A School Without a Past Has No History
BY PAUL F. PERRETEN
(This is an abbreviated article that was originally published in "The Hastings Historian," Spring 2002)
Bernie O'Brien's vision was to establish an Alumni Association to give each class a vehicle through which our alumni can memorialize their favorite teacher, family member, classmate or friend--to the end that each and every graduate will open their hearts to renew friendships, and their pocketbooks to create a scholorship fund for eligible seniors to help them pay for their post high school education. His ideas that have roots a century old with the births of teachers now long deceased.
The second leg of Bernie's vision was to propose and then establish the Ronald Wilson Lindemann Athletic Hall of Fame. Its purpose is two-fold: first, to memorialize our great and famous Coach and Athletic Director from the 1940s and 1950s whose teaching so effectively helped young boys grow to early manhood. Second, to recognize outstanding Hastings High School athletes. Further, he conceived and designed the plan and supervised the construction of the handsome board and display cabinet which was mounted on the back wall of the high school auditorium. It contains the names of the athletes selected for membership and houses a beautiful bronze bust and plaque of "Coach Lindy."
Bernie begged, borrowed and raised contributions from alumni to launch and complete this project. The objective is to organize alums to dedicate themselves, to give thanks and their dollars to Hastings and our country's young men and women, who will be our leaders and citizens of tomorrow.
Understanding Contributions
We are a 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt Charitable Organization, incorporated under the New York Not-For-Profit Corporation Law. Individuals, Corporations and other legal entities can make income tax deductible contributions and matching gifts to the Association for our Scholarship Programs. Contributions will be recognized as charitable deductions by the IRS. We are also exempt from NY State sales taxes for the purchase of goods and services--e.g., food and lodging at reunions. Contributions are tax deductible by the donor and eligible for corporate matching gifts. This was made possible by our legal advisor and Alumni Director/Treasurer Paul F. Perreten.
Our Mission
To promote the general welfare of the Hastings-on-Hudson High School and the awarding of scholarships to qualified applicants. Also, our goal is to help encourage fellowship of all alumni, and to assist, where possible, to promote that objective.
There is a lot to do . . . and you can help!
We know that many of you are too far away to contribute to local activities, but we all can try and spread the word. Make sure those classmates you have contact with, have heard about this web site or are receiving the paper newsletter. If you know of anyone who is planning a reunion and has a listing of their classmates, please try to convince them to share their current names and addresses with the Association . . . we will all benefit.
Our Alumni Association is still relatively small but growing steadily. We already have a big success story and have achieved many accomplishments. However, we have so much more to do. It all takes time and effort. Make sure you sign up with your old classmates and formally join your Alumni Association. Spread the word and if you can, get involved with the Association. We want representation from every class, to act as a liaison, and make sure your classmates are well represented in Alumni activities. Together, we will continue the Hastings winning traditions.
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