The Villisca Alumni and Friends Association (VAFA) was created following the All-Class Reunion in 2005 as alumni saw the need for a group that was supportive of the Villisca Schools and to bring together alumni on an ongoing basis. We are pleased to highlight VAFA and its many activities. 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. Lists of alumni by classes are listed on this Website. Click below on the decade in which you graduated to see the list from your class. Alumni listed
by decade
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VAFA Annual Golf Tournament Rained out
on July 4th - Rescheduled for September 5 SLOTS STILL AVAILABLE Please reregister - some teams may not be able to play on Sept. 5 so if you were not registered for the July 4th event, go ahead and registe rfor Sept. 5. Cost of a team is $100. Is your class having a reunion in 2010 or 2011? Please send information regarding the reunion to alumni@villisca.com so we can post it on the decade pages If your information is incorrect or you are not on the list on the decade pages, please e-mail villisca@villisca.com with your correct contact information |
- Supporting
Villisca Students - Preserving
Memories - Celebrating
Alumni - Community
Outreach - About
VAFA - Lifetime
Memberships - 2010 Annual
Memberships - Other VAFA
Donations
VAFA Sponsors a Project for a New Flagpole at Sylvia Enarson Elementary - Dave Williams '49 was the lead in getting a new flagpole installed at the elementary school. The dedication of the Flagpole and Flags was Friday, August 27, 2010. Dave spoke on behalf of VAFA, giving the vision behind this new flagpole. Ernie Robinson spoke for the VFW who contributed the flags. This was truly a community effort with the Power Plant, the City Maintenance Crew and Dennis Hammerstrom all having a hand in making the project happen.
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
Makes a Difference as Students go to State
As
the boys prepared to go to State in 2009,, the VAFA Executive Committee was
in contact with the school to see if there were areas where VAFA
could be of assistance. It was decided that VAFA would provide
funds for meals for the players, coaches & student managers. 
This assistance from VAFA allowed the boys to enjoy their trip without
the worry of finances.
Again, when the Speech students went to state in 2010, VAFA helped with the cost of a meal for the students and their chaperones.
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. Other teachers became excited about the possibilities and in 2010, the Villisca School Board voted to use some of the local option tax monies to purchase white boards for all the classrooms in the district.
Charter Members of the Bluejay Hall of Fame inducted July 3, 2009 during the All-Class Reunion
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
Sponsored by the Villisca Alumni and Friends Association, these people were inducted in the first class to the Hall of Fame in a ceremony held during the 2009 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.
click here to read the bios of the Bluejay Hall of Fame Members
Remembering the Triumps
Displaying the many trophies collected over the years
An ongoing project of VAFA has been the sorting and displaying of the many tropies collected due to the achievements of Villisca students, musicians, and athletics through the years. In 2009, seniors sorted through stored tropies and in 2010, Mr. Peterson's shop class restored the Fred Bryson memorial trophy case. The memorial case was originally funded by the Fred Bryson 
family and built by Coach Jake Grasmick. It has taken its place in the hallway at VHS. VAFA will be maintaining a rotating display of old VHS trophies. Also on display are the older sportsmanship award plaques which have been returned from storage.
VAFA Preserves Class Composite Photos
With word that there were some of the class composites stored at the Armory that were deteriorating, VAFA made it a project to capture VHS class composites digitally. The composites are available by decade on DVD. A interactive display of the photographs is being planned for the Community Center. All but a handful of class photos were located and captured. Special thanks go to Peggy Vermillion for photographing the composites and Gene Behrens for getting them on the DVD
All Class Reunions
VAFA has taken on the responsibility of planning an All-School Reunion celebration during the Villisca Heritage Days every four years. The next reunion will be in 2013.
First 50 Fun Day
In 2010, VAFA sponsored a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the VHS Gymnasium. It was a day long event which included a Fun Run/Walk, a 3 on 3 Tournament, a demonstration of girl's six-on-six basketball, a program featuring the 1968 Villisca girl's team and the 2009 Villisca boy's team. The program and displays celebrated the accomplishments of the many groups who have used the gym for sports, music, drama and art displays.
