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Under the Big Top is Here

By Randy Ruthford - Staff Writer | May 22, 2024

It’s here! It’s here! Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages! Come one, come all to the 2024 Under the Big Top celebration! This year’s SHS alumni celebration begins Friday morning, May 24th with Chapel at the old gym at 9:00 AM. Come hear decade class speakers reminisce and share highlights from their time attending the historic school. Be present as we memorialize lost classmates from the past year and honor their memory. As the SHS graduating population continues to age, this ceremony becomes more precious to all. Questions concerning Chapel should be directed to Stephanie Light Riddle at 304-652-5150.

The SHS alumni golf tournament will kick off after Chapel or around noon. A few spots are still available if you would like to participate. Contact Randy Rutherford at 616-638-5062 to inquire about availability and secure a spot.

For those not golfing, the Luncheon follows Chapel at the Elks Club ballroom. Doors open at noon and a luncheon ticket is required. Tickets can be purchased on Friday morning at Chapel and are $15 each. Remember, a limited number are being sold and purchases are first come first served. The handicap ramp at the Elks will be open the day of the luncheon. The entrance is off Route 2 through the Senior Center ramp and door. The Elks has graciously opened the Riverboat Lounge downstairs at 11:00 AM as a waiting area for anyone looking for a cool spot to rest after Chapel but before the doors open for the luncheon.

The fun will continue Friday evening at the Elks Club with music provided by Jimmy D beginning at 9:00 in the Riverboat Lounge.

Saturday morning parade lineup will begin with decade classes arriving on Riverside Drive by noon. All non-alumni entries should meet at the Baptist Church parking lot also by noon. The famous SHS Alumni Band meets on Riverside Drive at the Knowlton homestead. Any last-minute entries or questions, please call Jennifer Headly Miller, 2nd Vice President, at 304-815-5874.

New to the activity line-up is the Awards Cocktail and Appetizer Reception in place of the traditional banquet on Saturday evening. Ballroom doors of the Elks Club will open at 6:30 and promptly begin with the awards reception at 7:00. Guest speaker, longtime Ravenswood head basketball coach, Mick Price, is the headliner. Coach Price, who spent his maiden season at SHS remembers his first game coaching like yesterday. “We played Cameron at Sistersville, and that was my first win,” said Price. At the young age of 20, Price had a diamond in the rough coaching local stand out Richard Summers. Coach Price also began his coaching career at SHS with another well-known first-time coach, the late Bill Stewart. Alumni officers anticipate a large crowd anxious to reminisce and hear stories from Coach Price’s illustrious and award-winning career along with memories of SHS. Admission to the reception is by donation.

The awards reception will be followed by dancing in the Elks ballroom beginning at 8:00 and closing at midnight. Remedy, a well-known area band, will pack the house while entertaining with live music. Admission to both the reception and dance is by donation. Those attending may bring their own beverage of choice (no glass bottles), so talk to your friends and make plans to snag a table for the evening!

Several opportunities exist throughout the weekend for members and friends to support the SHS Alumni Association financially. Donations are always accepted and this year a beautiful handmade WVU themed lighted cornhole set is being raffled. Tickets are available at all alumni events or from any officer. The drawing will be held at the dance, and you don’t need to be present to win. Also available are Tiger themed koozies to purchase.

2024 Alumni President Mary Ann Rutherford is anxious to welcome everyone home! “We are all looking forward to an amazing alumni weekend and hope to see you Under the Big Top!”