Ephrata Alumni Association

Honor Program Ceremony

As alumni gathered at Kiwanis Field they were greeted by members of the Ephrata Chapter of Future Farmers of America who provided them with small American flags to wave during the ceremony. It was a perfect, sunny day; providing an excellent opportunity to honor fellow graduates of Ephrata High School. It was also a heartfelt day wherein alumni celebrated their patriotism and shared their “Tiger Pride.”

It was very fitting that Honorable Evan Sperline of the Grant County Superior Court presided as master of ceremonies for this important event; a dignified and respectful service honoring alumni who have served in the military, and other graduates who have made positive contributions to society, served as roll models, or been major supporters of Ephrata High School.

Currently, Evan is the longest-serving judge in the State of Washington. As a 1967 graduate of Ephrata High School he excelled in a variety of leadership roles and was active in school activities and sports.

Evan is an avid supporter of the Ephrata School system and a fan of Ephrata High School sports programs.

The ceremony, under his leadership, was a very memorable event of the Ephrata High School 100-Year Reunion and his efforts were well recognized.

The Color Guard Posting of Colors by presented by members of the Art Semro American Legion Post #28. This color guard was of particulair significance because all of the members were either graduates or an attendee of Ephrata High School.

In perfect precision were Mike Montaney, class of 1963; Don Deycous, class of 1955; Larry McCarty, attendee; Hank Severin, class of 1962 and Trey Severin, class of 1992.

These men are honored for their service in the military and the participation in the ceremonies.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Retired Army Colonel Michael Lehmann a 38-year veteran of Washington State Army National Guard. He is a member of Ephrata High School class of 1955 and a board member of the EHS-100 Reunion committee.

A beautiful rendition of “God Bless America” was presented by two members of the Ephrata High School class of 2015. Mikaela Bosnar and Lindsay Bair, who have received recognition for their participation in school performances and state competitions, represented the school’s music program very well.

The original keynote speaker was not able to attend the reunion so Retired Army Colonel Michael Lehmann stood in his stead. Michael spoke of the sacrifices that Ephrata alumni military members have made. Because of the necessary separation from family it is important that they and their families receive support during their service in order that they succeed. Deployments can be very lonely for the service members so family and community support is important.

Colonel Lehmann read the names of Ephrata High School graduates who made the ultimate sacrifice. During World War II: Sam Walters, class of 1934; George Phillips, class of 1936; and Wesley Woods, class of 1943. Southeast Asia: Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Mike Masterson, class of 1955; Army Private James Jahn, class of 1964; and Army Sargeant Stanley Carter, class of 1966. Iraq War: Army National Guard First Lieutenant Jaime Krausse Campbell, class of 1998. A moment of silence was held in their honor.

For stories of "fallen heroes" click here:

Ephrata High School alumni who served in the military were seated together on the school track. A “Salute to the Armed Forces Medley” was presented including Army, “The Army Goes Rolling Along; Navy, “Anchors Aweigh”; Coast Guard, “Semper Paratus”; Air Force, “Air Force Song”; Marine Corps, “The Marine’s Hymn.” As each alumni’s service song was played they stood at attention. The stands were filled with appreciative fellow classmates standing and waving flags; a well-deserved recognition.

To view pre-registered alumni members of the Armed Services, click here:

Honor Award recipients were announced by EHS-100 Reunion committee chairwoman Beverly Elshire Mayer, class of 1960 and Patti Wallin Ferguson, class of 1972, who served as coordinators of the honor awards program.

Beverly announced that the reunion committee have identified three individuals who served with great success in either the Armed Forces, within their communities, or through humanitarian efforts. These individuals have proven to be worthy representatives of the type of people that Ephrata and the Ephrata school system have produced over the years and ones that alumni can be proud of for the impact they have had on others.

