During 2012, the Galion Alumni Association continued to pursue the fleeting opportunities to aid in building a better school system and community. We have been involved in both providing funds for small projects that benefit current students and recognizes the contributions of Galion Graduates. Now we are faced with some questions as to what direction the Association will take in the future. The information provided below is intended to aid those who read these pages the incentive to provide the Alumni Association Board with some ideas. Those ideas may include methods of increasing membership in the Association, participation on the board or in association activities and possibly fund raising projects.

Galion Alumni Association Board Members Brian Treisch, Bill Durtschi, Joe Kleinecht, Julie Boles and Tina Waller discussing the future.

Currently the Galion Alumni Association has 149 dues paying members of which 60 are Lifetime Members. Most of those that are Annual members have been loyal members through the existence of the organization. With over 4,000 living graduates from the Galion City School System, it would seem that we should be able to increase our membership significantly. We, as an organization, greatly appreciate the loyalty that our current members have shown. 

The Alumni Association held a couple of fund raisers during 2012.  The first was a Wine Tasting and Silent Auction.  This event was held at the Galion Country Club and was our first attempt to put on an activity of this type.  Though attendance was less that desired, the proceeds enable us to make a $500.00 donation to the schools band instrument repair fund.  We are looking forward to March of 2013 when our second Wine Tasting Event will occur.  Our annual money raffle in partnership with the Galion Tiger Alumni Band was held again this year.  Current economic conditions resulted in fewer ticket sales this year, but still provided drawing winners with their prizes and left money to be split between the two organizations.  Membership dues, Google Ads income and a few donations made up the remainder of income of $4016.01

 Project donations to the Galion City School System this year included the $500.00 donation to the Band Instrument Repair Fund, $1000.00 to the Campus Wear Fund and $100.00 movie licensing fee for Testing Week.  Money was also spent to promote the Association through ads in the Drama Department program, Yearbook and a Connections Weekend Sponsorship.  Expense Items this year included the purchase of envelopes for Association mailings, Post Office Box fees and postage including the postage for the Hall of Fame Form.  A $100.00 donation was made to OKTOBERFEST, a community event. These expenses came to $3403.06

The Galion Alumni Association is a participating member of the Synergy Committee.  This committee was established to bring together the several organizations that contribute to the Galion City Schools in one form or another.  The committee consists of members of the Galion City Schools, Galion Alumni Association, Galion Community Foundation, Galion Community Education Foundation, The Galion Tiger Alumni Band, Galion Community Center/YMCA, Galion Booster Club and Galion Parent Teacher Organizations.  This Committee is responsible for the production of the Galion Connections Weekend.  This weekend features a Thursday, Homecoming Bonfire (Weather permitting), Friday, Career Day for High School and Middle School students and Homecoming Game in the evening.  Saturday features a Kiwanis sponsored Pancake Breakfast, a 5k Run sponsored by Grace Brethren Church, Carnival and Inflatables at the Middle School and the Hall of Fame Banquet.  The Alumni Association plays a large role in the Hall of Fame event. 

Since the beginning of the Association, there has been only one significant project that required solicitation of funds.  That was the Entryway Project.  Alumni responded and the result is on display at the entrance to the Galion City School Campus.  More recently, a project to build a performing Arts Center (Auditorium) has been considered.  The drawback is total cost of the project.  Though not totally discarded, the project has been put on a back burner while financial  avenues are investigated.  In the meantime, the question has been raised.  What is the direction of the Galion Alumni Association going to be?  We are seeking input from Galion Alumni as to what they would like to see from their Association.

In an effort to to reach more people, a Galion Alumni Association page has been created on Facebook.  Anyone wishing to contact us with ideas may do so, by using the Contact Us menu item on this website, or leave a posting on Facebook.  You may write us a letter and send it to us at P.O. Box 22, Galion, OH  44833.  The Alumni Association Board generally meets the third Monday of every months unless there is a cancellation or rescheduling.  The meetings are held at the Varsity  Grille in Galion usually at 6:30 p.m.  All who wish to participate are cordially invited to attend.