OSB ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 2011
By Jane Thomas
Planning Committee Member
"Does
anyone have this bed?" "Oops, there's a bag on this one, better move
on." "It sure is hot in here!" "What are they having for
dinner at the banquet?" "I know I didn't register, but can I get two
tickets for the banquet?"
Although
our numbers were smaller than in previous years, it was a high spirited bunch who filled the halls of the dorms and the rec center with laughter. There were the four forever young
ladies who must always room in their old dorm room H-7 of A-2. We couldn't have
a reunion without Judy Cowart, Ann Kerr-Larson, her sister Lynn Kerr, and Betty
Emmons. And then, there is sweet Roberta, who everybody loves, because she;
well, she is Roberta! A lady of Christian love and endless courage, who
puts forth great personal effort to make the long road trip and to participate
with a strong voice when singing the school song or a beloved hymn. And, how could we have a reunion if David and
Deb Plumlee didn't grace us with their presence? We
take great joy in the wonderful sounds which only David can produce from our
pipe organ, now showing signs of wear as it sits for months untouched by a
musician's hand..
At
every reunion, we see a heart warming combination of the very young, and
of senior citizens who show us how a good life should be lived. David Skelly's toddler daughter Ariana, was wide-eyed as she
tried to take in all the open space around her; no doubt thinking of how easily
she could run and play if only her Dad would stop watching her so closely!
Meanwhile, Norman Dalke the epitome of kindness and
grace was observed walking about the campus trying to find the connection
between the sacred old landmarks and the newer structures. And, of course, the
Father of all O S B reunions, Mr. Hank Patocka had
warm greetings for young and old alike, listening to all who stopped by his
chair to chat about old times.
Carolyn
Patocka and Jeanne didn't need to worry about keeping
order on campus, because Tommy Robertson and David Finch were on hand to make
sure that all was proceeding smoothly and without too much of a ruckus!
But, every reunion needs just a little ruckus from time to time. The band
leader from
Meanwhile,
Mark Ruth found out that his bank book would have been better off had he stayed
on campus to listen to the band rather than going to the local casino.
Uno was this year's game of choice in the rec
center on Saturday evening, as the
We
could never have a reunion on this campus without the dedicated volunteers who
helped us from beginning too end. Jeanne Meyer, who makes the best chili on
this planet also does an amazing job of keeping track
of money and registration papers. Countless volunteers helped to serve meals
and at the reception. Some of these included: Mrs. Faye Miller, Mrs. Linda
Graber, Mrs. Sherry Holder, and several dorm staff members. And, there were the
helpers who responded to whatever was needed when they heard the call from Ms. Patocka. These included Jane and Joe Thomas Melissa
Crowder, and numerous staff members who assisted with cleaning and working
tirelessly with the air conditioning
We
always have a few people who drop by as an unexpected, though pleasant
surprise. Georgie Decamp Miller was passing through
It
is certain we could not have a
Indeed,
it is not possible to identify every individual who participated in this year's
reunion. But what is undeniably clear, is, that the teachers, house parents,
and administrators of this school provided a first rate education and
shaped the values and moral character of
We
hope you can be among those who attend the next school reunion which should be
in 2013.