Russellville School Foundation presents many with awards

<p>submitted photo</p><p>Debbie Heinrich, Darlene Jurgle, Johnny Jacobs, Betty Ward and Betty Scrivner represented the Russellville High School class of 1969 at the alumni banquet June 1.</p>

submitted photo

Debbie Heinrich, Darlene Jurgle, Johnny Jacobs, Betty Ward and Betty Scrivner represented the Russellville High School class of 1969 at the alumni banquet June 1.

The Russellville School Foundation hosted the Russellville Alumni Banquet on Saturday at the Russellville Middle School gymnasium.

Ninety-eight alumni with spouses and friends attended the banquet. Kathy Koestner, RSF secretary/treasurer welcomed the alumni and thanked the alumni sponsors for their donations.

She recognized the veterans and led them in the Pledge of Allegiance. Gary Jobe delivered the prayer before the meal. The alumni enjoyed a meal of fried chicken and roast beef with all of the trimmings prepared by Reinhardt Circle. Members of the Beta Club were present to assist the guests with their desserts and drinks. RSF appreciated their assistance.

After the meal, Koestner introduced Perry Gorrell, superintendent of Cole R-1 School District. He spoke about the increased enrollment, completion of school renovations and the dedicated teachers and staff of Cole R-1.

He shared the district's loss of Otto Goldammer Jr., transportation supervisor, and Don Jungmeyer, crosswalk guard, this past year. Gorrell presented Berniece Jungmeyer with Don's stop sign.

Koestner discussed the RSF brochure and timeline included with the alumni program. The RSF was organized seven years ago and due to the generous donors the foundation has distributed over $50,000 to supporting the teachers, administrators and school programs.

Koestner stated the RSF will host a golf tournament Saturday, Sept. 28, at Redfield Golf Course; it will start at 10 a.m. The golf tournament is a fundraiser used to offset foundation expenses. Contact Larry Bishop, 573-619-7336 for more information about the golf tournament.

Koestner recognized all classes attending the banquet with special recognition to class of 1949, 1959, 1964, 1969, 1973, and current graduates. Some of the recognition classes shared memories with alumni and guests.

The group presented the 2019 senior scholarships to graduating seniors attending the alumni banquet. Seniors had a chance to receive a $200 scholarship to be sent directly to the college of their choice. Larry Bishop presented a $200 certificate to Seth Fredrickson, Riley Marcum, Hanna Mueller and Anna Porter.

Lucille Rosenmiller, historian, gave her report and read a poem written by Helen Steiner. The table centerpieces, which were provided by Longfellow's Garden Center, were used as door prizes. Jana Thompson and Becky Wise, RSF board members, drew alumni names and announced the winners.

The banquet closed with the singing of "God Be With You Till We Meet Again" led by Ann Toebben.