155 Lions roared loudly

The 93rd Monongah High Alumni Reunion on Saturday at the Knights of Columbus in Fairmont was a rousing success – with a surprise bonus.

155 showed up, which was more than the 125 who made it in 2015.


And the Monongah High Alumni Association was ready to end the scholarship awards for lack of money, but a surprise donor donated $5,000 to keep the fund going.


I suspect I know who did it, but I’ll need to confirm to be sure.

MHS Alumni President Linda Lopez Gandy was absolutely and understandably giddy about the turnout.



Pat Fleming Satterfield,
Class of 1962; Ramona
Fullen Michalski,
Class of 1949 

Linda wrote:  




“Another alumni has come and gone. What a great group last night. Last year 125, this year 155. The Knights of Columbus were perfect hosts. The dinner, was delicious, the band Stepping Stone was great.

"Our 2 scholarship winners were Andrew Combasky and Anne Spatafore. Since the alumni started the scholarship fund we have had 27 recipients

and have given out $43,000.00. Isn't that something?   “But last night I was ready to announce this year was our last to give the scholarship. We only have $1,898 in the bank and we were going to give a small donation to another source. Also we were going to pass the basket like we always do.   “WELL!!!!! When we were having roll call for the classes a generous person said he was donating $5,000 to the fund. WOW!!!! We're on for next year and the year after.   “Thank you all for coming and your generous donations. You make our jobs so much easier.”   Donna McGinnis Suppa, Class of 1963, was at the Reunion with other thoughts on her mind.   She’ll be moving on Friday to her new house in Shinnston after living forever in Worthington.   Writes Donna:   “It is going to be emotional. I am leaving and selling my family home and the home that Jack and I bought from my mom 41 years ago and raised our daughters in.”