Wake Up Tri-Counties Dave Clarke and Ray Cruise of the Wethersfield Alumni Association Discuss the Organization’s History and the 2026 Reunion

The Wethersfield Alumni Association will gather this Sunday, August 16, for an afternoon of memories, fellowship, and celebration at Wethersfield High School. Dave Clarke and Ray Cruise of the Wethersfield Alumni Association recently joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss the organization’s history and this year’s reunion. The Wethersfield Alumni Association traces its roots back to the first graduating class in 1907. An alumni association was formally organized several years later, eventually evolving into the Craig Alumni Association in 1939. After the COVID-19 pandemic left the organization dormant for several years, a group of former students reorganized the association beginning in 2022. One of the association’s primary missions today is supporting students through the Frank H. Craig and Lois Gleason Scholarship Fund. The organization awards scholarships to Wethersfield seniors planning to pursue education or a related field. Scholarship recipients receive $1,000 per year for up to four years as long as they remain enrolled and meet the required academic standards. This year’s reunion will also recognize the Wethersfield Class of 1976, celebrating its 50th anniversary. Organizers say approximately 25 classmates and their spouses are expected to attend. The reunion will begin with a reacquaintance hour at noon, followed by a catered meal at 1 PM. A business meeting will take place around 2 PM, followed by additional activities and fellowship. Attendees will have an opportunity to tour the school, reminisce about their time at Wethersfield, and visit areas of the building that have undergone improvements. This year’s program will also feature a presentation honoring Mildred Rose Conklin, a longtime Wethersfield alumna who is now 102 years old and lives in the St. Louis area. Due to health and vision concerns, Conklin is unable to attend, but her daughter has provided photographs and information about her life for the presentation. The afternoon will include Wethersfield trivia, prizes, the school song, and other activities. Organizers have also recreated a vintage “Wethersfield Forever” button discovered at an antique store, which will be distributed as prizes during the event. The association has worked closely with Wethersfield Community Unit School District, the Academic Foundation, and the Wethersfield Education Association to rebuild the alumni organization and involve current students. Members of the National Honor Society will assist with greeting guests, directing attendees, and helping serve the meal. The association also continues to preserve Wethersfield history. Last year, members worked with students to sort through hundreds of trophies and plaques that had been stored in the attic of the Bush building. Among the discoveries was a plaque honoring former Wethersfield coach George Keist, who was also a coach at Kewanee High School. The plaque was ultimately donated to the local historical society. Other memorabilia was returned to former students and families. The organization welcomes Wethersfield graduates, and organizers say anyone who graduated in or before 1976 is welcome to attend this year’s reunion. There is no admission charge, although donations are encouraged to help support the scholarship fund and reunion expenses. The reunion will be held in the Wethersfield High School cafeteria. Doors open at noon, with the meal beginning at 1 PM. Guests may enter through the cafeteria entrance near the bus parking lot or through the front entrance. The Wethersfield Alumni Association is also encouraging graduates and supporters to contribute to the Craig Alumni Scholarship Fund. Donations can be made through the Wethersfield Academic Foundation, with contributions designated for the Craig Alumni Scholarship Fund. The association currently has seven students receiving scholarship support, including 2026 recipients Brianna Peed and Joey Droyer. Previous recipients include Eva Sayha, Leah Franklin, Vanessa Conway, Avery Rash, and Reagan Skaggs. For Wethersfield alumni, Sunday’s reunion offers an opportunity to reconnect with old classmates, revisit the school, and celebrate the history and traditions that continue to connect generations of graduates.