The Falcon Legacy
PUBLICATION OF THE VAN HORN HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
The Falcon Legacy V O L U M E
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SECOND HALL OF HONOR INDUCTION 2012 VAN HORN HONOREES INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Homeless Students in Independence
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Van Horn: Progress Update
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Mentoring Program
WDS Bowling Fundraiser
Membership update
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Board Notes Class of 1964 news
Events Calendar Days of Yore
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Left clockwise: Jay Fisher, President of VHHSAA; Parvesh Kumar, MD—KU Cancer Ctr (VH ‘77); Chad Watson, noted musician songwriter, music producer (VH ‘72); Mike Beal, CFO Ball’s Foods and local philanthropist (VH ‘74): Brigadier General Jose Riojas, U.S. Army retired, Asst. Sec. Operations, Security, and Preparedness; U.S. Dept. Veterans Affairs (VH ‘72); Mrs. Mary Carolyn Cofer, widow of William Cofer, VH Vocal Music Director. Chad Watson (right) VH ‘’72 and 2012 Hall of Honor recipient, brought down the house with his performance.
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HOMELESS STUDENTS IN INDEPENDENCE NEED HELP Recently the Independence School District (ISD) Ways you can help with this event: Alumni Association* became aware that there were Donations of cash or food items nearly 1000 homeless students within our district at some point during the last school year and that the Donations of raffle items same or more are expected during this school year! A decision was made by high school alumni to raise Volunteer for a shift during the day long event funds that can be used to help these children so that Help to get the word out and sell tickets they may remain in school. Mark your calendar to attend The Independence School District approved for the ISD Alumni Association to hold up to eight special All proceeds from the events will go to the ISD nonevents during the 2012-2013 school year to raise profit foundation. Additional information of the money earmarked just for the ISD homeless students Alumni’s efforts to help the ISD homeless students or ideas on ways you can help can be found at for food, clothing, school supplies and essentials.** www.Homeless-Students.com The next event this year will be on Saturday, November 10, 2012 at the Masonic Hall at 120 South *The ISD Alumni Association incorporates the high Pleasant in Independence Missouri. This will be an school graduates of William Chrisman, Truman and all-day event so that we can potentially do three Van Horn High Schools from all years. fundraisers consisting of one during breakfast, ** Contact Brenda Cox (VH ’77) for more informalunch and a chili/soup dinner to include a special tion or to donate tangible items. 816-509-8478. evening of music.
TABITHA’S CLOSET Norma Tibbetts, coordinator of Tabitha's Closet at the First Christian Church of Independence, shows off shoes from the smallest to the largest at the clothing shop, which provides new and used clothing for children in the Independence School District. http://www.tmes.biz/williamchrisman/homeless/tabithas.shtml
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Van Horn High School Progress Update To the Editor: Below is a list of some Van Horn High School achievements that you might find interesting for all of your readers. Although there are probably other things that could be added, these are what come to mind at this time. In Academics, our graduation rates are now comparable to Truman and Chrisman High Schools. You can check these on the DESE website for actual numbers. We have some of the best test scores in Jackson County in Science and Language; we have a higher percentage of students being admitted to college than other schools in the Independence district; and we have the lowest discipline rate of any school in Independence. In the area of Activities, last year both the Girls’ Soccer and Varsity Football teams played in the state tournament; we have a new weight room (the old pool area); and the gymnasium has been painted and improved (our “sideways” floor has never looked better). In the area of fine arts, this year we have added Josue Mallina as band director. Mrs. Erin Barrier continues as director of the vocal music programs and orchestra. Thank you, the Alumni Association, for all your support to our students. Chris Corrie Activities Director
· Fred Quatrocky I am so glad we attended (the Hall of Honor Ceremony). The honorees were all deserving and their speeches were touching. Seeing that sparkle in Mr. Kaifes is such a treat. Thanks for such a nice event. P.S. It was great to see the kids working together after school decorating for Homecoming.
Above: Students staying after school to work on decorations for the upcoming Home Coming week.
Mentoring Program Update We are proud to announce the addition of eleven new mentors to the mentoring program database. To make this program work, we need all of our alumni to post their skill-sets. You may add more than one category, i.e. multiple skill-sets. A new email will be sent out periodically with a request. Please add your name and talents for our high school kids. You will get more back than you can give by being a mentor!!!
