concerns over threatening weather, the Sistersville High School Alumni Association’s annual Memorial Day weekend celebration rode into town in true “Wild West” style on Friday and Saturday, May 22-23, bringing graduates, families and visitors together for another memorable hometown reunion.

This year’s theme, “Welcome to the Wild West,” transformed downtown Sistersville into a festive scene of western style as alumni classes displayed themed floats ready for some spirited competition.

Fans of the celebration were understandably nervous as forecasts called for rain throughout the weekend. While Friday’s golf tournament fell victim to the weather and was canceled, skies cleared beautifully on Saturday just in time for the parade, allowing floats and marching bands to make their way through downtown Sistersville before enthusiastic crowds.

As always, Sistersville residents and visitors turned out in strong numbers to welcome home graduates of Sistersville High School and Tyler Consolidated High School.

Saturday evening festivities began with the annual awards reception at the Sistersville Elks Club, where parade honors were announced following what alumni officers described as one of the closest competitions in years.

In SHS alumni float competition, third place was awarded to the Class of 1966. The Class of 1976 captured second place along with the “People’s Choice,” while first place honors were earned by the Class of 1986 for their elaborate old western town float, complete with a locomotive leading the way.

Alumni officers congratulated the participating classes for their creativity, dedication and outstanding entries.

Tyler Consolidated High School alumni entries were also recognized, with the Class of 2011 earning first place and the Class of 2016 taking second place honors.

Additional awards highlighted excellence beyond the parade route. The Class of 1981 received recognition for Best Window Display.

In chapel program competition, David Wickham of the SHS Class of 1986 was named Best SHS Chapel Speaker, while Craig Frum of the TCHS Class of 2011 received honors as Best Tyler Consolidated Chapel Speaker.

One of the weekend’s most meaningful moments came with presentation of the Roy C. Heinlein Scholarship. Recipient Katie Grimm, who was competing at the state track championships, was unable to attend the ceremony. The award was accepted on her behalf by her grandmother, Connie Hisam Shreves.

The 2027 theme was announced by incoming SHS Alumni President Stacey Young Kasun, Class of 1991. Mark your calendar now and plan on returning home to celebrate all things Little Mermaid with the “Under the Sea” theme taking place Friday, May 28 and Saturday, May 29.

Also be sure to check next week’s edition of the Star News for pictures of all the awards and alumni Wild West action.

From decorated floats to reunions among classmates and friends, the Sistersville High School Alumni Association once again delivered a successful Memorial Day celebration which the town of Sistersville marks as the kickoff to the summer season. Even with a rainy forecast threatening the weekend, the spirit of the Wild West proved impossible to wash away. Congratulations SHS Alumni Officers and Board of Directors on another outstanding celebration!