A reunion pulls together a group of people all ranging in age and background, yet they have one thing in common: they all graduated from Salem High School. This year the 146th alumni banquet will be held at the SHS gymnasium on Friday, April 28, at 7p.m.
Elizabeth Bundy, a member of the 25-year graduating class, said, “The Alumni Association Banquet is a yearly event to honor the 25 and 50 year graduating classes from Salem High School. Both classes present either a scholarship or a gift to the school. The banquet is also to induct the current graduating class into the alumni association.”
Bundy told the story of the origin of the banquet. “Funny story- It all began in 1879 (we believe). There was a junior girl who wanted to have a dinner for her boyfriend who was a senior. The Home Economics class cooked the dinner and they called it the Alumni Association.”
Bundy said, “We began planning for the banquet in January. This consists of monthly meetings to discuss the program, speakers, and honorary members.”
During the banquet, members of the 25 and 50 year classes speak. Bundy explained, “Both classes present a scholarship or gift to the school. The current graduating class is inducted into the association. A meal is also served. The banquet ends with all attendees singing the school song.”
All SHS alumni and current SHS seniors are invited to attend the banquet. Tickets went on sale April 1, and cost $20. Bundy said, “Tickets can be purchased at La Gene’s and Linck’s Clothing and Shoes or by sending a check to Shirley Nale at 115 Meadow Dell Village Salem, IN 47167. Checks should be made payable to Salem Alumni Association.”
Bundy added, “The hope for the banquet is to continue to honor SHS graduates. Shirley and Kenny Nale, along with [the late] John King, have been instrumental in maintaining the alumni association and the yearly banquet.”