Greetings fellow WHS Alumni and Friends,
A new school year has begone and so to has a new year for the WHS Alumni Association Board of Trustees. There have been many of changes to the Board as we have added 5 new trustees and said goodbye to those whose terms had ended. Our orientation for new Board members, held in June, helped new trustees learn how the WHSAA Board operates and gain familiarity with the committees and strategic plan initiatives the Board is currently working on.
One of the WHSAA strategic plan goals was to update our technology and computer equipment. This past month the Board was able to complete the goal of updating our desktop computer, external hard drive and replace one printer. This was a much-needed update as our last desktop computer was more than 10 years old. Another priority in our strategic plan is to update our WHSAA website. This has proven to be more time consuming, and cumbersome than initially thought. We are making progress in this area, and we hope to launch the new and improved website by the end of 2024.
Many people have asked, “What does the WHSAA Board do?” It is a good question and one I hope to answer more completely in my communication with you as president of the Board. The answer is found in our mission statement: Preserving our history and honoring our traditions.
How do we preserve our history? Did you know that our alumni office has a Massillon annual for every school year dating back to 1905? Additionally, if you are missing your annual and would like to purchase another one, you can contact the alumni office. We have extra annuals from most graduating classes. Our Archivist, Linda Sasavicz, works tirelessly to collect and retain all important memorabilia, and history of WHS. Many people find great treasures of WHS history after a loved one has passed away and are looking for ways to preserve that history. Donating to the WHSAA can keep those memories preserved. Linda also works with the Massillon Museum and the Massillon Tiger Booster Club in the Paul Brown Museum to preserve Massillon Tiger football history. If you or a loved one would like to donate items to the WHSAA, please contact the alumni office.
How do we honor our traditions? Money donated to the WHSAA for membership, memorials, or operations, not only pays for direct mailings of the newsletter twice a year and general operations, it supports current student activities and organizations. The WHSAA has given over $43,000.00 in the past five years to WHS organizations including Homecoming flowers and tiaras, Feed the Tigers, Basketball Team, WHS TV Media, Tiger Swing Band, Obie Costume, Football Program, Choir, Girls Basketball Team, and Scholarships. Supporting our current WHS student body helps to honor those traditions that are so important to our school and community. The Washington High School Alumni Scholarship Committee has given out over $600,000.00 since 1989 and $183,000.00 of that money has been given in scholarships in the past five years! Assisting graduating students with money for trade school and college expenses is the single priority of the Alumni Scholarship Committee. Donating to the WHSAA and the Scholarship Committee allows important financial support to continue for our current students and our traditions to carry on for Massillon!
In the coming months, the WHSAA will be participating in and supporting several important community events.
— On October 16th the WHSAA will hold a fund raiser at Buffalo Wild Wings in Massillon from 4:00pm to 9:00pm. Buffalo Wild Wings will donate 15% of your total bill to our organization. A raffle of baskets and gift certificates will also be available.
— October 24th, WHS Open House, Look for our WHSAA table. It’s a perfect time to become a WHSAA member, purchase an annual or make a donation.
— October 25th, look for the WHSAA in the Massillon McKinley Parade! Go Tigers!
— December 15th, The 80th Messiah will be presented by the WHS Choir, on Sunday at 3:00pm. Many alumni will be participating along with 3 former WHS Choral Directors. Tickets can be purchased for this event at https://www.massillonschools.org/page/purchase-tickets. For more information call 330.830.3901ext. 51116.
To learn more about these events or to become a member of the WHS Alumni Association, contact the alumni office at 330.830.3901, ext. 516117 or find us on the web at massillonwhsaa.org.
Go Tigers!!
Nancy McComas Jobe, 81’
WHSAA President