Pictured is some artwork of Sheila Johnson found next to her father's barber shop, Refer's Barber Shop

Alumni listed by decade
1930s,
1940s
1950s,
1960s,
1970s,
1980s,
1990s,
2000s

click here for a list of the products with Boxtops4Education labels

Have you become a VAFA member yet? VAFA - making a difference for Villisca youth. More information about VAFA follows on this page.

Is your class having a reunion in 2010? Please send the reunion information to alumni@villisca.com and we will post the information on this page

Go to the 1960s decade page for an announcement of the 50th Reunion for the Class of 1960 in 2010.

The Charter Members of the Bluejay Hall of Fame inducted July 3, 2009 during the All-Class Reunion

When you are at VHS, stop and take a look at this great Bluejay Hall of Fame presentation.

Laurent Lee Gourley '62
Patrick Jackson '86
Lynn King '26
Colleen Means Dempsey '69
Paula Means Lund '68
Roger Poston '59
Phil Wertman '67
Gerald Ziehe '50

click here to read the bios of the Bluejay Hall of Fame Members

Sponsored by the Villisca Alumni and Friends Association, these people will be inducted in the first class to the Hall of Fame in a ceremony to be held during the summer’s all-class reunion. Subsequent classes will be inducted every four years in conjunction with the all-class reunion (2009, 2013, 2017 …).

VHS family and friends were invited to nominate individuals with a written explanation of the outstanding achievements justifying the candidate's possible induction. To be eligible a nominee must have graduated from VHS or served VHS prior to 1989. The achievements could be in - but not limited to - the field of sports, music, academics, or achievements following graduation. An emphasis was placed on alumni but former teachers, coaches, and supportive citizens of the Villisca School system were also considered.

VAFA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive Committee
Jeff Focht - President
Susie Enarson- Vice President
Kadee Myers- Secretary
Jim Robinson- Treasurer
Trisha Owens
Bob Mullen

Decade Representatives
30's Tom Focht '39 &
Laurena Dunn '37
40's Herb Bashaw '48 &
Dave Williams '49
50's Dick Brown '56 &
Linda Moore '55
60's Carol Gillilend '63 &
Sandy Smith '60
70's Tom Shipley '71 &
Mark Skahill '72
80's Brian Carlson '83 &
Larry Taylor '86
90's Matt Jackson '96 &
Kaydee Myers '95
00's Trisha Fast Owens '00 & Lindsey Beem Allen '06

Members at large
Dwight Lewis '46
Susie Enarson '57
Jeff Focht '76
Jake Grasmick - teacher/coach
George McVicker - teacher/coach
Donna Robinson '75
Bob Mullen '67
Jason Poston '92
Shona Means '89
Jim Robinson '67
Jim Crouse '62

Ex Officio Members
Teresa Nook, Superintendent
Roxanna Sieber, Villisca ED Director

VAFA Makes Field Trips Possible for Students at Sylvia Enarson Elementary

One of the outcomes of reduced revenues in the Villisca Community School District was the cancellation of field trips for Villisca students. Remembering the fun and recognizing the value of these field trips, In the 2008-09 school year, VAFA covered the expenses of the 5th grade's Capital and Science Center field trip, the 4th grade's trip to Living History Farms; the 4th grade's transportation to the Anderson Conservation Center; and the 2nd grade's trip to the University of Nebraska State Museum. At a VAFA board meeting Mary Lynn Poston noted that she had been taking her students to the UofN State Museum for years but had it not been for the funding from VAFA, her students last year would not have been able to make the trip.

The board of the Villisca Alumni and Friends Association (VAFA) enthusiastically voted at their August 9, 2009 meeting to again provide funding in an amount up to $5000 for some of the student field trips which otherwise would not take place.

VAFA facilitates the first white board at VHS

Through a grant from the Montgomery County Endowment Fdn. received through VAFA and with some matching funds from the school, this interactive white board - a Promethean board - was installed in the math classroom as an additional tool for teaching math in Villisca. Teacher Shona Means has indicated the board has excited the students about math.

Contributing to VAFA

Contributions may be made to the general fund to help with the newest projects or to help with remainder to be raised for the scrolling marquee. Annual memberships for VAFA are $25.; lifetime memberships are $500 or $750 for couples. Contributions may be sent to VAFA, P.O. Box 45, Villisca, IA 50864 or online from the Alumni Page on either www.villisca.com or www.villiscareview.com.

