The SHS Alumni Association
By Gene and Steve Hadley — Possibly the oldest active high school alumni association in the nation.
A Century of Connection
Formed soon after Sistersville High School’s first graduating class in 1899, the Alumni Association aimed to keep graduates connected and informed about one another’s lives. A 1912 yearbook article noted the Association comprised the young men and women who had graduated from SHS, with the Class of 1912 being the 13th class, bringing total alumni to 133.
Early officers in 1912 included President Harold Reitz (’09), First Vice President Garnet Stephens (’07), Second Vice President Rex Rogers (’11), Secretary Ethel Robinson (’04), and Treasurer Frank Quigley (’08). While the association’s early years revealed ambition and structure, it would experience periods of activity and dormancy before later reorganization cemented many traditions still recognized today.
Sistersville High School
1914 Reunion: First Major Gathering
On December 20, 1914, the first reunion succeeded where earlier attempts had failed. Eighty members registered at the former Main Street high school, renewing friendships and sharing school-day memories.
Reception & Registration
Reception & Registration
Eighty members registered at the former Main Street high school, renewing friendships and sharing school-day memories.
All-Alumni Basketball
All-Alumni Basketball
At 3 p.m., an alumni game in the school auditorium saw a team from the Classes of 1913–1914 defeat a lineup drawn from earlier classes.
Banquet at Baptist Church
Banquet at Baptist Church
At 6 p.m., a banquet at the new Baptist Church (Wells & Hill) featured pennants, banners, carnations, and pine boughs, with post-dinner speeches.
Thistle Hall Festivities
Thistle Hall Festivities
At 9 p.m., the sophomore class performed “The Dress Rehearsal,” followed by Jolliffe’s orchestra for dancing and alternative amusements.
Reorganization in 1931
After intermittent activity, the Association was reorganized in 1931 under Roy C. Heinlein, who served as President until 1942 when he entered the Army in World War II. Bill Bradfield then served for one year before entering military service, followed by Nell Core, who served two years until war’s end — making her the only multi-year president other than Heinlein.
During the war, the Association became inactive. In 1946, leadership shifted to one-year presidential terms, a practice upheld ever since. Heinlein’s reorganization laid the foundation for lasting traditions, regularized governance, and an annual rhythm that would define Alumni observances for decades.
Roy C. Heinlein leads the 1931 reorganization of the Alumni Association
Alumni Day & Weekend Traditions
Heinlein introduced Alumni Day on the Friday before SHS graduation, initiating structured class reunions — starting with his Class of 1921 in 1931. Local alumni committees coordinated activities, and a chapel program began in the high school study hall on Alumni Day morning, later moving to the Junior High gym.
Friday: Alumni Day
Morning chapel program in the high school study hall (later moved to the Junior High gym), followed by class reunions throughout the day.
Friday Evening: Presidents Reception
A reception at the Elks Club ballroom or the Wells Inn gave alumni a relaxed setting to reconnect and reminisce before the weekend’s larger festivities.
Friday Evening: Banquet & Dance
An evening banquet featured a former SHS graduate as guest speaker — first at the Masonic Temple, later in the Elks Club ballroom. The alumni dance with a live band in the gym followed the banquet.
Saturday: Parade & Community
Alumni Day expanded into Alumni Weekend. Classes decorated Wells Street storefront windows with memorabilia, and a themed Alumni Parade on Saturday afternoon invited decade classes to build floats, with trophies awarded for the best entries.
Morning chapel program
Alumni banquet guest speaker (sketch depicts Tom Menighan, Class of 1969)
Dance, Weekend Expansion & Community Spirit
The alumni dance with a live band in the gym became a hallmark of Alumni Weekend
The alumni dance, with a live band in the gym, followed the banquet and became a hallmark of the evening. Over time, Alumni Day expanded into Alumni Weekend, adding Saturday programming and deepening community involvement. Classes decorated Wells Street storefront windows with memorabilia, turning downtown into a nostalgic showcase.
A themed Alumni Parade on Saturday afternoon invited decade classes to build floats reflecting the year’s theme, with trophies awarded for the best entries. On Friday evening, a Presidents Reception at the Elks Club ballroom or the Wells Inn gave alumni a relaxed setting to reconnect and reminisce before the weekend’s larger festivities.
Scholarships, Honors & Awards
$1,000 Alumni Scholarship
Awarded annually to an SHS senior chosen by the Board of Directors. After the school’s 1993 closure, eligibility extended to descendants of SHS graduates.
Alumni Hall of Fame (1987–)
Established to honor graduates who distinguished themselves following high school. Inductees are added each year to celebrate achievement.
Farthest Traveled
An annual award recognizing the graduate journeying the greatest distance to attend. Honorees have arrived from around the world.
Golden Apple
A recent annual plaque honoring a former teacher in the Sistersville alumni system, underscoring the educators’ enduring impact.
1993: A Landmark Farewell
The largest Alumni Weekend occurred in 1993, the year SHS closed permanently. Hundreds returned to commemorate the school and community legacy. Attendance was so substantial that the banquet required catering in the gym to accommodate the crowd, transforming the space into a fitting venue for a final, collective celebration.
Though SHS closed, the spirit — and the Association — endured, carried forward by alumni devotion and tradition. Founded soon after 1900, the SHS Alumni Association may be the oldest active high school alumni organization in the nation. Even without new alumni since 1993, the Association continues annual celebrations, sustained by tradition and shared memory.
The 1993 farewell banquet — catered in the gym to accommodate the largest Alumni Weekend crowd ever
Today’s Association: Oldest and Still Active
Founded soon after 1900, the SHS Alumni Association may be the oldest active high school alumni organization in the nation. Even without new alumni since 1993, the Association continues annual celebrations, sustained by tradition and shared memory.
Perhaps more appreciated now than ever, the Association thrives today — strong and active — while acknowledging that someday it will end.
In Memoriam
To those SHS alumni who lost their lives in the service of their country in wartime.
World War I
- Clyde Travis
World War II
- Joseph A. Broadwater
- Joseph W. Fockler
- Robert Folger
- Robert Herbold
- William K. Miller
- Joseph Nessif
- Robert W. Robinson
- Willis Rush
- William Schau
- James R. Sellers
- James L. Williams
Korea
- Charles Headley
Vietnam
- Billy D. Thomas
- John Roberts
Sources and Notes
Primary Text
History of the SHS Alumni Association by Gene and Steve Hadley, including excerpts from 1912 and 1915 SHS yearbooks.
Locations & Venues
Former Main Street High School; Baptist Church (Wells & Hill); Masonic Temple; Elks Club ballroom; Thistle Hall (third floor of Thistle Building, above present WesBanco); Junior High gym.
Traditions & Programs
Alumni Day/Weekend; chapel program; class reunions; themed parade with floats; Presidents Reception; annual scholarship; Alumni Hall of Fame; farthest-traveled award; Golden Apple plaque.
SHS memorabilia and yearbooks
The History of the Sistersville High Band
By Gene and Steve Hadley — From seven-member orchestra to one of the finest bands in the state.
Humble Beginnings
For its first 15 years, Sistersville High School had no musical organization. In 1915, an orchestra was organized with seven members: a cornet, clarinet, drums, piano, and three violins. They furnished music for school functions and local city activities, remaining part of school life for many years even after a marching band was formed.
It wasn’t until December 1934 that the first marching band was organized by Principal A.J. Stathers and two students, Raymond Tilton and Dudley James. There were 27 members, and the director was Ed Zellers, a local musician who worked as a glass cutter for the Schoy Glass Company. They practiced in the first-floor hall of the high school.
Many students had to learn their instruments from scratch. Several local musicians helped with teaching, including Ralph Fox, Clyde Mooney, Kenneth Karl, Mr. Fontaine, and Mr. Zellers. City businessmen furnished money for sheet music, and Mrs. E.A. Durham purchased several instruments. The band made its first appearance in January 1935 at a basketball game.
