2017 - Looking Back

 Our annual membership drive is now in full swing.  This article is intended to update both Alumni Association members and non-members alike. The results of the efforts of the Galion Alumni Association during 2016 will be presented as well as our goals for the future.  Current projects are being accomplished in large part through memberships, which allow us to contribute financially and physically to alumni activities involving the Galion City Schools and the Galion Community.   It is our fondest wish that you will consider becoming a member of the Galion Alumni Association.  Thank you for your consideration.

In 2016, there were 149 dues paying members, of which 79 were Lifetime Members.  For the second consecutive year, four of our members chose the Lifetime Membership option.  For that we are very grateful.  Though most of dues paying Annual Members, have been loyal members through the existence of the organization, we have seen a few new members come on board, and to be an effective organization it is imperative that we grow our organization.  We, as an organization, greatly appreciate the loyalty of our current members and encourage the participation of these members to become actively involved in the activities of the organization.  For local members we encourage participation by becoming a member of the Board of Directors and participating in the activities of the Alumni Association.  There is always the opportunity for all to relay suggestions for activities that would appeal to you.

During 2016, the Galion Alumni Association continued to pursue opportunities to aid in building a better school system and community.  We have been involved in providing funds for small projects that benefit current students and recognize the contributions of Galion Graduates.  Some of those efforts are covered below.

Galion Alumni Association

2016 In Review

The Alumni Association held one fund raiser during 2016.  A Wine Tasting and Silent Auction, normally held in the spring of the year, was cancelled due to the unavailability of the Galion Country Club, which no longer exists as a private club.  Proceeds from this event were a part of a donation to the Galion City Schools Campus wear fund. This fund provides vouchers to aid less fortunate families for clothing that meets school dress code requirements.  We hope to re-establish this event in 2017.  On the bright side, 300 Club ticket sales were up in 2016, so a modest return was seen and provided project funds. For those not familiar with the 300 Club Ticket, it involves the sale of 300 tickets at $20.00 each.  At each home game in both football and basketball, two tickets are drawn to determine winners of $100.00 each.   Those tickets are then returned to the container and are eligible to be drawn in the future.  Anyone wishing to help with the sale of the 300 Club tickets, please contact us.  Total income from all sources including the membership dues, 300 Club Ticket sales, donations and account interest amounted to $8,918.26, about $400.00 more than 2015. A large donation from the GHS Class of 1960 and improved 300 Club ticket sales accounted for increase. 

Cash donations to the Galion City School System this year included $2500.00 to assist in the cost of moving and improving the All Ohio Sports display and $2100.00 for a Connections Weekend sponsorship package.  Money was also spent to promote the Association through ads in the Drama Department program. Expense Items this year included $354.00 for Post Office Box fees and postage and $75.00 to maintain our Chamber of Commerce Membership, $334.14 for 2000 Association envelopes, $25.00 to the State of Ohio to maintain our incorporation status as a non-profit and  $2423.80 for 300 Club drawing winners and ticket printing costs.  Total expenses came to $7,886.94

The Galion Alumni Association is a participating member of the Connections Weekend Committee.    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 Middle School students and the Homecoming Game in the evening. Saturday features a Kiwanis sponsored Pancake Breakfast, and the Hall of Fame Banquet.  The Alumni Association plays a large role in the Hall of Fame event.  This year the event attracted more participation due mainly to better preparation and more student involvement.  All of these events are open to the public and are not restricted to Alumni.

The Connections weekend is intended to provide recognition to former Galion City School graduates and educators.  It includes the presentation of career information to the students in the Middle School, with presenters from different occupational areas providing information relevant to their areas of expertise. It is, also, a fund raising vehicle to provide funds for building an auditorium or Performing Arts Center on the Galion City Schools Campus.  This is an extremely ambitious undertaking as this will be a multi-million dollar project and will require some large donors to step forward.

In an effort 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 the Galion Alumni Association website, or leave a posting on Facebook.  You may write us a letter and send it to us at PO Box 22, Galion, OH  44833. The Alumni Association Board generally meets the third Monday of every month unless there is a cancellation or rescheduling. The meetings are currently being held at the Pizza Hut in Galion usually at 6:30 p.m. All who wish to participate are cordially invited to attend.