Alumni Association marks 85th anniversary

The Mapleton Alumni Association celebrated its 85th anniversary Saturday, June 30, at the Mapleton Elementary School.     After the catered dinner, a brief meeting and update of the past year was presented by President Joye Buck. It was noted that after the roll call by Gloria Wilcox, the Class of 1957, celebrating their 50th year, had 86 percent of classmates attending.
The classes of 1937 and 1947 were also congratulated for their 70th and 60th anniversaries.
Linda Hubbard reported that this year we were able to award $1,000 scholarships to 10 Presque Isle High School seniors who reside in our tri-town area of Mapleton, Castle Hill and Chapman.
Katie Buck reported the financial condition of the Annual Merlyn Buck – Jerry Dow Memorial Walk. Since its inception, donations have reached nearly $15,000 for the scholarship fund. It was also noted that several classes had donated monies the night of the banquet in honor of their classmates who are deceased. Among the donations received were: The Class of 1957 in honor of Richard Brown, Jack Buck, Jr. and Dana Eaton. Also, the Class of 1962 in honor of their classmate, Robert Hubbard. Individual donations were from Sandra and Jeff Hunter, LeAnn and David Bishop and Jan Cantrell in honor of Robert Hubbard; and Arnold Carter, in honor of his wife, Ada.
The Class of 1954 has for many years given an Annual Community Service Award to a graduate and this year it went to Anita Currier. As well as being a wife of a farmer, she and her husband Charles raised five children. She has a huge garden, sold produce and baked goods at the farmer’s market and was a good neighbor and friend. When the children were in Future Farmers of America, she was an advisor and also a 4-H leader. Many people know Anita as being their mail lady as she worked for the U.S. Postal Service for a total of 23 years. In addition to working, she also served on the Mapleton Board of Selectmen for nine years and was chairman of that board for three years. The tri-town counsel also has a joint board and she was chairman of that for one year. Congratulations, Anita!!
It was also noted that 940 individuals graduated from Mapleton High School from the years 1918 – 1963 and that Forest Chandler from the Class of 1926 is our oldest living graduate. But, upon further information from a family member, it was discovered that one of this classmates, Florice Packard Landers, is the proud recipient of that honor. Congratulations should go to both Florice and Forest.
The tradition of the class celebrating their 50th year presenting the evenings’ program was carried on and the Class of 1957 gave us a great update of their lives, careers, etc. for the past 50 years. The evening ended with a rousing rendition of the “Mapleton School Song” and God Bless America. See you all next year.