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Alumni Association -
History
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Sunday, 04 May 2008 |
| The Blair Alumni Association was started in 1986 by members of the Class of 1966 who had just held their 20-year reunion. They so enjoyed the wonderful feeling of seeing their classmates again that some of them wanted to keep the feeling alive through ongoing communications among themselves. They then decided that there were probably graduates in many (if not all) classes who would want to be a part of that effort. | | | At first the only activity of the Alumni Association was the publication of the quarterly Alumni News. As more and more Blair grads joined the Association, it was a natural progression to help classes promote upcoming reunions and assist reunion committees in finding their classmates. | | The Association has also been the driving force behind two landmark events related to the school. In May of 1998, the Alumni Association organized a “Farewell to Blair at Wayne Ave.” celebration to mark the closing of that location after 63 years. Over 2,000 Blair grads and their families returned to the school for a one-day program that included: a morning to “walk the halls” and visit old classrooms and teachers; a program in the Stickley Auditorium featuring student and faculty speakers from each decade; and a last Sock Hop that evening in the Boys Gym. The event was covered by several local newspapers (the Washington Post ran an article, pictures, and a “There’s No More Blair There” editorial by ’62 grad Ben Stein) and four television stations. At least one member of every class to attend the Wayne Ave. school was present for the program. For a video of the days activities, visit our Alumni Store. | | In 2005 the Alumni Association organized a “Blair 60’s Weekend”, hosting over 500 grads and guests for a two-day homage to the early 1960’s (1960-66). The weekend included an alumni basketball game at the Wayne Ave. gym, a “Hot Shoppe Party” (with Mighty Moes and other Hot Shoppe food), a trip down memory lane at the Silver Theatre, and a Saturday night dance reminiscent of the dances at the National Guard Armory. There is also a video of this event available in the Alumni Store. | | In 2006 the first Montgomery Blair High School Alumni Association Scholarships (funded by the proceeds of the Blair 60’s Weekend) were awarded. Since then a total of seven Blair seniors have been awarded scholarships to institutions of higher learning. In their applications for their scholarships, the seniors had to describe what Blair’s history and traditions have meant to them. | | As the Blair 75th Anniversary approaches, the Alumni Association will again be assisting in the planning and carrying-out of a Diamond Jubilee Celebration for the school. With Alumni Association membership now at @ 2,000, there is every expectation that the event will be one to remember. |
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 01 June 2008 )
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Alumni Association
