La Cygne Rural High School alumni gather for annual luncheon

Linda Andrews Stewart, center, (class of 1963) announces that she has retired as president of the La Cygne Rural High School alumni committee after 35 years of service at the alumni luncheon on Saturday, May 24. Vice presidents Artie White Stuteville, left, (class of '63) and Judy Long Patterson ('63) paid tribute to Stewart for her long commitment. (Photos by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal)

By Roger Sims, rsims@linncountyjournal.com

More than 70 alumni and their family members attended the 2025 La Cygne Rural High School alumni luncheon and business meeting on Saturday, May 24, at the La Cygne Library. After a lunch of sandwiches and desert, the meeting opened with a welcome by Glenna Francis Farris, co-president of the alumni association and a member of the class of 1969.

Judy Long Patterson, a vice president and member of the class of 1963, gave the invocation, which was followed by the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance by all present. Co-president Sandy Hopkins Ernst, class of 1968, then read the names of alumni who died since last year’s meeting.

Members of the LRHS class of 1965 were honored at the luncheon. Alumni with that class included, from left, Rusty Smith, Cara White Evans, Victoria Filtingberger Mann and Dale McIntosh.

Bob Curry, class of 1969, sang a memorial song, which was followed by the treasurer’s report given by vice president Artie White Stuteville. Treasurer Jane Price Wade was unable to attend.

Wilma Rhynerson Stainbrook represents the class of 1950 at the luncheon.

Joyce Leasure Sergent, class of 1961, gave the report of the scholarship committee. She said the committee chose to award a $300 scholarship to two Prairie View seniors, Rebecca Miller and Isabella Stolle, both of whom plan on a career in nursing.

Thelma Hoover Donley, class of 1943, was recognized as the oldest living alumni followed by Marjorie Cox Ellison and Boyce Crust, both of whom graduated with the class of 1945. None of the three attended the luncheon.

Following recognition of the alumni who were there, Farris sang a song then led the group in singing “God Bless America.”

Martha Irwin Risley, from left, Virginia Hewitt McGee and Nadine Pease Fritts represents the class of 1955 at the reunion.

Jerry Hampton, left, and Larry Benson were alumni from the class of 1960.

LRHS alumni officers included, seated from left, retiring president Linda Andrews Stewart, vice president Judy Long Patterson; standing, co-president Glenna Francis Farris, vice president Artie White Stutevile, and co-president Sandy Hopkins Ernst.

Ten-year-old Sawyer sings "This Land is Your Land" during the meeting.

More images from the event: