FJ Reitz High School  Big Blue Boosters Hosting The 100th-Anniversary Brunch

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Saturday, March 16, 2019, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., in the FJ Reitz High School Cafeteria, Big Blue Boosters is hosting the 100th-anniversary brunch. The historic high school on Reitz Hill has been celebrating its 100th year during the last 10 months.
 
More than 183 friends, alumni and retired educators have purchased tickets. While the brunch is open to the public, ticket sales have ended. No additional persons can be accommodated. But media is welcome!
 
Big Blue Boosters, a 38-year-old non-profit club supporting extracurricular activities at FJ Reitz has led anniversary preparations beginning in 2014 through this event.  A Birthday Bash in September, Pub Crawl in October, the re-enactment of groundbreaking and cornerstone placement during 2017, an integration panel discussion in February and visit the Reitz Home Museum in September have been part of the celebrations.
 
The brunch commemorates the 100th anniversary of dedicating Reitz High School. The original dedication occurred in March 1919, even though the school opened in September 1918.  Construction was not complete until late October 1918, and during November all Evansville schools closed for several weeks due to the Spanish Influenza epidemic.  
 
Thus, the dedication was delayed and took place after winter passed. 
 
The boosters and volunteers have produced a pictorial history book, heirloom boxed Christmas ornaments, anniversary t-shirts and Feel the History short digital features.  Also, led by Big Blue Boosters, donors have raised more than $54,000 to fund architecturally significant entry gates to the school’s drives.  
 
The Brunch closes out the major 100th anniversary year celebrations. 
 
Before and during brunch, FJ Reitz students from choir and instrumental music will perform. A special AV presentation will be given by Indiana Teacher of the Year and Sagamore of the Wabash Jon Carl of FJ Reitz High School. The brunch is sponsored by Heritage Petroleum.
 
Most attendees will be retired staff members from FJ Reitz and alumni — most of whom are graduates from before the 1970s even into the 1940s.
 
From noon until 1 pm, school tours will be offered with a focus on historic additions and historic features.
  
  • Reitz cafeteria overlooks the Ohio River and features a balcony with an amazing river view.  
  • Reitz the oldest EVSC high school that retains its original location.  
  • FJ Reitz pre-dates Reitz Memorial High School’s construction by six years.
For more information contact Elizabeth Carnahan principal of FJ Reitz High School 812 435-8202 or Ann Ennis 812 483-5671

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