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The Canton High School Alumni Association held its 134th Alumni Reception on Saturday May 27th in the Nelle Black Westgate Auditorium. The evening began with a reception including a charcuterie board with beverages for the alumni to enjoy while they had time to greet and share stories with other graduates.

President Barbara Machmer welcomed the 125 guests in the auditorium. Shelly Reese was the Master of Ceremony for the evening. The program began at 7:00 pm with Mr. Bill Holland, retired teacher and current CASD school board member, who was the honored guest. A scholarship was given in Mr. Holland’s honor. The Alumni Association selects a Canton Area School District present or former employee or an esteemed member of the community to honor in this way annually. The scholarship goes to a Canton Jr./Sr. High School senior.

Reverend Duane Taylor from the class of 1953 said to you at the Alumni Reception, from the class that graduated 70 years ago, he said, “Keep preparing yourself. Life continues at commencement. You have much more to learn as you grow in life.”

Graduate from 60 years ago, Ted Tomlinson from LeRoy remarked, “From the class of 1963, don’t let anything hold you back.”

Dan Colton from the class of 1973 reminded you” We were like you are and you will become like we are” Since the statute of limitations has passed for this class from 50 years ago he also shared a few fun stories and added, “Class of 2023… be amazing. You have amazing grandparents. You have amazing parents. You become amazing parents. You become amazing grandparents.”

From the class of 1983, Honorable Matthew Brann gave advice from the graduated class from 40 years ago. He said, “ The community cares about you. The community cares about what you will go about accomplishing in the world. Return to us. Teamwork is important – carry that on in life. You will encounter challenges. Remember what Mark Twain said, “Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.”

Ron Spencer from the class of 1993 reminded graduates, “Life is like driving. Sometimes there is a road detour, some roads are closed, sometimes to get to your destination you will have to backtrack a little. The GPS may not work. You may have to ask for help.”

Finally, Camille McRoberts from the class of 2023 read the alma mater. She said that these words are engraved on our hearts – with warrior pride running in our veins. The evening concluded with the audience singing the Alma Mater, Canton High!