The Sistersville High School Band
Growing Up
Spring 1935 — First Festival
The band participated in the first Regional Band Festival at Salem, W.Va., traveling by car. An older schoolmate who drove was caught drinking a bottle of beer alongside the parade, and Principal Stathers destroyed the only photograph of their first-ever parade appearance.
1936 — First Uniforms
Dr. Kemper, president of the Kiwanis Club, helped raise $640 for uniforms. The band’s first uniformed appearance was at a Women’s Club Pageant in March 1936. J.F. Cox became the first school faculty member to serve as band director, and freshman Neil Tennant became the first drum major. There were 43 playing members.
1936–37 — Halftime Debuts
The band learned march formations and for the first time performed before and at halftime at football games. The first band concert was held in the spring of 1937, and a Band Mothers Club was organized to support the program.
1937–38 — First Band Officers
Band officers were first elected, with Lawrence Villers serving as president, Jean Bell as secretary, and Jane Hetzel as librarian. Leonard Smith became the new director, and Neil Tennant continued as drum major.
1938–39 — Majorettes Added
Betty Smythe and Martha Thistle became the first two majorettes. For the next 47 years, majorettes would be an integral part of the band, with sometimes as many as 12 majorettes performing. Flag bearers, banner carriers, and a rifle corps were added over the years.
1944–45 — The Only Gap Year
When the director was drafted, local musician Jimmy Groves volunteered for the remainder of 1943–44. No band was formed for 1944–45 — the only year SHS did not have a band after its 1934 start. It reformed after the war ended.
As the years passed, the band more than tripled its original 27 members. Band competitions at festivals and fairs became intensely popular, and the band earned many high ratings, bringing home honors and trophies. From its humble beginning in 1934, it developed into one of the finest bands in the state. More students were in the band during their four years at SHS than any other extracurricular activity.
Annual Directors, Drum Majors & Majorettes
| Year | Director | Drum Major / Field Cmdr. | Majorettes / Twirlers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1934–35 | Edward F. Zeller | — | — |
| 1935–36 | John F. Cox | Neil Tennant, Fr. | — |
| 1936–37 | John F. Cox | Neil Tennant, So. | — |
| 1937–38 | Leonard Smith | Neil Tennant, Jr. | — |
| 1938–39 | Leonard Smith | Neil Tennant, Sr. | Martha Thistle, Sr.; Betty Smyth, Sr. |
| 1939–40 | Leonard Smith | Jack Sandy, Jr. | — |
| 1940–41 | Leonard Smith | Jack Sandy, Sr. | — |
| 1941–42 | Leonard Smith | Joe Fockler, Jr. | Eileen Rice, Jr.; Lucille West, So.; Millicent Sprouse, Fr. |
| 1941–42 | Leonard Smith | Joe Fockler, Jr. | Eileen Rice, Sr.; Lucille West, Jr.; Suzanne Miller, Jr. |
