Anne Schrader performs “Star Spangled Banner” as members of the American Legion Post #51 Honor Guard present the colors
BHS Centennial Celebration, Photo by Rebecka Hoyt

Centennial Celebration for Buchanan High School

by Rebecka Hoyt, Editor & Photographer

Students, teachers, administrators, alumni of Buchanan Community Schools along with the Buchanan community and dignitaries came to Memorial Field to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of Buchanan High School on Saturday, June 11 2022 at 1:00pm. Volunteers for the celebration included: Akirrah Robinson, Jaden Robinson, Michelle Munyon, Caitlyn Munyon, Mark Kurland, Carrie Brunsting, Nate Will, Karin Falkenstein, Charles Nelson, Geneva Tabor, Macy Orphanidis, Lillie Spates, Lauren Strefling, Megan Franklin, Isabell Bryans, Claire Lietz, Alexa Burns, and Jordan Mervine. The Centennial Celebration Committee consisted of: Patricia Robinson, Stacey DeMaio, Brian Pruett, Ruth Writer, Jeanne Harris, Jerry Flenar, Kelly Laesch and Michael Rowland.

Raquel George sings Frank Sinatara’s song “My Way”

A welcome was given by BCS Superintendent Patricia Robinson, and the American Legion Post #51 Honor Guard led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the “Star Spangled Banner” which was performed by Anne Schrader. Raquel George sang Frank Sinatra’s song “My Way”. Buchanan High School Band did a Service Melody which honored armed forces veterans and the “Go You Buchanan” fight song which got the crowd to stand up and sing along. BHS Principal, Stacey DeMaio gave honors and recognition to the veterans, and other current “Most Senior Member” Geneva Swem of the older generations that were in attendance along with Kay Trull who taught and retired in 1989 for the “Most Senior Board Member.”

Dedication of the Pines on Phelps Street

Superintendent Patricia Robinson introduced each speaker. Those speakers were: Mayor Sean Denison of City of Buchanan; Senator Kim LaSata who had Dan Kerig, a representative from her office and State Senate Representative Brad Paquette who presented a declaration to Mrs. Robinson. Dr. Michael F. Rice of Michigan’s 44th Superintendent of public instruction by Michigan’s State Board of Education; Mary Judnich – West Michigan Regional Manager, Senator Stabenow’s Office; and Mrs. Robinson also received a letter from Congressman Fred Upton Representative, Michigan’s 6th District (Congressional Record). Mayor Denison stated that “The real magic happens in the hallways of a school and not just in the classrooms or football field.” He also congratulated BHS on 100 years and said “Go Bucks!”

Past Event Details:

Who: Buchanan Community Schools
What: BHS Building 100 Year Celebration
When: Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 1pm
Where: Buchanan High School
- 401 W Chicago St, Buchanan
- At Memorial Field
Details:
- Guest Speakers:
  - Dr. Bernice Clark Patterson, PHD
    - Owner of Infinity Consultation Group/
    - Class of 2000
  - John “Jay” Town
    - Former U.S. Attorney for the Northern
    - District of Alabama/Class of 1991
  - Local and State Dignitaries
- Tree Planting Dedication
- New Sign Dedication
- School Farm / Barnyard Friend Display
- High School Tour

History of Buchanan High School

The original high school was built on a hill on Chicago Street in 1871 and could be seen from passing trains. In 1921, foundation work began for the new high schools and was completed in just a few days. On November 20, 1922, the new Buchanan High School officially opened. With 25 classrooms, a gymnasium, an auditorium, and two offices, the cost to build the school was approximately $200,000.

Since 1922, Buchanan High School has delivered over 10,000 graduates to the Buchanan community and communities around the world. The district continues to push forward with its vision which is to “Develop responsible, resilient, creative citizens capable of succeeding in a global society.”