All Alumni Reunion Opens This Afternoon At HHS

By Tammy Gray-Searles
   As part of 2009 Holbrook High School Homecoming festivities, and to help raise money for scholarships for graduating seniors, an all alumni reunion is planned today through Sunday (Oct. 2-4).
   “Our main purpose is to support our community and school, from which a solid foundation was laid for us, and to give back to our community through our time, talents and treasure,” reunion organizer and 1987 Holbrook High School graduate Chantilly Snelling noted. “Homecoming weekend will be an opportunity for all of us to reunite together and raise money to be a blessing to our future generation.”
   Snelling emphasized that she believes it’s not enough for alumni to come together and socialize, but that they should be working to make a difference in the community. Each event will include an opportunity for contributions to scholarship funds.
   One scholarship, the Charlie Coughlin Memorial Scholarship, has already been established. Donations can be made during the reunion or at any Wells Fargo bank. Other scholarships are being created. Among those in the works are a Dan Koury Memorial Scholarship for art students, a Tina Gallegos Memorial Scholarship for special needs students and a Dick Alexander Scholarship for math students.
   Snelling encourages alumni who have ideas for additional scholarships or for fund-raising for the scholarships to contact her.
   In addition to the scholarship funds, a Pay It Forward Community Service Project is also being planned.
   “I know that there are several alumni who have been diagnosed with cancer, an infant child with major health issues and et cetera. Please let’s all come together and support our HHS alumni family,” Snelling said.
   Ideas for projects and fund-raisers are encouraged. According to Snelling, plans are being made to hold an all alumni reunion every year and to include at least one community service project each year. Although firm plans have not yet been made for a service project this year, she is hoping that a simple one-day project will present itself, such as painting or repairs at the high school.
   “We’re trying to find ways we can give back,” she said.
   Reunion festivities will start at 2 o’clock this afternoon just prior to the Homecoming Parade. Snelling is encouraging alumni, especially those who want to participate in the parade, to meet at the high school. She noted that Tate’s Auto has made some donations that will make it possible for alumni from different decades to participate in the parade, and there will be a display for each decade, such as the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
   From 4 to 6 o’clock tonight, an alumni tailgate party is planned near the football field. A $5 donation per plate is requested, and all proceeds will be added to the scholarship funds. Following the tailgate party, the alumni will attend the homecoming football game at 7 p.m.
   On Saturday, an alumni festival is planned from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at HHS. Snelling noted that there will be a small stage with entertainment, as well as booths with crafts and food. There is still space available for vendors, and the cost is $40 per vendor, with all proceeds going to the scholarship fund.
   From 6 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, an alumni mixer will be held at the American Legion. A $3 per person donation is requested to benefit the scholarship fund. The mixer includes food, door prizes and entertainment. Donations of food and door prizes are also being sought.
   A farewell breakfast is planned at 7 a.m. on Sunday at El Rancho restaurant.