In the year 1900, under the
supervision of Prof. Barrows, a class of four stepped out of school life
into life, bearing the distinction of being the first graduates of the
Waukee High School. |
They felt the need of
a tie; something by which they could link themselves to the school they
were so reluctantly bidding adieu, and lo! the Alumni Association was
organized. |
Every year since that time,
with the exception of the years 1901 and 1917, when there were no
classes, the alumni has been strengthened by the addition of new
members. At present numbering ninety-three. |
The alumni has seen
Waukee outgrow two school buildings, from a small frame structure to a
more pretentious brick building, to be replaced by the present beautiful
edifice. |
It was during a
meeting of the alumni the first mention of the possibility of a
consolidated school for Waukee was made. |
Today the present
school building stands as a memento to the untiring efforts of some of
the alumni members, combined with that of the citizens of the community. |
As is always the case,
when young people complete their high school course, we them seeking
fields of service in distant climes. |
Some of our members have
located in our largest cities, and have become successful business men.
Others have heard the call of the far north and went forth to seek their
fortunes there. |
Japan offers golden
opportunities to others. |
In a far distant land
under the Southern Cross, we find some of members devoting their lives
to the cause of missions. |
And then we have our
"close at home," faithful members, who have stood by from the time we
were organized, who rejoiced in the days of prosperity, and who gave a
helping hand during the dark, stormy days when the life of the alumni
was threatened for want of enthusiasm and funds. |
But regardless of
geographical location a commencement day never rolls around but the
alumni member recalls the commencement day when he or she was an
ambitious youth or a sweet girl graduate. |
Each year around the
Alumni banquet table we see "The Gathering of the Class." The many
classes united as one large class, which seems to keep green the memory
of happy school days spent in the W. H. S. |
-- G. M. L. |