School Foundation excited for in-person Pep Rally & Alumni Reunion

     A year after having to hold off on hosting an in-person fundraiser, the Monticello School Foundation is looking forward to welcoming members of the community and Monticello High School alumni back on Saturday, March 5.

     The Foundation’s annual Pep Rally & Alumni Reunion will be held that evening, doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the Monticello Berndes Center.

     Tickets are $25 each; $10 for MCSD teachers and staff.

     This year’s theme is: “Back in Black… And Red.” It’s a spin on the AC/DC song, “Back in Black,” and also expresses the Foundation board’s sentiments regarding having an in-door event once again to celebrate and honor the MCSD, whose school colors are black and red.

     “It’s a celebration of the strength of our school, the resiliency of our community, and the drive to ensure our children have the best opportunities possible,” noted the Foundation.

     “It feels great to finally plan an in-person event and fundraiser again,” noted Foundation board member Annette Smith. “This is an opportunity to gather with friends and past graduates.

     “The AC/DC song was our inspiration to have a high-energy event,” Smith continued.

     This year’s Pep Rally is honoring the MHS classes of 2011, 2012, 2001, 2002, 1991, 1992, 1981, 1982, 1971, 1972, 1961, 1962, 1951, 1952, 1941, and 1942.

     Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Foundation was unable to hold an in-person event; auction items were sold online in an effort to raise money. Going strictly online, that prevented them from celebrating various MHS classes like they have done in the past.

     “We’re honoring the 1’s and the 2’s because we couldn’t honor them last year,” said Smith. “We’re reaching out to those classmates, asking them to dust off their black and red, and come party with us.”

     Foundation board member and former MCSD teacher Kathy Harms said with the absence of the Monticello Alumni Banquet, the hope is that former MHS classes come and gather at the Foundation Pep Rally while supporting their alma mater.

     “The Foundation board is looking for more members to head up the alumni outreach,” urged Harms.

     The Pep Rally will be catered by La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. They will be serving tailgate-themed food.

     The Foundation is taking COVID health and safety precautions into consideration when it comes to the handling of food.

     The Monticello Chamber board members will be on hand selling beer and wine, with proceeds benefitting both the chamber and the Foundation. Hors d’oeuvres will also be served.

     There will be both a silent and live auction this year, with auctioneer Bryan Britt taking the reins.

     “People like to babysit their bids and make a fun competition out of it,” recalled Smith of the competitive bidding process.

     Some of the highlights on the auctions this year include:

     • A wooden décor set handmade by former MHS teacher Harry Black. The wood was donated by former school board member Glenn Tobiason.

     • A fused-glass plate handmade by Harry Black

     • Projects made by various school classes

     • A hall table made by Phil Hanna

     • A wine rack made by Roger Ellis

     • A Panther quilt made by Barb Catlett

     • Tickets to Sundown Mountain Resort

     • Dinner and a boat ride on Lake Delhi, donated by Schneiter Agency Group and Phil and Marilyn Hanna

     • 12 bottles of wine donated by Dr. Richard Wolken

     • Four seats at MHS graduation

     Attendees and supporters will also have the chance to purchase items from the teachers’ wish list wall. These are classroom items with a value of up to $250.

     “These are things that teachers might buy (for their students or classroom) out of their own pockets,” explained Harms.

     Each year, the Foundation honors a special member of the MCSD community who has dedicated his/her life to serving the school district. This year’s honoree will be John “Hoppy” Wright, a long-time bus driver for so many generations.

     With 49 years of service to the MCSD, Smith said of Wright, “He is somebody who was instrumental in the lives of our kids.”

     Wright was not just a school bus driver, but he also drove student athletes to games and took classrooms to field trips.

     “We want those who rode on Hoppy’s bus to come and share this occasion with him,” urged Harms. “Come and congratulate him.”

     In July 2021, Winnie Williams passed away. She served on the Foundation board since 2005, and was a dedicated supporter of the MCSD and athletics. During the Pep Rally, Williams’ memory will be honored through the serving of her famous chocolate chip cookies, made by the high school foods class, and auctioning off a MCSD t-shirt quilt made by June Fellinger. The quilt features Williams’ own Panther t-shirts from throughout the years that she donated before she passed. The focal point and centerpiece of the quilt will be Williams’ chocolate chip cookie recipe.

     “It was important to us as a board and community to remember Winnie,” said Smith. “This is an homage to her, her instrumental service, and financial support.”

     The t-shirt quilt will be featured on the live auction.

     There will be some fun moments throughout the Pep Rally for all to enjoy. Former MHS students Jeff Carlson and Levi Temple will be the evening’s emcees, providing commentary throughout the night and making necessary introductions. Both Smith and Harms said the Foundation wanted to reach out to former students to have some fun with the event.

     “It’s a fresh approach to the oral layout of the evening,” hinted Smith.

     Express Sports Editor Pete Temple will also be present, offering special musical entertainment.

     For decades, the School Foundation has existed to raise the funds necessary to support the teachers, staff, and students of the MCSD. In the past five years, many purchases have been made per teachers’ requests:

     • Over $170,000 for Chromebooks to support 1:1 technology

     • Over $20,000 for 7-12 grand English Language Arts novels and textbooks aligned with curriculum

     • $4,000 for training for the therapy dog

     • Over $5,000 for microscopes for HS science

     • Over $20,000 for math manipulatives and curriculum materials

     • Over $3,500 for gaga pits for the middle school

     • Over $18,000 for TI calculators

     • Over $13,000 for SmartBoards for classrooms

     “These are our kids,” Smith said passionately about the Foundation’s mission. “This is how we keep our community strong, supporting OUR kids.”

     Tickets or table reservations for the Pep Rally & Alumni Reunion can be purchased in advance from any Foundation board member or at the school district office. Check out some of the auction items by visiting the “Monticello School Foundation” Facebook page.