Beggs Alumni Association to hold annual banquet June 22
The Beggs Alumni Association is gearing up for its annual banquet, a cherished tradition that brings together former students and faculty of Beggs Public Schools. This year’s banquet, scheduled for Saturday, June 22, promises to be a golden opportunity for reunions, reminiscences and fun.
— A Storied History
The roots of the Beggs Alumni Association trace back to 1915, when the first seeds were sown. Since then, this tight-knit community has celebrated its shared history through a variety of banquets, each with its own unique flavor. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane: — The Early Years
1939: The 25th anniversary banquet was held at the Parkinson Hotel in Okmulgee, complete with dancing. 121 guests joined in on the celebration.
1941: An Army-style themed banquet added a patriotic twist to the festivities.
1946: After a hiatus since 1941, the banquet returned, this time at Gord-
SEE BEGGS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, PAGE A6 man’s Grill in Okmulgee. At just $2 per person.
1960: Alumni squared off against the high school in a spirited game of donkey ball. Who knew donkeys could be so competitive?
— The Swinging Seventies
1971: The newly air-conditioned cafeteria hosted the banquet, and tickets were priced at $3.
1973: “Green Country” set the tone, and the musical guests Deep Fork Five Minus 1, kept the crowd entertained. Alumni from several states attended including Ohio, Texas, a handful of people from all over California, just to name a … well more than a “few” – 300 attended!
1976: A three-day extravaganza marked the bicentennial and alumni homecoming (though I don’t know how it was considered the “bicentennial”). The Thursday through Saturday fun included live music, games, a big parade, and a softball showdown between Wheatley Lions alumni and Beggs Demons alumni made it unforgettable.
— Nostalgia & New Beginnings
1985: The association stepped up to support Helen Bonham’s journey to the FFA Nationals in Salt Lake City.
1988: “Birds of a Feather Flock Together” was the theme, and I think Ms. Glenda Mackey played a part in organizing things.
1997: Over 300 attendees enjoyed a video trip down memory lane, and lucky guests won bricks from the old Neal’s building. A video was featured by Ms. Colbert and Denise Creason with the theme “the way it was.”
1999: A two-day event included a football game (featuring our current president, James Maddux) and a reunion banquet. Everyone loved it and was excited for the next year.
2000: Alumni football returned, with 36 players and over 300 enthusiastic fans. Mickey Wilburn provided the music entertainment.
2003: The Alumni Association donated money to provide each child in Kindergarten their own personalized book. It included curriculum for the teacher and a book for the parents, to get them involved with their child’s reading too.
2006: A wonderful alumni weekend was held. The Legion Hut was decked out to take you back to the ‘50s and ‘60s.
2009: Another weekend of fun and memories.
— A Personal Connection
My mom, though not a Beggs alumna, covered the Beggs area news for the Okmulgee Times former Mainstream Edition for nearly a decade. She reveled in the stories from older classes, the tales of Wheatley, and the lesser-known stories of Beggs. Mrs. Rob, Mrs. Muncey, and Eva Faye added their unique touch to some of the banquets. The big hit every year were the old newspapers and pictures that people like Paula Mills would bring, and she swore Bill Wilburn was the man to talk to if you wanted to know any history about anyone or anything in whole area, from even before the oil boom!
Years have gone by. People have gotten older. Some have left this life. Others have moved on. The Beggs Alumni Association strives to live up to its legacy. They are always looking for more old newspapers, pictures, or other memorabilia to add to the banquet’s collection. Times may have changed, but the heart of the alumni association beats stronger than ever. — Recent Years
The annual banquet and silent auction lives on. The amazing Bill Wilburn handed the reins to James Maddux a few years ago. James and his crew are getting the hang of it pretty good now.
In 2022, Rod Thompson was the guest speaker and delivered an inspiring and refreshing reflection on “The 267.”
In 2023, Sean Kouplen had the tough job of following in Rod’s footsteps, which he aced like he did his classes in school (very well of course).
This year it’s another TU basketball star, who is current University of Oklahoma assistant basketball coach Alvin “Pooh” Williamson’s turn as the guest speaker.
— Who’s Invited?
Beggs’ definition of “alumni” extends beyond the traditional boundaries. Anyone who has ever attended or worked at Beggs Schools – regardless of when or which grade – belongs to the alumni family. So, whether you’re a proud graduate, a dedicated teacher, started your adult life earlier than most, or moved on before High School, mark your calendar and join us!
— Silent Auction & Scholarships The banquet wouldn’t be complete without a wonderful silent auction. Bid on unique items, memorabilia, and experiences – all while supporting the Beggs Alumni Association. And speaking of support, we’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be awarding two scholarships to deserving Beggs High School seniors from the class of 2024. Education is our legacy, and these scholarships continue that tradition.
— Door Prizes & Milestone Celebrations
The doors open at 4 p.m. (official start time at 6 p.m). Lucky attendees will walk away with exciting door prizes – a little extra something to remember the evening by. Plus, let’s raise a toast to the classes of 1984 (40 years since graduating) and 1974 (50 years) – your milestones deserve recognition!
— Save the Date
• Date: Saturday, June 22
• Time: Doors open at 4 p.m., Starts at 6 p.m.
• Cost: $20 per person
• Location: Beggs High School, 1201 W 9th St.
• Deadline: June 9
• RSVP: You can register online right now by debit/credit at https:// beggsalumnireunion.rsvpify.com (a service fee is added), email beggs. alumni@gmail.com or message the Beggs Alumni Association Facebook page.
Let’s double last year’s attendance – with double the laughs, double the memories and double the fun!
