Most graduates attending Alumni Day are connected to old CCHS (See "Ghosts of
Calhoun High" 6/29/2003)
By Bob Weaver
"After 60 years, I finally made it to the head of the class," said Denver Roberts Class
of 1943. Roberts was one of four alumni speakers at the 16th Alumni
Day held Saturday at Calhoun Middle/High School. "You could spot the teachers.
They dressed better than the janitors," said Roberts, who kept the alumni laughing
for twenty minutes.
 Denver Roberts
 Bill Ice
 Bob Berdine
 David Campbell
 Roy John Virden
Alumni President Ila Grey Snider said over 400 people attended the event, not
including many people who stopped by. Master of Ceremonies William Ice
introduced Principal Mike Offutt and representatives of other special classes which
received recognition .
50th CHS class (1953) representative Bob Berdine recalled his long-time friend
Boone Waldo, now deceased. He remembered the booming voice of principal
Proudfoot "echoing up and down the hall" and principal Roy Walter's "shaming finger
that put you in your place." Berdine said most of his class hit Route 21 to Akron.
40th CHS class (1963) member David Campbell said "It is amazing after all these
years there is a stoplight at the school," referring to a temporary construction light
erected at the entrance. He spoke fondly of school memories and class
members.
25th CHS class (1978) Navy-man Roy John Virden talked about his life at CHS,
recalling his late father Joe Virden, former teacher, and Mayor of Grantsville. He
paid tribute to the hundreds of Calhoun men and women who have served America's
military, past and present.
The alumni scholarship was given to Justin Metheney, Class of 2003.
At least three classes held special alumni gatherings, the class of 1948, 1953 and
1963.
Among the oldest graduates attending: Class of 1932, J. Wesley Chenoweth of
Parkersburg; Class of 1933, Stella Brannon Chenoweth of Parkersburg, Janice
Morgan Hall of Frametown, Willa Sturm Stump of Grantsville and Harold R. Yoak of
Parkersburg; Class of 1935, Bill Cramer of Garner, NC, Eloise Gunn Divers of
Grantsville, Louise Kerby Estep of Grantsville and Elva Yoak of Grantsville.
After a luncheon in the commons area of the school, those attending spent most of
the afternoon visiting and picture taking.
Alma Offutt Fowler of Grantsville,
Class of 1927, was the oldest graduate
attending.
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