| 1942–43 | Anne Phelps | Joe Fockler, Sr. | Lucille West, Sr.; Suzanne Miller, Sr.; Mary Lou Martin, Jr. | Twirlers: Ann Dotson, Sr.; Helen Ringer, So.; Joan Thistle, So.; Betty L. Sondles, So.; Yvonne Peters, Fr.; Katherine Evans, 8th |
| 1943–44 | Mr. Haigh | James Willison, Sr. | Mary Lou Martin, Sr.; Martha Sutton, Jr. | Twirlers: Helen Ringer, Jr.; Joan Thistle, Jr.; Betty L. Sondles, Jr.; Yvonne Peters, So.; Katherine Evans, Fr.; Joan Springer, 7th |
| 1944–45 | No band. | ||
| 1945–46 | Delmar Van Horne | Jack Statler, Sr.; A: Robert Triplett, Jr. | Katherine Evans, Jr.; Joan Springer, Fr.; Joan Winland, So. |
| 1946–47 | Delmar Van Horne | Robert Triplett, Sr. | Katherine Evans, Fr.; Joan Springer, So.; Joan Winland, Jr. |
| 1947–48 | Delmar Van Horne | Richard Kelley, Sr. | Peggy Yoho, Jr.; Carol Ann Huffman, So. |
| 1948–49 | Delmar Van Horn | Jerry Huffman, Sr. | Carol Ann Huffman, Jr.; Patty Moeck, So.; Janice Forrester, Fr. |
| 1949–50 | Delmar Van Horn | Tom McGucken, Jr. | Carol Ann Huffman, Sr.; Patty Moeck, Jr.; Janice Forrester, So. |
| 1950–51 | Delmar Van Horn | Tom McGucken, Sr. | Patty Moeck, Sr.; Janice Forrester, Jr.; Mary Jo Kyle, So. |
| 1951–52 | Delmar Van Horn | Herb Kelley, Sr. | Janice Forrester, Sr.; Mary Jo Kyle, Jr.; Marian Lapp, Sr. |
| 1952–53 | John Hafer | Jerry Neely, Jr. | Mary Jo Kyle, Sr.; Patty Hunt, Jr.; Carolyn Kyle, Fr. |
| 1953–54 | Richard Lawson | Jerry Neely, Sr. | Patty Hunt, Sr.; Carolyn Kyle, So.; Connie Smith, So. |
| 1954–55 | Richard Lawson | Kenneth Leach, Fr. | Carolyn Kyle, Jr.; Connie Smith, Jr.; Yvonne Smith, Sr.; Carolyn Craven, Jr.; Carolyn Kerns, So.; Connie Lewis, So. |
| 1955–56 | Richard Lawson | Kenneth Leach, So. | Carolyn Kyle, Sr.; Connie Smith, Sr.; Carolyn Craven, Sr.; Carolyn Kerns, Jr.; Connie Lewis, Jr.; Margaret Wells, Fr. |
| 1956–57 | Richard Lawson | Kenneth Leach, Jr. | Carolyn Kerns, Sr.; Connie Lewis, Sr.; Margaret Wells, So.; Leah Rae Herbold, Jr.; Sue Neuenschwander, Jr.; Brenda Racer, Jr. |
| 1957–58 | James Pate | Kenneth Leach, Sr. | Margaret Wells, Jr.; Leah Rae Herbold, Sr.; Brenda Racer, Sr.; Gwen Williams, Sr.; Judy Henchcliff, So. |
| 1958–59 | James Pate | Tom White, So. | Margaret Wells, Sr.; Betty Ferrell, Sr.; Emily Mendenhall, So.; Judy Craven, So.; Sara Thomas, Fr.; Helen Thomas, Fr. |
| 1959–60 | James Pate | Tom Heintzman, Fr. | Emily Mendenhall, Jr.; Judy Craven, Jr.; Becky Lohri, Sr.; Sandy Runner, Sr.; Pat Love, Jr.; Kay Lynn Wick, Fr. |
| 1961–62 | James Pate | Tom Heintzman, Jr. | Kay Lynn Wick, Jr.; Sara Thrasher, Sr.; Sara Sharr, So.; Beth Fowles, So.; Dorothy Johnson, So.; Linda Stanley, Fr. |
| 1962–63 | James Pate | Tom Heintzman, Sr. | Kay Lynn Wick, Sr.; Sara Sharr, Jr.; Beth Fowles, Jr.; Dorothy Johnson, Jr.; Linda Stanley, Sr.; Linda Long, Sr. |
| 1963–64 | James Pate | Rodney Dally, Sr. | Dorothy Johnson, Sr.; Beth Fowles, Sr.; Linda Stanley, Jr.; Darla Stewart, Sr.; Ann Dally, So.; Judy Fowles, Fr. |
