The 33rd Hiram School Reunion was a wonderful gathering of friends, classmates, and community. A heartfelt thank you goes to Maryan Simsa Jenkins and Barbara Porter Biltz for their dedication in organizing this year’s event.
A total of 54 alumni and guests attended, representing classes from 1952 through 1964, along with several Crestwood graduates. Many attendees traveled from outside Ohio, making the day even more special.
A moment of remembrance was held for alumni who have recently passed:
• Richard Masters (1954) – 7/10/2026
• Corrine “Corky” (Zeleznik) Vondle (1966) – 4/7/2026
• Larry Fahl (1964) – 1/28/2026
• Shirley (Bennett) Matzek (1953) – 9/24/2025
• Steve Kacenski (1962) – 8/17/2025
• Evelyn Taffel (1944) – 8/10/2025
• Richard Brooks (1954) – 3/01/2025
• John Porter (1946) – 1/24/2025
• Virginia (Hopkins) Moore (1949) – 1/17/2025
Several treasured pieces of Hiram history were shared, including Speedometer yearbooks, old school photographs, and a vintage Hiram Huskies sweatshirt. These items will be donated to the Hiram Historical Society.
Charles Brady, visiting from West Virginia, offered a blessing before the potluck meal.
Two milestone class reunions were celebrated:
Class of 1956 – 70th Reunion
Dale Fairbanks, Doris (Cates) Cope, Margaret (Krueger) Smith. Liz (Kieselbach) Ritchey, Maurice Baker.
Class of 1961 – 65th Reunion
Barbara Randa Hill, Jane Proctor Shipman, Bea Zeleznik Brom, Ruth Porter Marlewski. Louise Burrows Kovar.
A special “Super Big Thank You” goes to Maryan’s daughters—Mary, Sandy, and Lisa—for organizing the food and drinks, ensuring everyone enjoyed a delicious meal and a relaxed afternoon. They even packed leftovers for attendees to take home.
Maryan and Barb announced they will organize one more reunion, and Jerry Matzek will reserve the Troy Community Center for July 18, 2027.
