Hayden High School Alumni Association President Pat Sullivan, left, welcomes inductee Bart Ellison into the Hayden Hall of Fame for 2023 during the Hayden homecoming June 25 at the Hayden Historical Museum pavilion.
Photo provided
The Hayden High School Alumni Association inducted two local graduates into the Hayden Hall of Fame at the 82nd homecoming on June 25 at the Hayden Historical Museum pavilion.
Inductees for 2023 are Bart Ellison and the late Dr. Lawrence Elsner.
Ellison, a former local radio personality for stations in North Vernon, Columbus and Seymour, was at the homecoming to receive the award along with many family members and friends. Ellison, who graduated from Jennings County High School in 1986 after attending Hayden Elementary School, spoke briefly and said he was appreciative of the honor.
Elsner was a 1923 Hayden High School graduate and began his general practice at Seymour in 1938. He served Seymour and surrounding communities until he died in 1957. Elsner has a daughter who lives in Los Angeles, California who sent a letter of appreciation for honoring her father.
Jennings County High School graduate Abigail McDonald was named the recipient of the association’s $1,000 scholarship named in honor of Michael Euler, Spencer Township’s last resident to lose his life while serving his country. Euler was killed in Vietnam in 1966, and the scholarship for students who would have gone to Hayden High School was established in his memory in 1986.
McDonald plans to attend Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus and pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology and pre-physical therapy. She is a Hayden Elementary School graduate and the daughter of Tim and Mamie McDonald. Abigail also received an athletic scholarship to play soccer and softball for the IUPUC Crimson Pride.
A door prize was presented to the oldest person in attendance — Class of 1949 graduate Paul Richart, who is 92. Sandra Farley Kleber won the prize for traveling the farthest, from Indianapolis.
The Rev. Aubrey Bessenger, a former teacher at Hayden High School, shared his memories about serving as a teacher at the school, and alumni association President Pat Sullivan, who formerly taught at Hayden Elementary School, recognized the oldest Hayden High School graduate, Helen Taylor Schleibaum, Class of 1941. Those who attended signed a card for Schleibaum, a resident at Covered Bridge Health Campus in Seymour.
