ONE LAST DONATION -- A FINAL REQUEST TO SEAL OUR CLASS LEGACY!

The Scholarship Program was an unplanned program that evolved over the years. Our primary motivation for continuing it has been the positive effects that it is having on Bremen’s best & brightest.  

The purpose of our program is to share our successes with Bremen students who have:

1. A financial need
   
   
2. Worked hard at Bremen to better themselves through academic, social, and leadership achievements
   
   
3. See the value of continuing their education to further their life goals, whether it be college or trade school
   
   

A big "thank you"!

Twenty generous classmates have sustained this program for the past six years, ten of whom have been significant and consistent contributors. That said, with our aging demographics, we recognize that over time many may no longer be able to contribute for various reasons. 

Therefore, we would like to ask for one last donation to present Bremen with a meaningful token of our continuing commitment to support Bremen. 

Our goal is to raise $20,000 by Homecoming 2022 to fund the program for 10 more years.  

How? One of our most dedicated and loyal supporters has offered to match every donation up to a total match of $10,000. 

In other words, if the rest of us can raise $10,000, he will match our donations dollar-for-dollar so $20,000 is achievable!

Here's how you can help:

1. Sustaining Donors: You have carried the program to date, so whatever you can do to make a final contribution will be greatly appreciated.  
   
   
2. Occasional Donors: We appreciate all of your prior contributions and ask you to make one final contribution to help us achieve our goal.
   
   
3. New Donors: Join the club! If you can find it in your heart and budget to donate at least $62 you will be added to rolls of loyal donors.

Help us continue our journey! 

It seems as if our 50^th Reunion was just a few years ago. Back then, I would have never imagined that we might be talking about having a 60^th Reunion. 

However, before we continue, let’s reflect on the past ten years since 2012:

• We have had more than 19,000 visits to the Class of ’62 Website!
  
  
• Bremen inducted all seven of our nominees into the Bremen Hall of Fame with Betty (Bruner) Slaughter being our latest inductee at Homecoming on September 24, 2021!  Congratulations Betty!

• We awarded $11,200 in scholarships to 16 of Bremen's best & brightest graduating seniors.
  
  
• We had annual informal “get-togethers” at Homecoming, including this year!
  
  
• In 2017, we had a delightful 55^th Reunion at Ridge Country Club. 
  
  
• We made numerous “reach-outs” to classmates and their families facing difficult times.
  
  
• In 2018, Bremen and District 228 awarded our Class of ‘62 the Volunteer Excellence Award for supporting Bremen and its students.
  
  
•  Sadly, we have lost at least thirty classmates - "Gone but not forgotten"

It’s time again to reflect on “what next”? 

The Reunion Committee is pleased to propose the following plan for 2022 and beyond. Over the years, all that we have accomplished has been a “team effort” supported by numerous reunion committee members and, of course, you.  

Therefore, we not only need your feedback, but we also need your support. We encourage you to “weigh-in” and let us know if we have your interest and support on the following initiatives:

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RENEWING PAST FRIENDSHIPS!

 We suggest a relatively informal agenda on 2022 Homecoming weekend with the following OPTIONAL activities:

1. Friday Morning: Alumni welcome to Bremen and Hall of Fame nominees presentations to the students
   
   
2. Friday Noon: Lunch at Hog Wild BBQ
   
   
3. Friday Afternoon: Pep Rally and Homecoming Parade
   
   
4. Friday Evening: Casual group dinner at a local restaurant
   
   
5. Saturday Morning: School tour, including watching the students decorate the gym for the Homecoming Dance
   
   
6. Saturday Afternoon: Free time
   
   
7. Saturday Evening: Group dinner at a nice resultant
   
   

All activities will be pay-as-you-go (i.e., no upfront fees). As in the past, we can arrange discounted lodging for out-of-towners. 

By the way, Bremen has made significant upgrades to the school since 2012 and is now the top school in District 228 – well worth a visit!

LET US KNOW IF YOU WOULD BE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING?____________________________________

SHARING OUR SUCCESSES!

As we have said in the past, the Hall of Fame is much more than individual recognition. It’s a way to demonstrate to existing students how they can leverage their Bremen education to do great things.  

By “great things,” I mean endeavors in all areas – education, science, medicine, engineering, business, national defense, military service, social work, community service, philanthropy, sports, etc.

With your input, we intend to continue to nominate classmates who can set these examples.

DO YOU HAVE ANY CANDIDATE SUGGESTIONS?

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SUPPORTING OTHERS IN HARD TMES!

To the greatest extent possible and practical, we will continue to reach out to classmates and their families dealing with difficult situations such as illnesses or deaths.  Sandie (Stephens) Jordan started this program, and we consider it part of what we do best.

LET US KNOW IF WE CAN HELP!

IS THE WEBSITE MEETING YOUR EXPECTATIONS?___________________________________

THAT’S OUR PLAN -- YOUR FEEDBACK IS NOT ONLY WELCOME BUT NEEDED!

As we have said in the past, our goal is to serve you and Bremen.  If we are no longer able to do both, we will gladly disband. All of our committee members are involved in many other business, social, and family activities. 

However, we feel that what we have done for the Class of ’62 and Bremen has value, so we are committed to supporting those programs you feel have value.

Go Braves!

Your support is valued! 

We decided not to solicit your contributions for the past 18 months due to the pandemic. Despite that, we still received several very generous unsolicited donations. 

We want to continue the program for a few more years, especially for 2022, since it will be our 60th year since graduating! Therefore, if you find it within your budget and priorities to contribute, please do so! 

A call to action!

If you haven’t donated in the past or have questions, please get in touch with Rich for instructions. All donations are tax-deductible!

I would have never thought we would have had a 55th reunion, which turned out to be great. It’s not just me. Several classmates have already suggested that a 60th reunion would be fun. 

Realistically, we realize that this would be a scaled-down event with limited participation, but so was the 55th, and that was a roaring good time!

Once again, I put the question to all of you: 

“Would you be interested”?

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