| 1964–65 | James Pate | Judy Fowles, So. | Linda Stanley, Sr.; Ann Dally, Jr.; Jeanie Menighan, Sr.; Jenny Cumblidge, Sr.; Lee Wagner, So.; Marilyn Mendenhall, So. |
| 1965–66 | William Weed | John D. Buck, Fr. | Ann Dally, Sr.; Lee Wagner, Jr.; Marilyn Mendenhall, Jr.; Becky Hunt, Jr.; Betty Smith, Jr.; Linda Buck, So. |
| 1966–67 | William Weed | John D. Buck, So. | Merilyn Cline, Sr.; Betty Smith, Sr.; Lee Wagner, Sr.; Becky Hunt, Sr.; Linda Buck, Jr.; Melissa Barrick, So. |
| 1967–68 | Michael Wilson | John D. Buck, Jr. | Linda Buck, Sr.; Debbie Deaton, Jr.; Jeanne Kehrer, Jr.; Patty Cline, So.; Carolyn Neely, So.; Karen McGinnis, Fr. | Twirler: Jackie Slider, So. |
| 1968–69 | Michael Wilson | John D. Buck, Sr. | Debbie Deaton, Sr.; Carolyn Neely, Jr.; Patty Cline, Jr.; Brenda Hammel, Jr.; Carol Stanley, Jr.; Debbie Hall, So. | Twirlers: Jackie Slider, Jr.; Jeanne Kehrer, Sr. |
| 1969–70 | Kenneth Molnar | Tim Mendenhall, Jr. | Patty Cline, Sr.; Carolyn Neely, Sr.; Jackie Slider, Sr.; Carol Stanley, Sr.; Debbie Hall, Jr.; Nancy Johnson, So. |
| 1970–71 | Kenneth Molnar | Tim Mendenhall, Sr. | Nancy Johnson, Jr.; Pam Martin, Sr.; Teresa Smith, Jr.; Beri J. Howdyshell, So.; Joyce Cokeley, Fr. | Twirler: Debbie Hall, Sr. |
| 1971–72 | Kenneth Molnar | Kathy Hissam, Jr. | Nancy Johnson, Sr.; Teresa Smith, Sr.; Beri J. Howdyshell, Jr.; Joyce Cokeley, So.; Kathy Buck, So.; Cinda Barnard, Fr. |
| 1972–73 | Tim Winters | Kathy Hissam, Sr. | Beri J. Howdyshell, Sr.; Kathy Buck, Jr.; Cindy Barnard, So.; Rhoda Romine, So.; Pam Fox, So.; Cindy Smith, So.; Teresa Hissam, So.; Jo Lynn White, Fr. |
| 1973–74 | John Lynch | Kathy Buck, Sr. | Cinda Barnard, Jr.; Rhoda Romine, Jr.; Pam Fox, Jr.; Cinda Smith, Jr.; Teresa Hissam, Jr.; Jo Lynn White, So.; Terry Cathers, So.; Teresa Soliday, Fr. | Twirler: Patty Johnson, Jr. |
| 1974–75 | John Lynch | Teresa Hissam, Sr. | Cinda Barnard, Sr.; Rhoda Romine, Sr.; Pam Fox, Sr.; Cinda Smith, Sr.; Jo Lynn White, Jr.; Teresa Soliday, So.; Brenda Starkey, Jr.; Lisa Miller, Jr.; Catherine LaRue, Jr.; Carol Locke, So. |
| 1975–76 | John Lynch | Teresa Soliday, Jr. | Jo Lynn White, Sr.; Brenda Starkey, Sr.; Lisa Miller, Sr.; Catherine LaRue, Sr.; Terry Cathers, Jr.; Carol Locke, Jr.; Joyce Shreves, Sr.; Charla Buchanan, Sr.; Rhonda Hendricks, Sr.; Donna Smith, So. |
| 1976–77 | John Lynch | Teresa Soliday, Sr. | Carol Locke, Sr.; Donna Smith, Jr.; Lori Beaver, Sr.; Karen Hillman, Jr.; Lana Fisher, Jr.; Jessica Fox, So.; Mandy Miller, Fr.; Melissa Wickham, Fr. |
| 1977–78 | John Lynch | Donna Smith, Sr. | Lana Fisher, Sr.; Karen Hillman, Sr.; Jessica Fox, Jr.; Mandy Miller, So.; Melissa Wickham, So.; Jill Summers, Jr.; Jodi Anderson, So.; Carla Smith, So.; Jeni Thomas, Fr.; Marty Wickham, Fr.; Judy Williamson, Fr. |
| 1978–79 | John Lynch | Jill Summers, Sr. | Jessica Fox, Sr.; Mandy Miller, Jr.; Carla Smith, Jr.; Melissa Wickham, Jr.; Jodi Anderson, Jr.; Jeni Thomas, So.; Judy Williamson, So.; Marty Wickham, So.; Tracy Moore, Jr.; Belinda Stewart, Fr. |
