Paden City High School

One of the proudest and most anticipated moments of the year, (especially when it comes to celebrating something like a holiday, a family event, or in this case the alumni that have graduated from that illustrious bastion of learning, Paden City High School), is the 2021 alumni weekend, held this Friday, July 2nd and Saturday, July 3rd, which has been dubbed, “Back to Fun in ’21.”

Spearheaded by alumni President, Shauna Williams-Yoho, this year is going to be extra special since last year’s festivities were cancelled by the COVID-19 virus and the anticipation is palpable. Williams-Yoho, alumni officers, and members have put together two days of events sure to stir the emotions of all alumni, friends, family of alumni, and the public, as well as evoke plenty of smiles and memories to take with them.

Some of the highlights include the distinguished alumni awards, a classic car cruise-in, performance by the St. Marys Community Band, the annual memorial service, local food trucks, a live remote from radio station WETZ Classic Rock 1330, fireworks and a social (with DJ) at the Eagles club in Paden City.

The Paden City Museum, 108 West Main Street, will be open for visitors Thursday, July 1 from 1-3 and Friday, July 2 from 1-3 p.m. and Saturday, July 3 from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.

The fun commences with a co-ed softball game at Paden City Park on Friday, followed that evening by various class get-togethers:

Class of 1956 at the Paden City Museum; Class of 1961 at the Court Restaurant in New Martinsville; Class of 1970 and 1971 at the Lewis Wetzel Family Center in New Martinsville (Steelton); Class of 1980 at the Dos Hermanos Mexican Restaurant in New Martinsville; Class of 1984 at the Court Restaurant in New Martinsville.

Saturday’s fun begins with an alumni golf tournament at the historic Sistersville Country Club, organized by Mike Tallman. Then everything moves to Paden City High School, 201 North 4th Avenue, that afternoon. Gates will open at 5 p.m. where alumni, family, friends and the public will be able to enjoy the food trucks and classic car cruise-in, tours of the high school conducted by Rodney McWilliams, head of the Paden City Foundation, an organization that awards scholarships for high school seniors and is involved with many other programs related to Paden City High School. There will be music from WETZ Classic Rock 1330 during a live remote. It will also be a chance for alumni from different classes to meet and exchange stories of their glory days at the school.

Saturday’s main events include the memorial service presented by Williams-Yoho honoring all the alumni who sadly have passed on since they first class flew their mortor boards in the air back in 1952.

It will be followed by the presentation of the Distinguished Alumni Award, an annual award given to an outstanding individual who exemplifies what it means to be a Wildcat, someone who has gone on to become a positive role model not only in their careers but in their lives. This year there are two recipients due to last year’s pandemic. Scott Nichols (class of 1981) and Walter Van Slider (class of 1970). McWilliams will make the presentation.

Preceding the presentation is a concert by the St. Marys Community Band comprised of musicians from the surrounding area. They will be playing a patriotic set in honor of Independence Day that will include Stars and Stripes, and culminate with the Paden City fight song and alma mater.

The evening concludes with a rousing fireworks display by Randy Billiter, and a social at the Eagles Club of Paden City.

Williams-Yoho is more than excited that this year’s alumni event can happen. “With everything that happened last year and how sad I was that we couldn’t have this wonderful celebration of Paden City High alumni, I am so happy we can go ahead with this year. I know the other officers and members are excited as well. We all love this school and our town and we need something like this to get together and have fun. It is going to be a memorable time for everyone.”

More information, times and updates can be found on the new official Paden City High School Alumni website, http://www.padencitywvalumni.com or by contacting Williams-Yoho directly at padencitywvalumni@gmail.com.

Submitted By, Shauna Williams-Yoho