ECCHS Alumni Association Holds 42nd Golden Grads Reunion
The Annual Golden Grads Reunion was held recently at Elk County Catholic High School. The reunion is held each year to welcome those alumni who graduated 50 years ago and honor those who graduated more than 50 years ago. The ECCHS Alumni Association and the Elk County Catholic School System Advancement Office hosted the event. This year’s reunion honored the Elk County Christian High School Class of 1973.
The day began with a celebration of Mass at the Elk County Catholic High School Chapel, celebrated by Father Kevin Holland. Music was provided by ECCHS Music Director Simon Glatt, along with ECCHS Choir student Grace Ames. The Mass intention for the day was for the living and deceased members of the ECCHS Alumni Association, especially the Class of 1973.
After Mass, a social was held in the ECCHS Cafeteria. Hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and friendships were enjoyed. Laughter filled the cafeteria as guests recounted and reflected on many high school memories. Alumni senior pictures were available to refresh memories and confirm accounts of stories exchanged among alumni. Central High School class pennants were displayed and enjoyed by all attendees. This year, favors were gifted to all Golden Grad attendees and their guests – chocolate-covered pretzels from Goblin Chocolates. Before serving dinner, ECCHS Alumni President Becky Schatz, Class of ‘00, welcomed everyone to the event. Then, Sr. Marian Wehler, Class of ‘62 led all in attendance in a prayer of blessing and thanksgiving.
After a delicious meal provided by Just Ben Catering and dessert provided by Veronica (Greenthaner) Chicola ’61, ECCSS President Sam MacDonald gave the Golden Grads an update on the school system. He mentioned that his twin boys are seniors and used their experience to highlight all ECC offers. The boys are very different, with diverging academic interests. Still, the school provided a solid education that prepared them for whatever they chose to do next. He also spoke about a new program that allows school supporters to divert their Pennsylvania state income taxes to scholarships for ECCSS students.
Guest speaker Sr. John Paul (Connie) Bauer from the Class of 1973 reflected on her memories at Elk County Christian High School. She spoke of the class’s involvement in the band, “Up With People” Tour, and the Pennsylvania State Catholic School Basketball Championship.
Alumni Association president Becky Schatz ‘00 returned to the podium and welcomed the Class of 1973 into the Golden Grads. Knotted rosaries made by ECC seniors were also presented to the members of the Class of 1973 in honor of their golden anniversary. Schatz then spoke about the role of the Alumni Association and the events it celebrates each year. She welcomed all to the semi-annual meetings and encouraged them to participate in the Association’s functions throughout the year. The Alumni Association then presented certificates to attendees from 1948, 1958, 1963, and 1968 classes as they celebrated their alumni anniversary years.
The Class of 1948 members, celebrating their 75th alumni year, were Cecilia (Lenze) Foster, Myra (Nolan) Trgovac, Melvin Hoffman, and Elizabeth (Smith) Cheatle.
The Class of 1958 members, celebrating their 65th alumni year, were Carol (Breindel) Foster and Catherine (Cheatle) Olson.
The Class of 1963 members, celebrating their 60th alumni year, were Karen (Kraus) Wingard and Joseph Azzato.
The Class of 1968 members, celebrating their 55th alumni year, were Nancy (Gerg) Wilson and Michael Herzing.
A certificate was also presented to the oldest alumni in attendance, celebrating her 76th year – Clare (Bucheit) Horchen – a member of the Class of 1947.
Schatz concluded by thanking those who helped set up for the event and the individuals who served the meal. Acknowledgment was also given to Veronica Chicola Class of ‘61 for providing the boutonnieres and corsages given to the honored class members.
Pictured are the Elk County Christian High School Class of 1973 members honored at the 2023 Golden Grads Reunion as they celebrated their 50th alumni year.
Class of 1973 Attendees included:
Front row L-R: Stephanie (Caskey) Campbell, Anne (Gregory) Kronenwetter, and Loretta (Stanisch) Saleh
Second-row L-R: Sr. John Paul (Connie) Bauer, Cynthia (Wickett) Cortinovis, Kathy (Wehler) Bloom, and Eileen (Wiesner) Millsop
Third-row L-R: James Horchen, Mark Kronenwetter, and Daniel Hepner
