Albany exes plan ‘big’ homecoming
By Donnie A, Lucas
After missing out on the biennial “Big Homecoming” in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the Albany Ex-Students Association have opted to hold the event this year and recognize three honor classes instead of the usual two classes.
The usual slate of homecoming parade, halftime festivities and the association meeting on Saturday are lined up for Oct. 1 and 2.
“It was decided last year that it was just too dangerous to have the ‘Big Homecoming’ because of the pandemic,” association president Betsy Senter said. “We are being cautious this year, as well, but feel optimistic since the vaccine is available.”
The association will honor the classes of 1969, 1970, and 1971, with ComingHome Queens and Kings selected by their classmates.
The honorees for the Class of 1969 are Amanda Beach Moberley and Terry Moberley, aloing with the 1970 honorees Melissa Waller Hahn and Neel Williams.
The Coming Home King and Queen for 1971 were still being determined at press time.
The members of the 1960 and 1961 state championship football teams will also be recognized from the press box at the half, along with cheerleaders, band members, and twirlers and pep squad members for those years. A special section will be reserved at the Albany vs. Olney football game on Oct. 1 for the honorees.
The Coming Home Kings and Queens will be presented on the football field during halftime along with the current high school royalty.
Senter is hoping to provide a float for the 1960-61 football players and others to ride in the parade.
The association activities will start at 9:00 a.m. at the Aztec Theater patio with a breakfast. The cost is $10 for the breakfast burritos, coffee, and juice. Senter is asking that those wanting the breakfast to reserve their spot by Thursday, Sept. 30.
Association dues of $15 and the breakfast reservation can be sent to the Albany Ex-Students, P.O. Box 2633, Albany, TX 76430. Senter can be contacted at 817-925-6663.
“We really need to hear from people so we can plan,” she said. “Everyone should also let their friends and classmates know about the plans and encourage them to attend.”
Senter said that a video of the 1960 Homecoming Parade halftime and highlights of the homecoming game against Wylie will be shown.
The film of the events was digitized several years ago and is housed at the Robert Nail Archives at the Old Jail Are Center.
In the past, the association has notified ex-students by mail, but is using other means this year.
“We had about half of the letters we sent three years ago returned, so this year we are trying to reach people by using the Albany News, the Albany Ex-Students Association Facebook account and the website,” Senter said. “Buford Salters is working hard on updating our alumni email addresses, but we still need everyone to share the word about all the events.”
Other weekend activities include the Kiwanis golf tournament and the first Chamber of Commerce cook-off.
