Class of '59 honored at annual Meredith/Inter-Lakes reunion

The Meredith/Inter-Lakes Alumni Association held its 85th annual gathering on June 7 at Church Landing.

The festivities began with the formal introduction of the honored class of 1959 by emcee Steve Ainsworth from the class of 1976. Once the class was introduced, the flag salute was lead by Mike Hatch, class of 1960, and all in attendance enjoyed a wonderful buffet luncheon prepared by The Common Man Family of Restaurants.

Following the buffet, Alumni President John Dever III, class of 1976, along with Christopher Dow, president from the Class of 1959, awarded the Alumni Loyalty Cup to senior Shaylah Kelly, who had to leave the event early because of a college appointment she was required to attend. The president then opened the annual business meeting and gave his address.

The program continued with the annual “Roll Call of Classes” by Secretary Shannon Whalen, class of 1984. The oldest alumnus in attendance was Esther Wyatt from the class of 1932. Esther commented that history was repeating itself with “our country being in ‘The Depression’ when I graduated in 1932, and with the country’s current condition today”. There was a large turnout from the Class of 1964, which was celebrating its 45th reunion over the weekend. The youngest alumni member attending was Eric Miller from the Class of 2008. The Alumni Association Members were very pleased to have retired faculty member, Marge Lee in attendance, and they hope more faculty and retired faculty will attend next year.

Then it was time to honor the 50 year Class of 1959. Certificates were presented to the 13 members in attendance and a little information was shared about each one. They were reminded of some of the comments that had been made in the Pinnacle back in 1959. Then there were gifts given out, which had been donated by Moulton’s Farm. They went to John Nedeau who ‘has the most children’, Nancy Piper who ‘has the most grandchildren and great grandchildren’; and Peter Diller for the one ‘who had traveled the furthest’ to attend the reunion. Dave Dickinson was also given a gift as the one ‘who had traveled to the most exotic place’, having been to Nepal.

Then there was a surprise for the class by Nick Diller from the class of 1962, who was also the brother of Peter Diller class of 1959. He brought along copies of the Song of the Year for 1959. “To Know Him Is To Love Him” was the song and the class was required to sing at least one verse! They did a pretty good job, especially the far end of the table, and everyone laughed and had a good time!

The last part of the program was the awarding of the Annual Alumni Scholarships. These went to senior David Sallies and senior Autumn Smith.

The Association also wishes to thank Rusty McLear from The Inn at Mill Falls and Spar, and Alex Ray of The Common Man Family of Restaurants for their support of this annual local event. It is greatly appreciated!