The most-seasoned members of the Port Clinton High School Band Alumni on the field during last Friday’s Homecoming Night at True-Lay Stadium were, from right to left, Glenda Phillabaum (Class of 1957), Martha Stefany (Class of 1955), Barry Cover (Class of 1962) and Andy Zerany (Class of 1973). (Photo by D’Arcy Patrick Egan)

Retired Port Clinton Wrestling Coach Tom Fisher, new Head Wrestling Coach Adam Hicks and wrestling alumnus Rolland Slauterbeck visit during the alumni tours of the new Port Clinton Athletic Field House.

All generations of PCHS Alumni joined in the fun of the Alumni Weekend on Sept. 24-26, and the earliest alumnus in attendance was Joanne Lasky Hockin from the Class of 1942. Many classes joined in the fun of Alumni Weekend and planned their own class reunions in conjunction with the popular event.

Port Clinton High School Alumni were in attendance at the football game and the Port Clinton High School Alumni Band joined the fun of marching 112-members strong from the high school to stadium. They joined the PCHS Marching Band, under the direction of Rod Miller, for a halftime show and were introduced by graduating class.

The most recent grads from 2021 participated as well as Martha Meliska Stefano, Class of 1955, a noted drum major eliciting cheers from the crowd with her bataan twirling. Alumni were also happy to see retired music faculty member. Edna Hansen and David Randels, who joined in the Alumni Band introductions.

A large number of alumni took part in the tours of Port Clinton High School. They were very impressed by the renovations that have transformed their high school to include state-of-the-art design while remaining quite familiar to grads. During the Saturday morning tours, the PCHS Food Service Staff served samples the iconic Peanut Butter Bars. The café in the Jack Nitz Academic Media Center was also open serving current student favorites. PCHS staff members Seth Benner, Tracy Bodi and Diane Rosiar served as tour guides.

PCHS Alumni toured and were amazed by the new Port Clinton Athletic Boosters Field House at 407 Short Street. New PCHS Head Wrestling Coach Adam Hicks and retired Coach Tom Fisher were on hand to welcome guests and alumni wrestlers to the new wrestling area. Director of Facilities and Grounds Aaron DiBucci also assisted with alumni tours.

During the afternoon, alumni enjoyed all Port Clinton has to offer. Special thanks to the Ottawa County Museum and the Port Clinton Lighthouse Conservatory for opening for PCHS Alumni Weekend. Later that evening, hundreds of alumni joined in the fun of the various decade gatherings in downtown and at Meals on Madison.

The Port Clinton High School Alumni Association is grateful to the following for their overwhelming welcome: Ala Carte After Hours, Bait House, Brick House, Clinton House, Gristmill, McCarthy’s, and Rosie’s. Decade hosts greeted alumni at each location and included: Dick and Rosella Stein; Ken Vanslette; Trey Gluth; Jo Kopchak; Judy Dosher Rick and Vicki Ward, Lisa Ramsey, and Randi Orosco.

All alumni gathered at the Meals on Madison stage and were welcomed by Mayor Mike Snider and Superintendent of Schools Patrick Adkins. Amanda and Sue Blankenbecker led everyone in singing the PCHS Fight Song and Alma Mater. Main Street Port Clinton generously provided live entertainment by the Eric Sowers Band.

The fun continued on Sunday, as the Catawba Island Historical Society opened the museum at Union Chapel for alumni to share Catawba memories, tas well as the beauty of Twin Oast to gather once again.

Pictures and more information can be found at the school district website www.pccsd.net under photo albums or the Port Clinton High School Alumni Association Facebook Page, facebook.com/portclintonalumni.

The PCHS Alumni Weekend is held every three years so mark your calendars for September, 2024! The exact date will be announced as soon as the 2024 football schedule is available. To assist in the planning or for more information contact Jan Gluth at 419-732-2102, Ext. 8, or email jgluth@pccsd-k12.net.