Clay Center Community Foundation Brochure Front
Clay Center Community Foundation Brochure Inside
FAQs
While viewing my CCHS Alumni Association CD Directory I’ve noticed
that some of the members have graduated more than once? Can you explain this?
In the early 1900’s the Clay Center Public School did not offer classes beyond the 10th grade. When classes for the 11th grade became available, many former graduates reentered the system and graduated a second time and came back again when the 12th grade was added to graduate for the third time. A large majority of these graduates were women. Interesting!
Why should I pay my yearly association dues?
The association CANNOT operate without the money we generate from dues. We send out approximately 1,300 invitations per year and the cost of this project alone can reach nearly $700. Expenses for banquet incidentals, such as table coverings, program printing, etc. also add up. When you pay your dues of $5.00 per year it shows that you are committed to the future of our organization. Can you imagine what we could accomplish if EVERY member paid their dues EVERY year? The possibilities are endless!
Why make a banquet reservation…can’t I just walk in?
This is by far the most asked question, as well as the biggest challenge that officers face each year. Invitations go out approximately 6 weeks before the banquet. Unfortunately, a number of them never reach their destination. The corresponding secretary does her best to keep track of members, but each year the hunt is on to find the missing alumni member and resend his/her returned invitation. Often there just isn’t enough time and the “lost” member becomes a walk-in the night of the banquet.
The treasurer gives a final dinner count to the caterer 48 hours before the banquet. If the count is padded and we do not have extras make reservations within the next 48 hours the association must pay for the padded dinners. On the other hand, if a member calls late for a reservation then fails to show up that night, the association must, again, pay for the dinner. It’s a no win situation for us. We want every member, especially those who are celebrating honor years, to have an opportunity to attend the banquet, but we simply can’t afford walk-ins. Walk-ins are always welcome to stay, but not take part in the meal. If there is extra food they are welcome to go through the buffet after all those with reservations have been through. Looking at the problem from the caterer’s point of view complicates things even more. They can’t be expected to prepare extra meals the day of the banquet, let alone a few minutes beforehand. And then there’s the problem of seating. The officers can’t be expected to trek down to the old gym and haul out more tables and chairs minutes before the banquet is set to begin. Viewed from all aspects, you can see why walk-ins are discouraged.
How can I get hold of old school annuals/yearbooks?
The journalism/yearbook staff has made a number of books available to the association to sell. The books are primarily from the early 1980s to present. The availability of books is rather hit-and-miss as there may be 10 books available from one year, but none from another. The books sell for $10.00 apiece, with a $5.00 shipping and handling charge if mailed. Proceeds go to the journalism/yearbook staff to fund the current year’s project. You can contact the association’s corresponding secretary for more information.
I’ve recently heard that I can get on the school’s “Paw Print” mailing list?
The Paw Print school newspaper is available to alumni members by simply paying the shipping and handling of $5.00 per year in advance. You can contact the school or the association’s corresponding secretary to subscribe. The paper is very informative as well as entertaining and will keep you “in the know” throughout the school year.
It looks like our association is doing great things. How can I become
more involved?
The simplest thing you can do is to pay your yearly dues and consider donating to either our Wish List or Scholarship programs. You have no idea how much this means to the officers! It is like a friendly pat on the back; your affirmation that their volunteer services are being acknowledged and that you believe they are taking the organization in the right direction.
And of course, we are always searching for candidates to fill officer’s positions as well as serve on the advisory board and scholarship committee. There are often some difficult decisions to be made and you must be willing to attend six to eight meetings a year, but it is truly a rewarding experience.