Volume 17 , Issue 15

50th Alva High Goldbug Reunion

When the Old AHS Goldbugs get to town (Alva), where do they go? What do they do? Will they visit the Cherokee Strip Museum at the top of the hill, on 14th & Maple Street? Will they reconnect with old school friends? Why do they call them "Goldbugs?"

I just received the following notice about the 50th Goldbug Reunion this coming weekend: "From 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Friday, May 22, we will have your tickets and important information at the Rialto Cinema & Video, in downtown Alva. Stop by and say hi and pick up your packet. At 4:00 PM Friday, registration will move to the Moose Lodge for the "Lobster Feast" at the Moose Lodge (302 7th Street). On Saturday, 23 May, check-in is back at the Rialto and then later that evening at the college for the big event."

For those of you Goldbugs, Class of 1964-66, (AHS Class of '66) the following is a list of only a few of the things going on this coming Memorial weekend, 22-25 May 2015, in Alva, Oklahoma. Click the following link for more details of the happenings going on next weekend in Alva, Oklahoma for the 50th Goldbug Reunion.

• 05/22/2015, 11:00AM to 4:30PM - Reunion check-In at Rialto Theater; register and pick up your information packets and name tags.
• 05/22/2015 at 6:00PM til ?, Lobster Feast and party, Moose Lodge, 302 7th;
• 05/23/2015, Noon Lunch & Tour, Noon-2:00PM, Tour Alva High School
• 05/23/2015, Reunion Choir & Concert @ AHS, 2:00PM, Alva High School
• 05/23/2015, Saturday Chaffee Car and Goldbug Museum, 903 Locust St., 11:00AM til 12:30PM
• 05/23/2015 Sat Night Goldbug Five-O (The Main Event), 5:00PM, NWOSU Ballroom,
• 05/24/2015, Sunday Brunch @ Runnymeade Hotel, Reunion Central, corner of 4th & Flynn streets

History of the Goldbug

Where did Alva High get the mascot "Goldbug" and when? The history of the Goldbug, as far as I know, came from the early 1920's when a high school principal, J. Allen Thomas, who taught English. Thomas was a great admirer of Edgar Allan Poe and especially liked "The Goldbug."

Mr. Thomas conceived the idea of awarding beautiful paper goldbugs to outstanding students at annual honor banquets. The bugs, which were made by the high school students, went to those who were rated superior in their classwork and to those who were judged as being talented performers in music, debate, dramatics, and other school activities.

After that in the late 1920's the students began calling their athletic teams, "Goldbugs." The idea continues to this day. The mascot, Goldbug, was the "Symbol of Excellence" in academic and extracurricular activities.

Alva High school Song

In the 1920's there was also a song composed by Earl Shelley and was used to open all their school assemblies. The lyrics were as follows:

Once again we as schoolmates assemble, we far would lift our hearts in song, to our high school our dear Alma mater, let gladness the moments prolong. We are proud of our lads and our lasses, of hours won in days gone by, so here's a cheer for Alva High School, for Alva High School, for Alva High.

Here's to our classes; here's to our lasses; here's to the lads they adore; here's to the seniors so mighty, juniors so flighty, freshies and sophomores. Let mirth and gladness banish all sadness, and as the days go by, you'll find us ready and steady, boosting for Alva High.

Soon for us will our school days be ended, and joys of youth that fade so fast. But we know that our hearts often ponder, on memories that are past. There are joys that will long be remembered, and friendships too that ne'er shall die. So here's a cheer for Alva High School, for Alva High Schoo, for Alva High.
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