| 1979–80 | John Lynch | Mandy Miller, Sr. (FC) | Melissa Wickham, Sr.; Jodi Anderson, Sr.; Carla Smith, Sr.; Jeni Thomas, Jr.; Marty Wickham, Jr.; Judy Williamson, Jr.; Belinda Stewart, So.; Tracy Moore, Sr.; Linda Burgess, So.; Jan Eraklianos, So.; Betsy Patterson, So. |
| 1980–81 | John Lynch | Marty Wickham, Sr. (FC) | Jeni Thomas, Sr.; Judy Williamson, Sr.; Belinda Stewart, Jr.; Linda Burgess, Jr.; Jan Eraklianos, Jr.; Betsy Patterson, Jr.; Donna Booher, Jr.; Jacki Williamson, Jr.; Karen Williamson, Jr.; Mary Ann Archer, So.; Rose Marie Carroll, So. |
| 1981–82 | Duane Dober | Linda Burgess, Sr. (FC) | Belinda Stewart, Sr.; Jan Eraklianos, Sr.; Betsy Patterson, Sr.; Donna Booher, Sr.; Jacki Williamson, Sr.; Karen Williamson, Sr.; Mary Ann Archer, Jr.; Rose Marie Carroll, Jr.; Julie Lasater, Jr.; Kelly Suter, Jr. |
| 1982–83 | Duane Dober | Kelly Suter, Sr. (FC) | Mary Ann Archer, Sr.; Rose Marie Carroll, Sr.; Melissa Deaton, Jr.; Lesa Hanlin, Jr.; Kate Archer, So. |
| 1983–84 | Duane Dober | Brent Ash, Sr. (FC) | Melissa Deaton, Sr.; Lesa Hanlin, Sr.; Kate Archer, Jr.; Jennifer Cline, So.; Jill Hissam, So.; Gwen Riggs, So.; Melissa Dailey, Fr.; Kathy Shreves, Fr. |
| 1984–85 | Duane Dober | Gwen Riggs, Jr. (FC) | Jennifer Cline, Jr.; Kathy Shreves, So.; Melissa Winters, Jr.; Lishi Ford, So.; Jennifer Henderson, Fr. |
| 1985–86 | Duane Dober | Gwen Riggs, Sr. (FC) | Jennifer Cline, Sr.; Kathy Shreves, Jr.; Melissa Winters, Sr.; Lishi Ford, Jr.; Jennifer Henderson, So.; Jill Riffle, Sr. |
| 1986–87 | Sue Fletcher | Jennifer Henderson, Jr. (FC) | None |
| 1987–88 | Sue Fletcher | Jennifer Henderson, Sr. (FC) | None |
| 1988–89 | Sue Lewicki | Christine Lemley, Sr. (FC) | None |
| 1989–90 | Sue Lewicki | Brandi Hunt, Jr. (FC) | None |
| 1990–91 | Becki Hamrick | Brandi Hunt, Sr. (FC) | None |
| 1991–92 | Becki Hamrick | Amanda Myers, Jr. (FC) | None |
| 1992–93 | Becki Hamrick | Amanda Myers, Sr. (FC) | None |
History of Sistersville High Cheerleaders
By Gene and Steve Hadley — They led the students in cheering in hot and cold weather, in rain, snow, wind, and mud.
Sistersville High School probably had cheerleaders from the beginning of sports teams in the late 1890s, but no records are available. There is little mention of cheerleaders in the yearbooks until 1940, after which they became a more important part of school life, and it was an honor to be selected as your class representative on the cheering squad.
They were as important to the school spirit as the sports teams, and they traveled everywhere the teams did. In basketball season they sometimes had to contend with unfriendly crowds in games away from home. At the 1974 State high school basketball tournament, Sistersville High earned the award for Best Cheering Section.
1974 Best Cheering Section award