VAFA's funding comes through memberships, memorials and fundraisers such as the Annual Golf Classic held during Heritage Days.

For those whose employer is a part of the network of businesses that match the contributions of their employees to charitable organizations with the 501c3 designation, VAFA is now eligible to receive those contributions. click here for a list of participating companies

VAFA Makes a Difference as Boys Go to State

As the boys prepared to go to State, the VAFA Executive Committee was in contact with the school to see if there were areas where VAFA could be of assistance. It has been decided that VAFA will provide funds for meals for the players, coaches & student managers. They traveled to Des Moines on Sunday and returned Monday evening. This assistance from VAFA allowed the boys to enjoy their trip without the worry of finances. The following thank you came from Coach Obemeier:

I would like to express our gratitude as a team for the generosity of the VAFA. The meals that we were able to enjoy as a team gave the boys on the team a memorable dining experience that they will not soon forget. Sunday night we dined at the Olive Garden Restaurant in West Des Moines, and on Monday we ate at the Cracker Barrel, also in West Des Moines. We did stop and eat at McDonalds or Subway on the way home Monday night, but most all paid for their own.

photo by Mike Freeman
photo available for purchase - send inquiries to mkfreeman@netins.net

Villisca Alumni and Friends Association (VAFA)

Employment Opportunities in the Villisca Area
Villisca area jobs

You may now donate to VAFA online - click the appropriate button. Annual membership is $25. Lifetime membership is $500 single or $750 for a couple.

PayPal is used so you have a secure environment in which to make your payment. You may contribute using

Annual Membership

Lifetime Membership

Donate to Marquee Sign Project

Donate to VAFA

VAFA Purchases Scrolling Sign for VHS

Pictured with the sign are some of the VAFA Board Members at the time the sign was installed

Each membership and contribution is very appreciated as it allows the VAFA to help Villisca schools, students and the community.

Giving to the Villisca Alumni & Friends Association (VAFA)
Date	those who have given $200-$1,000
9-07	Class of '62 - $200 toward the purchase of the Marquee sign
3-07	Gwen L. Alexander '68 - Lifetime Membership
3-07	Bill Anderson '53 - Lifetime Membership
4-07	Bill Brenton '60 - Lifetime Membership
9-09	Ed Day '67 - Lifetime Membership
5-07	Rich '75 & Kay '76 Fast - Lifetime Membership
4-07	Richard Fastenau '48 - Lifetime Membership
2-08	Jeff Focht '76 - Lifetime Membership
2-08	Mark Focht '77 - Lifetime Membership
12-07	Marvin '48 & Barb Focht - contribution for the Marquee Sign
2-08	Elzene Gourley '65- Lifetime Membership
9-07	Jim Hyink '50 - contribution for the Marquee Sign
2-08	Todd (F) & Katie '98J James - Lifetime Membership - Couple
9-06	Kirk Jamison '62- Lifetime Membership
2-08	Kirk Jamison '62 - Contribution for Sign
9-08	Bill '56 and Leona '56 Kernen - Lifetime Membership
11-06	Dwight & Janice Lewis '46 - Lifetime Membership
3-07	Tom Marsh '70 - Lifetime Membership
4-07	George McVicker - Teacher - Lifetime Membership
2-07	Robert & Kathleen Means '53
5-06	Lance & Judy '61 Mikkelsen*
11-06	Bob '67 & Tracy Mullen '67 - Lifetime Membership
6-09	Russel Northup '60 Lifetime Membership
11-06	Jim '67 & Donna '75 Robinson - Lifetime Membership
5-08	Judy Core Robison '60 - Lifetime Membership
2-07	Marty Schafer '72 - Lifetime Membership
3-07	R. C. Shipley '65 - Lifetime Membership
8-07	Tom Shipley '72 - Lifetime Membership
3-09	John W. Sidwell '58
4-07	Mark Skahill '72 - Lifetime Membership
5-07	Jan '53 and Sue (friend) Strickland - Lifetime Membership
2-07	Bryce Sunderman '77 - Lifetime Membership
3-07	James R.'42 and Dorothy '43 Tyler - Lifetime Membership
2-07	Gary W. White '58 - Lifetime Membership
3-07	Paul Yeske '78 - Lifetime Membership
3-08	Paul '78 and Lori (friend) Yeske - Lifetime gift
	those who have given $100 - $199
9-07	Class of '46 - $100 towards the Marquee Sign
2-07	Dick '56 & Sandy Olson '59 Brown
5-06	Tom '52 & Susie '57 Enarson *
4-06	Tom '39 & Janice Focht
4-06	Dwight '46 and Janice '46 Lewis
4-06	Bob '61 & Tracy '61 Mullen
5-06	Teresa Nook - School Superintendent
4-07	Dennis Northup '62
4-06	Jason '92 & Darci '92 Poston
4-06	Roger '59 & Mary Lynn '63 Poston
4-06	Jim '67 & Donna '75 Robinson
4-06	Dave '49 & Corrine Williams
	those who have given $50 - $99
9-06	Lance & Judy '67 Mikkelsen
9-06	Steve '65 & Linda (Robinson) '66 Ridenour
2-08	Steve '65 & Linda '66 Ridenour
	those individuals who have given $1 - $49
2-07	Thomas P. Fisher '38
6-06	Ray & Stephanie '81 Jackson *
5-06	Tom Luker '53
5-06	Larry '71 & Shelly '71 Marsh *
4-07	Thor McMillen
9-06	Jim '67 & Donna '75 Robinson*
2-08	Peggy Brodrick Rogers '44
4-06	Marsha Shepherd '67
5-06	Marsha Shepherd '67 *
5-06	Jim & Diane Sifford *
11-08	Betty Ward in memory of Vona Wheeler Fryer class of 46*
	* Given in Memorial
	Memorials - not identified by giver
4-06	Harold Robinson '35 Memorial ($420)
5-06	Glenna Freuck Robinson '34 Memorial ($550)
5-08	Larry Wheeler (25)
	contributions of service and/or available resources in the development of the VAFA
	Economic Development Initiative of the Villisca Chamber of Commerce and the City of Villisca
	Bob Mullen '61
	Jim Obemeier - teacher - lifetime membership
	Jim Robinson '67
	Roxanna Sieber - "Friend"
	Peggy Vermillion - Owner of Villisca Review Stanton Viking

