North Tonawanda HS alumni teams up for students

Recognition efforts include NTHS ‘Wall of Fame’ and ‘Lumberjack Wall’

√ NTHS alumni has decades-long focus on students

By Terry Duffy

Editor-in-Chief

June high school graduations are approaching, with student recognition and scholarship awards to come. Moreover, we’re all familiar with news from community organizations – be it libraries, veterans groups, garden clubs, school district alumni associations, educational interests or nonprofits – when it comes to recognizing students, presenting awards and scholarships.

Here’s one from North Tonawanda that takes it a step further.

The North Tonawanda High School Alumni Association, which numbers some 8,000-plus members, has announced plans for a 50-year-plus alumni reunion picnic to be held from noon-5 p.m. Sunday, July 13, at the Gratwick Volunteer Hose Co. pavilion, located at 140 Ward Road. NTHS graduates from past decades are invited to attend.

John Baran, NTHS Class of ’77 went on to discuss origins of this unique group.

“In July of 2002, three members of the North Tonawanda High School Class of 1948, led by Gene Donner, invited themselves to an NT Class of 1947 alumni picnic,” he said. “Donner and his friends wanted to check out the venue used by the ’47 alumni to see what their reunion will look like the following year. As a result, when planning the NTHS Class of 1948’s 55th year reunion, the two alumni classes decided to have the usual separate dinner get-together on Saturday with their individual class, but add in a ‘multi-class picnic’ the following day.

“Following the reunion in 2003, a permanent committee was formed with representation from the 1947, 1948 and 1949 classes. This was the beginning of the annual picnic (originally known as the “multi-class picnic”) within the NTHS Alumni community. It was decided that all NTHS graduating classes that graduated 50 years or more from that time would be welcomed.

Baran, who heads the organizing committee, said the picnic event has evolved into an opportunity for NT alumni to recognize past students and sponsor scholarships for deserving NTHS graduates following their senior year. Its committee represents class members from past decades, including Diane Golonka, Class of ’74, who manages event logistics; Terry Smith, Class of ’66, secretary; Debbie Kwarciany, Class of 1970, treasurer; Marilyn Daley, Class of 1962, scholarship committee; and Wendy Binkley, Class of 1968, registration.

“The alumni group works with high school guidance counselors to evaluate scholarship applications, requiring students to submit essays on how the North Tonawanda school system has helped prepare them for future studies,” Baran said.

He said the alumni group is still exploring ways to raise additional funds to help students in need: “We have started conversations with NT Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jeffrey Jachlewski to raise additional money to create a fund for less-fortunate students in high school. Efforts such as this will bridge the gap between the alumni and current students.”

Recognitions by the group include the NTHS Wall of Fame – a touchscreen at the high school that includes photos and information inductees, with images taken from newspapers, magazines and yearbooks related to NTHS athletics and arts achievements.

“We (also) created a ‘Lumberjack Wall’ dedicated to NT students who attended school during the COVID outbreak and lost so many privileges that students should have during their high school years,” Baran said. “It is a popular spot for individuals and sports teams.”

He said, “Last year, NT alumni provided for four $1,000 scholarships awarded to seniors that have exhibited excellence in not just the classroom, but also through participation in athletics, the arts/music, student government and, very importantly, volunteer activities.”

He went on to note the group’s annual picnic includes various raffles, with the proceeds earmarked for the scholarships.

“In 2025, the reunion picnic organizing committee will be adding a new silent auction, with those proceeds being donated to a specific fund, which will provide assistance to NT students of need, assisting those students with the fees required to participate in sports, for uniforms, supplies or the rental of musical instruments,” Baran said. “Unfortunately, many talented students are not given the opportunity to display their talents due to a family’s inability to provide the funds required. Those families may have multiple children, and their monies are needed for other expenses. We are honored to provide funds to assist these students in need, and the recipients will be kept anonymous to maintain their integrity.”

He said, “In 2025, we will be hosting NT graduates from the 1940s up to the Class of 1975, as they are celebrating their 50th reunion.”

Baran closed by inviting all NTHS graduates of past decades to come out and enjoy this happening, and discover more about the workings of this unique alumni group.

“Every NTHS alumni 50-plus-year picnic is hosted at Gratwick House Co. No. 6, with food by Gratwick catering workers and served by volunteers from the fire company,” Baran said. “Many local North Tonawanda businesses contribute gift cards and merchandise for use in our auctions. Without them, we could not provide the outreach that we do.”

For more information on the North Tonawanda High School Alumni Association, the picnic and programs, visit https://www.nths50yrpicnic.com/index.html.com.