The 96th Chenoa High School Alumni Banquet was held on Saturday evening, May 23rd. There were 119 Alumni and 60 guests for a total of 179 attendees for the event. Frank Ackerman of Chenoa, a 1934 graduate, was the oldest alum present.

The most popular songs of the decades were played by Doug Seeman (a member of "The Captain and Seadog" disc jockey team). Doug provided the entertainment for 2009. The theme "Redbirds Greatest Hits" was truly fitting as graduates and friends first enjoyed the social hour with Doug’s music playing softly in the background.

Phillip Rasmus, Class of 1962, was toastmaster for the evening. Phil told several funny jokes and provided trivia for the classes celebrating their special anniversaries. The invocation was given by longtime educator, Eugene Jontry, who graduated from the Class of 1954.

The sponsor of the FCCLA, Jeannea Shier, coordinated a fantastic meal that was served by members of the club and their parents. Following the meal, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited and the School Song, "Come Let Us Stand" was sung. Phil and Corinna (Rasmus) Keneipp, Class of 1979, took roll call of the classes.

Mildred (Skaggs) Weber, Class of 1939, prepared her toast with special memories from 70 years ago and all the changes that have taken place through the years. Other toasts were given by Jim Elson, Class of 1949; Jim Reeser, Class of 1959; Jenny (Morris) Beal, Class of 1969; Corinna (Rasmus) Keneipp, Class of 1979; Amy (Reeser) Freese, Class of 1984; and Jason Livezey, Class of 1999.

The decorations for this year’s banquet included memorabilia of the 50’s and posters providing pictures, trivia, and student names for the classes celebrating their special anniversaries. A "Trivia Through the Decades" placement was created for the tables and attendees were asked to fill them out. The scores were calculated at the end of the evening. The first place winner was Bruce Beal (Jenny (Morris) Beal’s husband). There was a tie for second place with Jane (Birch) Dixon, Class of 1960 and Janet (Rasmus) Harrison, Class of 1966. Bruce and Jane received lovely fern plants as their prizes.

A 50/50 raffle was offered through the evening to accumulate funds for future banquets. Jerriann (Devore) Byrd, Class of 1960,was the winner of the raffle.

Alum that assisted with this year’s banquet were – Corinna (Rasmus) Keneipp, Class of 1979; Jane (Rasmus) Morrison, Class of 1980; Joanna (Rasmus) Sauer, Class of 1986; Ginamarie (Manzella) Keneipp, Class of 1986; Dawn (Downes) Neubauer, Class of 1981; Laurie (Jacobs) Sleeter, Class of 1980; Cindy (Keneipp) Griffin, Class of 1998; Ginny Keneipp, Class of 2003; Lindsey Morrison, Class of 2003; Ethel (Rasmus) Gentes, Class of 1953; Bob Gentes, Class of 1953; Jack Rasmus, Class of 1959; and Mick Keneipp, Class of 1978. Mandy Keneipp assisted with poster and programs and Tyler Webster assisted with serving punch.

Laurie (Jacobs) Sleeter, Class of 1980, has agreed to chair the 97th Alumni Banquet for Saturday, May 29, 2010.