The Hayden Historical Museum hosted the 78th annual Hayden High School Alumni Association’s homecoming on June 24 at its pavilion, with 89 persons in attendance.
Association secretary-treasurer Rodger Ruddick said that the money donated during the program is added to the scholarship fund. The annual payout from the fund makes the $800 alumni scholarship award possible each year.
The scholarship was named in honor of Spencer Township’s last resident to lose his life while serving his country. Michael Euler was killed in Vietnam. Ever since 1986, the award in his memory has been presented to an outstanding Jennings County senior who had attended the Hayden Elementary School. Euler’s older brother, Glen Euler, was on hand for the homecoming program.
The award winner for 2018, Cody St. John, was introduced by association president Pat Sullivan. St. John spoke briefly, thanking the alumni for making the scholarship possible. He will attend Ivy Tech Community College at Indianapolis and study building construction management.
A moment of silence was observed to remember the deceased members of the anniversary classes, and other Hayden residents and alumni who had died since last year’s homecoming.
As a way to recognize individuals for their personal achievement and community service, the museum’s board of directors established the Hayden Hall of Fame section in the museum in 1990. The induction ceremony is part of the homecoming program. Those joining the Hall of Fame for 2018 are Theodore Brunner and Ben and Mary Richman.
Accepting the award on behalf of Mr. Brunner was his wife, Marcia, and two sons, Andrew and Duane. The children of Ben and Mary Richman, Philip and Beth Richman Walker, were on hand to accept the award on behalf of their parents.
Before adjourning, a motion was made that the 2018 officers be carried over to serve for the 2019 homecoming. Those included Sullivan, vice president Giles Spaulding and Ruddick.
Plaques with the engraved image of the old Hayden school were presented as the door prizes. Winners were Lowell Cobbs for being the oldest person in attendance (90), Leroy Martin for traveling the farthest (Texas) and Debbie Lawdermilt Batts (random drawing).
At the conclusion, the group enjoyed an ice cream social, which was made possible by a Nichter family donation.