VAFA Mission Statement: The Association is a non-profit corporation committed to enhancing and supporting the educational (both academic and extra-curricular) facilities, programs and opportunities in the Villisca community. An effective public school system and ancillary educational opportunities are vital to small-town life.

VAFA Vision Statement: The Association envisions that it will, through the efforts of its volunteers:

1. Renew and facilitate regular communications and establish relationships with and among current and former students, faculty, administrators and staff of the Villisca schools;
2. Encourage and invigorate community spirit and involvement to aid the Villisca schools by enhancing a cooperative environment with the general public through communication and involvement;
3. Enrich the cultural and social environment of the Villisca community by implementing cultural and social events;
4. Promote and preserve the sense of community identity, history, and spirit of the Villisca schools through regular Association activities;
5. Augment the resources of the Villisca schools by providing structure for the donation of time, talent, and/or financial assistance;
6. Enhance the levels of achievement (academic and extra-curricular) in the Villisca schools by providing enrichment opportunities for students; and
7. Collaborate with officials of the public school system and other public and private organizations in the Villisca community to coordinate the efficient use of resources to achieve our mission.

We hope that the results of these efforts will:
1. Attract students to attend the Villisca schools;
2. Attract talented faculty and administrators to join the Villisca schools; and
3. Attract people to move to the Villisca community.

 

Lists of alumni by classes are listed on this Website. Click below on the decade you graduated in to see the list from your class.

1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s.

If you did not graduate but would like to receive information on alumni information, send us your contact information and we will get you on the list.

If you did not receive a copy of the VAFA letter sent to alumni in February 2008 it is probably because we do not have a correct address for you - please send us name, class, address and e-mail address to alumni@villisca.com and we will get you on the list. If you are a friend of the Villisca School District and would like to receive communications in the future, please sent your name, address and e-mail address to alumni@villisca.com

Dear Villisca Alumnus,

An exciting new era of everyone connected with the Villisca schools has begun. After more than a year of planning, a large group of alumni and former teachers organized the Villisca Alumni and Friends Association (VAFA) in 2006.