The nominee chosen to represent his fellow members of the Armed Forces was Vaughn Downing, class of 1962. His nomination reads, in part, “Vaughn Downing had a sterling career in the United States Army for 30 years, retiring in 1991. He had five overseas assigments: Korea, Germany, Vietnam, and Germany twice more. He received the Legion of Merit, which states in part that ‘he served meritoriusly from October 1980 to September 1990 in numerous positions of high responsibility, culminating as Command Sergeant Major of the 9th Infantry Division’.”

It was noted by Beverly that while posting names and information for the reunion, and before receiving Vaughn’s nomination, that she received the registration for Janeen Blake Downing, class of 1965. Janeen answered the questionnaire, Military Branch?–Army wife, Military Years?–1966 to 1991, and War Service?–served on the homefront during Vietnam War. Answers with a lot to consider. It it obvious that this woman, and others like her, deserve to be recognized.

The EHS-100 Reunion committee was proud to jointly present to Command Sergeant Major Vaughn Downing and Army Wife Janeen Blake Downing the Armed Forces award.

To read full nomination, click here:

In the category of community service the reunion committee received a nomination from a very proud daughter, Erin Boland, class of 2008, who placed in nomination her father Michael Boland who graduated in 1973. Erin shared with the audience how her father, born and raised in Ephrata, has dedicated his life to serving the Ephrata community and its needs. She spoke of his involvement in establishing an ambulance service and serving as a volunteer. And that, he was a long-time member of the Ephrata Lions Club, serving in a wide range of capacities. She remembered fond memories of her father volunteering his time at Ephrata High School coaching pole vaulters and high jumpers. For these reasons the EHS-100 Reunion committee was able to recognize Mike Bowland as recipient of the Community Service award.

To read full nomination, click here:

Margaret Treiber wrote in her nomination form that she was nominating her high school classmate and long-time friend Pauline Simpson Anderson, class of 1952. She proudly shared that Pauline is a respectful person who has a sense of giving and serving others. While working at her family’s business she learned accountability and responsibility. As a nurse she has shown herself to be a compassionate caregiver. She is well known through her church and community outreach programs as a person who gives selflessly.

Because of these attributes and for serving as a wonderful role model for her fellow graduates of Ephrata High School, the EHS-100 Reunion committee was happy to honor this honorable woman. Unfortunately, Pauline was not able to attend the reunion, she was doing what she does best, taking care of another.

To read full nomination, click here:

Patti introduced Mike Tabler and Chelan Tabler Klein, administrators of the Paul Lauzier Foundation that was awarded the Community Support award by the EHS-100 Reunion committee. She explained how the foundation was created pursuant to the Last Will and Testament of Paul Lauzier. Half of the net income from the assets of Mr. Lauzier’s estate is distributed through the Paul Lauzier Scholarship Foundation for college scholarships to Grant County students. In 2014 195 scholarships totaling $462,000.00 were awarded. Since 1997, 3,918 scholarships totaling $8,248,100.00 have been awarded to Grant County students.

It was also reported that the Paul Lauzier Charitable Foundation awarded $453,775.00 in charitable grants in 2014. Total funding since 1997 is $7,989,535.00. The grants are awarded annually in support of community development, youth programs, public health and safety, education, and agriculture.

The scholarship awards presented by the foundation of Paul Lauzier has been welcome support for Ephrata High School students seeking to advance their education.

For Paul Lauzier's bio, click here:

A Quilt Raffle drawing was held for the Centennial Quilt that was created by three members of the class of 1958 as a fund raising project for the reunion. EHS-100 Reunion committee members Gail Mason Smith, class of 1970, and Barb Anderson Deycous, class of 1961, pulled the winning ticket out with the name of Linda Johnson Hurst, class of 1966. Gail was chairman of the quilt project.

The Color Guard’s Retiring of Colors was performed by the Art Semro Amerian Legion Post #28 by Ephrata High School alumni who served in the military.

Reverend Sebastian (Chuck) Naslund, class of 1958, offered the closing prayer. He offered a special prayer for all who served in the Armed Forces and their families and prayed for blessings for all who attended the Ephrata High School 100 Year Reunion and gave thanks to all who worked to bring alumni and friends of the school together.