By SUSIE SPITLER
For the Record Herald
Courtesy of the Weekly Record Herald; Printed 5.27.12
WEST MILTON — There were close to 700 people present for the 124th Alumni Banquet on May 19 in the current Milton-Union High School building.
Members of the sophomore and freshman classes waited tables. Julie Tinnerman, class of 1986, opened the meeting. Engrid Kochersperger McNeil, class of 1987, led the “Pledge of Allegiance,” followed by the invocation by Matt Flora, class of 1987.
Tinnerman recognized various guests, then introduced the evening’s guest speaker, recently retired University of Dayton Head Football Coach Mike Kelly, class of 1966. Four generations of the Kelly family have graduated from Milton-Union Schools. Kelly entertained and inspired the audience as he shared many memories of his days at Milton. He challenged each one to recall the three people, other than family, most inspirational in their lives. Most listed a teacher or coach.
Kelly went on to share his list. As a junior high student walking from the McKinley Building to the high school, physical education teacher Bill Ginn, with his whistle, clipboard and shorts inspired him to want to be a coach, Kelly said. He said high school football players Chuck Green and Ron Berner demonstrated respect and Bob Schul proved you can obtain your goals.
And then he said, there was Ed Lendenski. Kelly shared a story of how the late Mr. Lendenski gave him some special advice concerning his basketball ability.
The roll call of classes came next with special recognition of milestone years. Scott Fogle represented the 25 year class of 1987; Linette Penny Vegedes the 40 year class of 1972; Martha Spitler Kuhns the 50 year class of 1962; and James Schumacher the 60 year class of 1952. Each gave a short presentation and introduced each classmate in attendance.
Alumni Queen Ruth Howdieshell was recognized for the 80 year class of 1932. King Richard Markley represented the 64 year class of 1950. Markley has not missed an alumni banquet since 1950.
In a memorial tribute, David Minton, class of 1987, read the name of each alumni who had passed away since the 2011 banquet. As a coach and 22-year high school principal, Mr. Ed Lendenski, was mentioned a number of times throughout the evening.
Dr. Bill Ginn announced two inductees into the Athletic Hall of Fame: Kim Berner, class of 1990, for her outstanding performance in high school and college volleyball; and Clint Magel, class of 1991, who earned
seven varsity letters in football, baseball and track.
Ron Berner then announced Dick Overla, class of 1955, who lettered four years in football and was the Outstanding Male Athlete his senior year; and Dr. William Ginn who earned letters in football, basketball and baseball and made the all Ohio Team his senior year. These awards will be given between the junior varsity and varsity basketball games on Feb. 9 versus Franklin Monroe (snow date Feb. 16).
Tinnerman Anderson closed the meeting, thanking everyone for attending and all those who worked hard to plan a successful evening.
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