Collinwood High School Appreciation Day

No caption, this should be an icon right at the left front of the opening paragraph for affect. Small is good............

View Image Gallery

With the school year coming to an end, it was only appropriate to show our collective appreciation for the support and cooperation provided by the CHS over the year. Support included help in recovering older trophies which had been “lost” in storage which now grace the Social Room; help to get recognition for a soon-to-be-Centurion, Angela Laurich, who had to leave school in 10th grade to help her family financially during the depression and always regretted not being an “official Railroader”; assisting in  efforts to “save” the iconic murals on the first floor, all 440 feet of them and the support for school tour visitations, especially the larger reunion groups.  All in all, the year was marked by unparalleled school cooperation especially from Principal Mary Miller, Senior Class Adviser Philana Williams, Literacy Coach, Gigi Williams and Gail Greenberg, Media Specialist to name a few.

On May 17th, 2016 the Alumni Association in conjunction with the Class of 1966 and the Mill Tavern hosted CHS Appreciation Day. Representing CHS where Gigi Elder and Gail Greenberg. Mary Miller had a conflicting meeting with School Board and Philana Williams was down with the flu, both sent their sincere best wishes through Gigi and Gail.  Representing CHSAA were Michael F. Cavotta, Pres. and Len Corpora, VP.  In appreciation for scheduling a school tour after the school year, the full 50th reunion committee of the Class of 66 attended. Attendees includes Patricia Boyd, Richard D'Apice, Cliff Baggott,Mike Trivisonno, Karen Erickson, Renee Mcdiffett and Butch Fulton who commented,“It’s important we keep connected to our school. Events like this help”.

The group was treated to traditional Mill Tavern luncheon buffet in the Social Room which features a wide array of CHS memorabilia including trophies, Spotlights and jerseys from time long gone by. On a large screen TV, a looping video consisting of nostalgic treasures such as the CHS Color Guard performing at the 2014 Grand Reunion, the taking of the senior picture featuring the Collinwood Train, snips from the first State Championship ever, the 1962 State Track & Field meet all while Ronny Millsap’s, Lost in the Fifties Tonight, resonated throughout the room.  Gail Greenberg was emotionally taken-aback by the event, stating, "I loved the room décor and all the creativity that was reflected in your presentation.  So many memories of my childhood!”  On the spot, Gigi Elder became a Lifetime member of CHSAA and stated emphatically that, “we are truly appreciative of the work the Alumni Association performs. It is the essence of being a Railroader.  I look forward to returning to the Social Room.”