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THE SEVENTH ANNUAL WDS BOWLING FUNDRAISER Date: Saturday, January 19, 2013 Time: 5:30 PM until 9:00 PM Location: Strike ‘n Spare Lanes, 13001 E. 40 Hwy, Independence, MO Cost: $30 per person
7th WDS ANNUAL BOWLING FUNDRAISER *
JAN 19, 2013 ‘FREE’ BEER From 4:30 to 5:30 only
* Strike ‘N Spare Lanes on 40 Hwy
$30 per Bowler 5 person teams
Proceeds will be used to fund college scholarships for students from the Greater Kansas City Area You are cordially invited to participate in this annual event. WDS was formed in 2005 with the goal of offering scholarships to local students that might not qualify for scholarships from other sources. Selected students are personally interviewed by WDS and are awarded full scholarships totaling $6,000 paid over 4 years. All students interviewed qualify for at least a partial scholarship. Since inception, WDS has awarded $117,500 in scholarships to 32 students with over $25,000 awarded just last spring. The goal for the upcoming school year is to award an additional $20,000 or more in scholarships. Fundraisers such as this make these awards possible. We will do everything possible to accommodate groups that would like to bowl together. It doesn’t matter if you are an accomplished bowler or not. All levels of participants will be eligible for prizes. We also recommend that you contact one of us to verify your attendance. We have a limit of 160 bowlers. PRIZES: Colored Pins—Win prizes if you get a strike with different colored pin combinations. Splits—Win prizes if you pick up designated splits. Scoring—There will be men’s and women’s awards for the following: 1)High game scratch and handicap; 2) High series scratch and handicap. There is also an award for team score Raffle—Enter the raffle for many other great prizes Added Bonus—Free beer from 4:30 PM-5:30 PM. Come early! Please put the date on your calendar and contact Terry, David, or Tom if you are able to participate. You can also mail your donation and reserve your place to: Terry Smitka, 1205 Wellington Way, Liberty, MO 64068 Terry—816-217-9487 or tsmitka@yahoo.com David—913-209-3511 or david@fountainglass.com Tom—913-631-1223 or jkid96@msn.com
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MEMBERSHIP GOAL FOR 2012 100-
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SEPTEMBER MEETING REPORTS The VHHSAA met on Sept 19th in the Alumni Room at the school. Those in attendance were: Jay Fisher, ‘75; Brenda Cox, ‘77; Marietta Boenker, ‘60; Nancy Ehrlich, ‘56, Betty Jane Stinnett, ‘64; Lisa Renshaw, ‘76; Glenda Baker Philliips, ‘73. Special guests were Chris Corey (VH Activities Director) and Cecil Taylor, WCHS ‘65. The board agreed to work with the Independence School District Alumni Association (which includes William Chrisman, Truman and Van Horn High School alumni) in supporting the homeless students in Independence.
Additional business included appointing representaOur goal for 2012 is to increase member- tives for each of the upcoming class reunions.
ship by 100. We are getting close with 63 at the end of September. Alumni Association Representatives will be attending each REUNION with information and applications. Annual membership is only $25. Or, you can become a LIFETIME member plus get a shirt for $250.
We received and accepted the resignation of newly elected secretary, James Scott. There were no nominee acceptances for the position. The position of Secretary remains vacant. Two new memberships were received and one renewal. Bills were submitted and reimbursed for the Hall of Honor ceremony.
Vi s i t our website at h t t p : / / The meeting which opened at 7:00 p.m. was adwww.vanhornalumni.org for an online journed at 8:35 p.m. application. All VH alumni are welcome to attend meetings THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!
which are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month except November/December.
Class of 1964: The monthly meeting of the Class of 1964 was held at the Olive Garden on 40 Highway. The class meets for lunch on the second Saturday of every month. Those present were: Marian Pugh Conyer, Linda Clasley Malicoat, Helen May Galyon, Betty Jane Nickles Stinnett, Janice Jeffries Brooks, Ginny Gross Turk, Norma Perriman Sterbeng, and Dale Sterbeng. The location of the October 13th lunch meeting will be at noon at the Salty Iguana on 40 Highway. Contact Betty Jane Stinnett for information 816-935-6921
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Events Calendar
The Van Horn High School Alumni Association P.O. Box 520172, Independence,
Oct 12-13 Classes of 1955-65 Reunion, “Van Horn Had A Dream”
Oct
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VHHSAA Regular Meeting, 7:00 p.m. Alumni Room, VHHS
Nov
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ISD Alumni Event (All Day) Masonic Hall, Independence
Nov
14* VHHSAA Regular Meeting, 7:00 p.m. Alumni Room, VHHS
Jan
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VHHSAA Regular Meeting, 7:00 p.m. Alumni Room, VHHS
Jan
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WDS Bowling Fundraiser at Strike ‘n Spare Lanes, 40 Hwy. Independence, MO
MO 64052
Phone: 816-914-6490 (Jay Fisher) E-mail: VHHSAA@yahoo.com
VHHSAA Board Members President Vice President Secretary Treasurer At-Large Dir.
Jay Fisher (VH‘75) Nancy Mills Ehrlich (VH‘56) Vacant Lisa Hay Renshaw (VH‘76) Marietta Wilson Boenker (VH‘60)
* 2nd week of November due to Thanksgiving Day
To submit articles, news or comments to the Falcon Legacy, write to VHHSAA@yahoo.com
From Days of Yore Do you know the name of this drive-in from the 1950’s? Submit your answers to vhhsaa@yahoo.com
ATTENTION ANNUAL MEMBERS DUES FOR 2012-13 WERE DUE By JULY 1, 2012 Please remit your annual dues of $25 to: VHHSAA, P.O. Box 520712 Independence, MO 64052
Answer from last issue: The three major department stores when Independence Center opened in 1974 were: MACY’S, SEARS, and STIX, BAER & FULLER. Sorry, no winners!
Our fiscal year begins July 1 of each year. If you have not paid your annual dues for 2011-12, you may send them in one check for both years marking in the memo space that you are paying for 20112013. Members not in good standing will be dropped from membership. Having trouble remembering to pay your dues? Become a Life-time Member and pay just a one-time $250 membership. VHHSAA meets the 3rd Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. every month except December. For locations, please review sites on calendar above.