Co-Presidents Dale & Cheri Hargadine Downing (Class of 1962) welcomed the gathering with opening remarks about the long-standing tradition of the "chocolate and gold", and gave a brief overview of things to come. Roger Snellen (1964) was called upon to deliver the invocation.

Dale then welcomed the class of 2005 to the Alumni Association and Class President Dru Stambaugh gave the response.

2005 class members that were multi-generation graduates were recognized:

Special recognition was given to three members of the 75 year class: Herman Crawford, Elmer Griffith, and Ellis McMillan, and they were presented with red roses by Dru Stambaugh. We later realized that Erma Nixon Blasdel was also a 1930 graduate – our apologies for the oversight.

The earliest alumni were also recognized: Hazel Walton Cheaver (1926), and Paul Nye (1928)

A special time was set aside to honor those men and women who have served in the military. Thanks were given for their dedication and commitment, which allows us to live in this great country and enjoy the freedom we all cherish.

Dale also acknowledged several alumni for their efforts and contributions:

Kim Whipple Young (1976) for preparing the Memoriam board. (Members were asked to notify Cassie Anderson Murray in the event of the passing of alumni.)

D. Kay Hatfield (1959) for her display and work on the Belle Plaine Historical Society.

Barbara Hunt Brummett (1947) for the Alumni Memories Book updates.

The class with the largest percentage in attendance was also the 50 year class (1955) with 81% of members present. The class of 2005 presented each 1955 class member with the traditional yellow roses, and Dale called on 1955 Class President Ernest Wade Jr. who gave the response.

For traveling the farthest to attend the Alumni Reunion – it was considered a tie between Jesse Hatfield (1945) from Black Diamond, WA and Martha Barngrover Hall (1965) from Woodbridge, VA.

Co-Vice President Wayne Riddle (1976) led the audience in remembrance of those alumni that have passed away since our last annual meeting.

Judy Wooldridge Graber (1956) made seven $500 scholarship presentations to the following 2005-class members: Nate Jones, Christine Long, Justin Jones, Lucas Lott, Jennifer McClendon, Deann Meairs, and Amanda Roy. Two of the scholarships were given in memorial of Roger Hatfield (1959). Also, the "hat was passed" and $1123 was collected from members in attendance.

The Treasurer’s Report and Last year’s minutes were approved as published

Co-Secretary Ted Davis (1957) gave a brief summary of the Alumni website and asked that members review it and forward any suggestions/comments to him:

The current officers will move up to the following positions for 2006:

Co-Presidents – Wayne Riddle and Renee Ingram Jones (1976)

Co-Vice Presidents – Ted and Diane Richmond Davis (1957)

Co-Secretaries – Paul Lawrence and Judy Rowan Gifford (1963)

Permanent Secretary – Cassie Anderson Murray (1972)

Permanent Treasurer – Sharron Blankenship Willey (1960)

Nominated and elected Co-Treasurers for 2006 were Joe (1978) and Mary Holinde Hunt (1982).

The Honor Anniversary class speakers were as follows:

Each of the speakers had remarks that allowed the audience to be reminded of their own experiences while attending Belle Plaine High.

Sherra Taylor (1975) had a video presentation using photos of Belle Plaine with the song "My Town" by Montgomery Gentry as the background music. Very appropriate song and the photos were enjoyed by all.

The meeting was closed with the audience singing the Alma Mater, led by Solon Hunt (1945) and accompanied by Judy Wooldridge Graber (1956).

Ted & Diane Richmond Davis (1957)
Co-Secretaries