Justin Bailey has a new project. He’s president of the Powell High Alumni Association, which marks its 100th anniversary this year.
A planning committee met this week at Bailey’s office to discuss the April 7 banquet and other ways the association can boost Powell High School. Attending were Laura Bailey, Sam McSpadden, Jon Miller, Susan Martin, Sandra Davis, Mike Bayless, Sarah McAffry, Vivian McFalls, Scott Hollifield and Rachel Hurley.
Justin Bailey says: “We’ve done big things this year so far. We created a website for the first time. It’s professional in design and functionality. I would hold it up to any of the other area associations or foundations.
“It offers connection for alumni and, for the first time, alumni have the ability to donate online. We’ve upped our membership on Facebook from 700 to 1,624 in just four months.”
The group will continue mailing paper donation forms, he said, and using email. “Hopefully, this will cater to our older alumni while reaching out to younger generations.”
Bailey outlined three goals:
- To double scholarship money for PHS grads from $15,000 given last year to $30,000.
- To become a more collegiate-style alumni association that truly acts as a partner to the school and administration.
- To have an incredible banquet for the 100th-year celebration.
The group is currently seeking corporate sponsors – Powell businesses. The Gold sponsor is Vaughn Pharmacy. Diamond sponsors so far are Josie’s Boutique, Thress Nursery, Weigel’s and Bailey & Co. Four additional Diamond sponsors will allow all of the proceeds from the banquet to go toward scholarships.
Bailey says Powell grads should “put our money where our heart is.
“It’s time for graduates like myself and so many others to give to the high school that shaped us into the people we are today.”
It’s also important, he said, to acknowledge the people who have kept the alumni association alive – without board members like Mary Mahoney, Vivian McFalls, Lynnette Brown, Jacki Kirk, Terri Rose, Sandra Davis, Sam McSpadden, Hank Blanton, Brenda Jaques, Mike Bayless, Laura Bailey, Susan Martin and so many more we wouldn’t have even made it to the 21st Century, he said.
“I am excited about our newer board members: Rachel Hurley, Jon Miller, Sarah McAffry, and Scott Hollifield. Sarah is our events director this year, tasked with all of the logistical and creative aspects of our 100-year gala. It’s going to be an unbelievable event! Scott owns JSH Web Designs that has created our website and online payment abilities.”