The idea grew out of the 2005 all-school reunion, when many people offered to help with alumni and school-related activities. A steering committee was formed to create a formal organization to tap into this energy and enthusiasm. The steering committee developed a mission statement and vision statement for the organization that is focused on helping the Villisca schools and indirectly the Villisca community. The process included a public forum for discussion of what VAFA should seek to accomplish.

These efforts culminated in the formation of VAFA as an Iowa non-profit corporation. The Board of Directors has held two meetings so far. The Board presently consists of 27 members, including two from each decade of graduates and the remainder at-large. In addition, a six-person Executtive Committee functions between Board meetings.

The Board has already examined numerous ideas for school-related projects. Since it was established VAFA has funded the construction of the sign with the scrolling marquee at the Middle/High School. It is in the midst of a project of preserving the class composite photos. These will be saved on DVDs by the decade and will be available to alumni by the 2009 All-Class Reunion. It also sought and received a grant providing partial funding for a whiteboard for the math department for the high school to provide our Villisca students with advanced learning tools in math. There are currently two new projects on the drawing board which are exciting so watch of that news to come.

VAFA has also agreed to assume the responsibility for future all-school reunions. Those reunions are another great opportunity to keep in touch with our friends who share this common bond with Villisca.

To further facilitate relationships among alumni, there is an alumni list at a new website, www.villisca.com. You can keep current on other alumni and friends by accessing that website. You can also view VAFA's complete mission statement and vision statement there, as well as a list of the directors and officers.

We invite all Villisca alumni and friends to participate in this dynamic venture by joining us as founding members of VAFA. The annual membership fee for 2007 is $25. A single lifetime membership is $500 or $750 for both spouses. We anticipate that membership dues will be used to fund ongoing projects and smaller, short-term projects.

Our operating and administrative costs are extremely low, consisting primarily of printing and postage expenses. There are no paid employees of VAFA - we rely solely on volunteer time.

Perhaps the most pressing problem now facing the Villisca schools is that of "open enrollment out." Under state law, students who live within one school district may enroll in a different school district. The number of students who live the Villisca school district but who enroll in a different school district has grown significantly in recent years. Every lost student means the district loses about $6,000 per year in state funding, so the district's budget suffers greatly.

Future efforts of VAFA will focus on keeping those students in the Villisca schools.

Future projects would run the gamut from providing educational equipment or programs, to supporting and promoting all types of extracurricular activities as well as athletic activities. The needs are many. Like most smaller schools, Villisca faces difficult budget choices every year. We can help meet those needs and show our appreciation for what the Villisca schools have done for us by participating in VAFA.

Meanwhile, you can help VAFA keep you informed on these developments and keep our mailing costs down at the same time if you would please give us your e-mail address on the form at the bottom of this letter. Your e-mail address would be used only by VAFA and would not be sold to any mass-marketer.

What was the first school year that hot lunches was served at Villisca schools and what one food items was in almost every lunch meal?

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click on the box for the answer

Each membership is very appreciated as it allows the VAFA to help Villisca schools, students and the community.

 

 

SUPPORT VILLISCA SCHOOLS

Students, parents and school supporters can make a difference in the finances of the Villisca School District: 1) save boxtops4education labels - we can earn up to $20,000 a year; 2) start your online shopping at either igive.com or goodsearch.com and the store you shop at will give a percentage of your order to your designated charity - there are over 700 stores you can shop at including some of your favorites. The "stores" include office supply stores as well as airlines and motels. 3) start your Internet searches at either goodsearch.com or isearchigive.com. They will pay your charity between one and two cents for each search. This is free money. It can make a difference for the Villisca Community Schools.

click here for a list of the 700+ stores you can shop at at igive.com

click here for a list of the wide array of products with
boxtops4education labels
more information available at www.boxtops4education.com

 

 

School Spirit - 2006 Style

Photos taken in at a basketball game January 19, 2006

thanks to Bill & Diane Shipley for sharing these pictures with our alumni

aren't they going to love these pictures at their 20th class reunion!?!

For those who have enjoyed the benefits of growing up in Villisca,
we invite you to contribute to the projects of your choice.

Listed below are some of the fundraising efforts going on in Villisca

Contributions can be sent to those noted or can be sent to the Villisca Education Foundation, c/o Carol Greenfield, 120 North 5th Avenue, Villisca, IA 50864. The Foundation is a 501c3 so contributions are tax deductible. When sending money to the Foundation, please include what the money is for.