News

Jul 02, 2023

Full house for Saturday’s alumni banquet, program

Jan Schultz | The Imperial RepublicanBeth Athey Larson’s name was drawn for one

Jan Schultz | The Imperial RepublicanBeth Athey Larson's name was drawn for one of the door prizes given away at the alumni banquet. She was celebrating her 50th reunion.

Jan Schultz | The Imperial RepublicanClass of 2003 alumni, seated, John Strand, left, and Brian Strand visit with Paul Brown as the alumni banquet meal was being served.

Extra tables and chairs had to be set up to accommodate the big crowd at Saturday night's Chase County High School alumni banquet. One of the largest banquets in years was served, as 265 gathered in the spacious Nutrien Event Center on the county fairgrounds. Caterer Casey Francis said he prepared for 300 as attendance numbers continued to climb the week before the banquet, so there was plenty of food. Alumni Association President Marlon Kunnemann was very happy with the numbers, as well as how smoothly everything went. Last year, the banquet drew just under 200 attendees. "We were all very happy with the meal and turnout. Everything just went so smoothly," he said this week. A larger than expected turnout from the class of 2003, as well as a 45-year gathering by the class of 1978 helped jump the numbers, he said. And, the 50-year reunion for the class of 1973 had a huge response, he noted. Two of the four remaining members of the class of 1943 attended the banquet, where they had special places at the front of the banquet seating. Roma Jean Harris Burtis of Imperial and Marjorie Morse Wheeler of Wauneta attended as they celebrated 80 years since graduating in 1943. The pair were presented corsages from the CCHS Alumni Association. Kunnemann also presented a flower to his sister, Debra Clark, who was present that night with the class of 1973. Those covering the event for the Imperial Republican also received flowers. Being Memorial Day weekend, Kunnemann took time to recognize all veterans for their military service. The crowd responded with a standing ovation. "Memorial Day is for them," he said. "Don't forget our fallen veterans. We couldn't do what we do tonight without them," he added. Every family is touched by someone who's served in the military, he said. Kunnemann then asked all veterans present to stand, and presented each a wrist band for a free drink at the bar. Following tradition, the names were read of each member present from the honor classes ending in "3" as well as those celebrating their 45th year. The class introductions were followed by a reading of alumni who have died, given by alumni committee member Carol Johnson Kunnemann. A new addition this year were door prizes contributed by local businesses.

CCHS alumni signed up at the door, with prizes including Imperial Republican subscriptions, hats, mugs, county historical society calendars and water bottles given away during the evening. Following the meal and program, DJ Matthew Chandler-Smith of Grant, member of the CCHS class of 1997, provided music for the dance. A mid-afternoon bus tour of the community, led by CCHS alum Shawn Jaeger, drew 22 riders. Chase County Schools provided one of its activity buses for the tour. Jaeger, the hospital's Marketing & Foundation Director, pointed out areas throughout town on a tour that started at the school. In addition to sites around town, Jaeger said the group had significant discussions about the development plans for Imperial City Square, the upcoming Smokin’ on Broadway and the state Legion baseball tournament here in July. Honor class photos were taken in the Longhorn gym prior to the banquet. Besides the Kunnemanns, other alumni association committee members include Arlys Cox Cupp, Jacque Harms Banks, Becky Bernard and Kelsey Cupp Steinkraus.