our mission

THE AW ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MISSION & HISTORY

To promote, cultivate and honor shared connections made among Anthony Wayne Alumni, faculty and community.

On April 1, 1997 the long time dream of Dick Albaugh began to become a reality. Dick Albaugh, teacher, coach and athletic director for 38 years at Anthony Wayne had often talked about forming an alumni association. Although Dick grew up and attended high school in Northeastern Ohio he was a General through and through. As a result of his organizing efforts, he formed a group of fifteen trustees representing the five decades of existence for Anthony Wayne. They first met in the cafeteria on April 1st of 1997. Dick had developed a model Constitution and By-Laws for the organization and that was the beginning of the Anthony Wayne Alumni Association.
Dick Albaugh

A slate of officers was elected that evening to lead the group in its infancy. They were President Larry Morrison (’54), Vice President Don Schaller (’57), Secretary Joanne Brahier Baer (’71) and Treasurer Peggy Winslow Whalen( ’65). Dick Albaugh was the Executive Secretary. Other trustees included Ron Disher (’51), Carol Knapp Roach (’58), Vicky Trapp Ryan( ’64), Ralph Whalen (’65), Jane Imes (’66), Leslie Schaller Riker (’72), Gary Hagemeyer (’73), Cathy Wagner Kronman (’80), Bill Gase (’86), Ken Nolder (’89) and Jason Moser (’91). Since Dick Albaugh’s death in September of 1997, Mark Knerr then served many years as Executive Secretary. Former High School Principal, Bob Slykhuis served many years as a Trustee assisting with the Hall of Fame program. There are currently ten trustees, including officers, on the AWAA board.

The Alumni Association was formed with three basic goals. They were and still are:

  • Better communications with graduates
  • Support of the AWAA Scholarship Program
  • Sponsorship of the AWAA Hall of Fame.
Since its existence, the Association has worked toward the above goals and has made strides to meet them. The Association has sent two-three newsletters per year to lifetime members. These newsletters include information on current happenings at Anthony Wayne, news about alumni, senior scholarship award winners, and bios on the Hall of Fame inductees. Go to “Get in Touch” for more info on becoming a lifetime member.

Alumni News features information for class reunions occurring during the year. Whether it’s the 20th, 50th, or in-between the information we receive will be posted. This includes: dates, times, contact people, and website info. Check back and stay in touch with your classmates.

Each year, the Association grants scholarships to graduating seniors.

  • Better communications with graduates
  • Support of the AWAA Scholarship Program
  • Sponsorship of the AWAA Hall of Fame.
Since its existence, the Association has worked toward the above goals and has made strides to meet them. The Association has sent two-three newsletters per year to lifetime members. These newsletters include information on current happenings at Anthony Wayne, news about alumni, senior scholarship award winners, and bios on the Hall of Fame inductees. Go to “Get in Touch” for more info on becoming a lifetime member.

Alumni News features information for class reunions occurring during the year. Whether it’s the 20th, 50th, or in-between the information we receive will be posted. This includes: dates, times, contact people, and website info. Check back and stay in touch with your classmates.

Each year, the Association grants scholarships to graduating seniors. The Association’s goal is to increase the number of scholarships over the years and to add additional categories when funds are available. As of 2021-22, there are fourteen scholarships available!

In February of 1999, the first ten inductees to the Anthony Wayne Hall of Fame were inducted at a basketball game.

The inductees receive a plaque and a picture plaque of each inductee is placed in the lobby of the Roy Williamson Performing Arts Center. Inductees include alumni, faculty, staff, coaches, administrators and community members. As of 2021, there are 152 members in the Hall of Fame.

Other activities the Alumni Association has undertaken include commissioning a bust of Dick Albaugh that is on display in the lobby of the gymnasium and purchasing the lettering that is on the north end of the gymnasium that carries Dick Albaugh’s name.

In 2002 the Alumni Association worked with a publisher to produce the first Anthony Wayne Alumni Directory. Another undertaking of the association was the planning of the 50 + 1 reunion. This activity was an attempt to renew friendships and to have the alumni see the ever expanding facilities at our alma mater.

In 2019 the Alumni Association purchased a “Flag of Valor” for the high school office

And assisted in the purchase of a second flag for the junior high office. This was done to supplement the new Wall of Honor organized by the high school. The Wall of Honor recognizes A.W. veterans and the alumni association has agreed to pay the yearly cost of updating and maintaining the Wall of Honor. Check it out at the high school down by the gym.

In its short 20+ year existence, the Alumni Association has made great strides. However, we have only scratched the surface of our potential. With the help of all alumni, the Association can move on to much greater service to the school and to the alumni.

Anthony Wayne Alumni Association