The 130th Alumni Reunion and Class Reception was held May 25, 2024 at the Belle Plaine High School. There were 184 alumni and guests in attendance. Due to the threat of violent weather, 22 alumni that had made reservations were not able to attend. The evening began with attendees visiting and enjoying the music of a nine-piece band made up of four alumni and five current Belle Plaine School students.

The meeting was opened by Fred Dierksen, class of 1978, welcoming everyone. The National Anthem was played by the Alumni band. Kendal Utt, class of 1972 gave the invocation. Fred welcomed the Class of 2024 which consisted of 34 graduates. There were six new graduates in attendance. Madyson Talbot responded for her class and thanked the members. This year there were five second generation graduates. Dillon Hardgraves, son of Cheryl Ezettie, class of 1990; McKenzie Jordan, daughter of Dustin Jordan, class of 2003; Macie Shook, daughter of Michael Shook, class of 1985; Hayden Smith, daughter of Gavin Smith, class of 2001 and Tyler Stone, son of William Stone' There was one third generation graduate. Madyson Talbot, daughter of Seth Talbot, class of 2000; daughter of Shannon Orton Talbot, class of 1997; granddaughter of Richard Orton, class of 1970.

Judy Graber, class of 1956, announced this year's scholarship winners. They are Madyson Talbot, Macie Shook, Elizabeth Parsons, Delaynie Esterly and Wyatt Ward. Envelopes were passed to collect donations for the scholarship fund, collecting $2,650.00.

The class of 1974, the 50th anniversary class, was honored with yellow roses, given to them by the class of 2024. The class of 1974 had 26 members attending out of the 41 still living. Gerald Bontrager spoke for the class, giving a special welcome to the class of 2024 and some sage advice.

The anniversary class representatives spoke about their classes and their special memories of Belle Plaine High School and how fortunate we all are for growing up and going to school here.

Fred asked the audience to take a moment of silence to remember those alumni who had passed.

Fred opened the business meeting by reminding the audience to review the program insert about the Association bylaws. He reminded the members that it had become increasingly difficult to get anyone to volunteer to serve as an Alumni Association officer. He outlined the new bylaw that removed offices of President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, and continue with only a Permanent Secretary and Permanent Treasurer. Judy Wooldridge Graber, class of 1956 made a motion to accept the updated bylaws, several members seconded the motion. Fred then asked for a vote to accept the proposed bylaws. The amended bylaws were approved with a unanimous vote.The Alma Mater was sung with the band accompaniment.

Fred closed the meeting with a thank you to all of those attending and also thanked Wendy Skinner Williams, Permanent Treasurer, class of 1974 and Cassie Anderson Murray, Permanent Secretary, class of 1972, and their volunteers for putting the reunion together. Dismissed for the banquet. This year's caterer was Blue Moon Catering of Wichita.