The Founding of the Alumni Association
The Washington High School Alumni Association (WHSAA) traces its origins to February 19, 1912. On this date, Superintendent L.E. York convened the first meeting with the goal of establishing an organization for alumni. During this initial gathering, a committee was selected and tasked with drafting a constitution and by-laws for the association.
A subsequent meeting was held on March 4, 1912. At this meeting, the group formally adopted the name "Alumnal Association of Massillon High School." The event was attended by 72 individuals, reflecting significant interest from the school community.
During this session, the first officers of the association were elected:
- President: George W. Kratsch, Class of 1899
- Vice President: Arthus N. Kaley, Class of 1886
- Secretary: Mioma Brown, Class of 1890
- Treasurer: Chas O. Yost, Class of 1895
Purpose and Early Activities
The original intent of the Association was to foster both the social and intellectual growth of its members, while also supporting the broader interests of the Massillon Public Schools. The Association quickly became active, hosting a successful banquet on June 14, 1912, which saw an impressive attendance of 314 participants. Following this event, the objectives of the Association were further broadened. The expanded mission included collecting and preserving historical artifacts, as well as encouraging educational achievement by offering rewards for excellence in various academic subjects, oratory, athletics, and other activities.
Dissolution and Revival Attempts
The specific date or circumstances surrounding the dissolution of the original Alumnal Association remain unknown. Over the years, there were several unsuccessful attempts to reestablish an Alumni Association, but these efforts did not result in a lasting organization.
A significant development occurred in 1985 with the formation of the Better Education-Better Massillon Committee. This group was established with the primary goal of creating scholarship opportunities for graduating seniors at Washington High School.
The Association established a committee to support Washington High School graduates' ongoing education by managing publicity, correspondence, and donated funds for the scholarships. Their goal was to award the first scholarships to a deserving graduates in spring 1987. Matha Short was elected as the Chairwoman of the Scholarship Committee.
Establishment of Nonprofit Status and Committees
In 1989, the Washington High School Alumni Association of Massillon took a significant step by applying to the Federal Department of Treasury for recognition as a 501C-3 nonprofit organization. This status was officially granted on May 2, 1989. Following this achievement, a Board of Trustees was elected to oversee the Association's activities and operations. Operating by-laws were established, clearly defining the responsibilities and governance structure of the Washington High School Alumni Association (WHSAA).
Standing committees dedicated to Scholarships and Distinguished Citizens were created to further the Association’s mission. Each committee was tasked with developing specific selection criteria for their respective purposes: one for awarding scholarships to deserving students, and the other for nominating and selecting individuals as WHS Distinguished Citizens. These committees ensured a systematic and fair process for both scholarship awards and citizen recognition, helping to uphold the standards and values of the Association.
Archival Efforts and Communication
Preservation of School History
In addition to the contributions made by the standing committees, the Washington High School Alumni Association appointed an Archivist to oversee the preservation of the school's history. The Archivist’s primary responsibilities included gathering and organizing significant materials such as memorabilia, newspaper clippings, yearbooks, and photographs. Through diligent efforts, the Archivist ensured that the legacy of Massillon Washington High School would be carefully documented and accessible to future generations. Today, the WHSAA office, located within Massillon Washington High School, houses thousands of archival items, dating back to the first graduating class of 1915. This extensive collection serves as a lasting record of the school's rich heritage and achievements.
Establishment of the Alumni Newsletter
The Washington High School Alumni Association published its first newsletter in the spring of 1990. This inaugural six-page edition included a message from the President, Helen Swartz, and featured a notable article about the groundbreaking ceremony for the high school on March 17, 1990. Since its inception, the newsletter has been consistently published every spring and fall, serving as an ongoing means of communication and connection for alumni.
Distinguished Citizen Committee Banquet and Award Process
Since 1988, the Distinguished Citizen Committee has been hosting a banquet to honor Washington High School graduates who have demonstrated exceptional service and achievement within their area of expertise. At present, 130 individuals have received recognition as Distinguished Citizens. This annual celebration, conducted by both Massillon Washington High School and the Distinguished Citizen Committee, highlights alumni who have positively impacted the world, whether locally, nationally, or internationally.
During the awards banquet, each honoree receives a Distinguished Citizen Award, acknowledging their contributions and influence. As you enter the main entrance to Massillon Washington High School, you will see plaques displayed in honor of each class of Distinguished Citizens. These plaques serve as a lasting tribute to the individuals who have been recognized for their exceptional accomplishments and contributions, allowing all who visit the school to appreciate the legacy and impact of these honorees.
Nominees for the Distinguished Citizen Award are considered based on their outstanding accomplishments in one or more of the following areas:
- Business
- Government
- Education
- Medicine
- Entertainment
- Athletics
- Civic
- Charitable/Philanthropic
- Humanitarian
- Other areas deemed appropriate by the committee
Nomination forms for the Distinguished Citizen Award are available on the Washington High School Alumni Association (WHSAA) website.
The Washington High School Alumni Scholarship Fund
The Washington High School Alumni Scholarship Fund was created with the purpose of supporting deserving seniors who wish to further their education and achieve the goals they have set for themselves. The fund provides monetary awards to graduating students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance and have made meaningful contributions to their school or community. These scholarships serve not only as financial assistance but also as a strong reminder that academic excellence is highly esteemed within the Washington High School community.
Since its inception in 1989, when the first scholarship of $350.00 was awarded, the fund has experienced significant growth in both the number and the value of the scholarships granted. To date, 698 students have been recipients of scholarships, with the total amount awarded reaching $659,280.00.
The Scholarship Committee has also seen considerable development since receiving its initial contribution of $85 in 1986. The fund's current approximate value is nearly $1,000,000.00. Through careful investment and the continued generosity of the community, the committee has been able to distribute more than $600,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors from Washington High School.