VAFA Preserves Class Composite Photos
With word that there were some of the class composites stored at the Armory that were deteriorating, VAFA made it a project to capture VHS class composites digitally. The composites are available by decade on DVD. A interactive display of the photographs is being planned for the Community Center. All but a handful of class photos were located and captured. Special thanks go to Peggy Vermillion for photographing the composites and Gene Behrens for getting them on the DVD.
Watch for information about the media presentation of the collected composites which has gone up at the Community Center.
VAFA Purchases Multi-Media System for the Villisca Community Center
Pictured are Brian Carlson and Bryce Sunderman installing the new multi-media system at the Community Center.
Having a party or an event at the Villisca Community Center just got better with the installation of a multi-media system, courtesy of the Villisca Alumni and Friends Association (VAFA). The system has a 55” Samsung L.E.D. Television and then all the components for running BlueRay, DVDs, VHS, Gaming Systems, MP3 Players, or as a monitor for laptops or netbooks.
The system came as a result of a search for a way to display the 80+ composite photos that have been so carefully preserved. The photos are on a DVD and in the process of search for display options, Brian & Mary Carlson hit on the idea of the media center.
For meetings and mini-conferences held at the Community Building, this system will allow power point and other graphic presentations and to run video presentations. At family and class reunions old family movies that have been put on VHS or DVDs can be viewed. For events where background music is wanted, the music and be played off an IPod or MP3 player. At parties, people can bring in their gaming systems and play them. The uses are countless beyond giving visitors to the community building the chance to see the composite photos from VHS classes from years long ago.
VAFA Purchases Scrolling Sign for VHS
Pictured with the sign are some of the VAFA Board Members at the time the sign was installed.
This Marquee sets on the VHS campus. It announces both school and community activities. It also displays the time and date. This is a great contribution to the community.
VAFA was one of several community sponsors
of over the street banners
welcoming RAGBRAI riders in 2009
The sign says - "Welcome to Villisca ~ there's only one."These were not RAGBRAI specific signs so they can be used to welcome guests to Villisca in the years ahead. Footings are being placed in the ground in five different locations in Villisca so the signs can be used without asking the Power Plant people to get them up over the street. The locations will include VHS, at the community building and the two entrances to Villisca from Hwy 71.
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.
Contributions may be made to the VAFA general fund to help with the newest projects. VAFA is a 501(c)3 so all contributions are tax deductible
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.
Have
you become a VAFA member yet?
VAFA - making a difference for Villisca
youth.
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.
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VAFA BOARD Executive Committee Decade Representatives Members at Large Ex Officio Members |
VHS Alumni and Friends who have invested in
VAFA with Lifetime Memberships
Gwen L. Alexander '68
Bill Anderson '53
Bill Brenton '60
Bob & Judy Carlson '62
Ed Day '67
Rich '75 & Kay '76 Fast
Richard Fastenau '48
Jeff '76 & Nora Focht
Mark Focht '77
Marvin & Barb Focht '48
Elzene Gourley '65
Rick Gustafson (T)
Jim '76 and Jan Herzberg
Todd (F) & Katie '98 James
Kirk Jamison '62
Marlene Kennon - Teacher
Bill '56 and Leona '56 Kernen
Dwight & Janice Lewis '46
Tom Marsh '70
George McVicker - Teacher
Robert & Kathleen Means '53
Treva Marie Milligan '33
Bob '67 & Tracy ’67 Mullen
Russel Northup '60
Jim Obemeier (T)
Darwin Peterson '68
Ralph & Connie Phillip '74
Judy Robison '60
Jim '67 & Donna '75 Robinson
Judy Core Robison '60
Ann Ruple '71
Marty Schafer '72
Douglas '60 & Jane (F) Shough
R. C. Shipley '65
Tom Shipley '72
Douglas '60 & Jane (F) Shough
John W. Sidwell '58
Mark Skahill '72
Jan '53 and Sue (F) Strickland
Bryce Sunderman '77
Louise Sunderman (parent)
James R.'42 & Dorothy '43 Tyler
Gary W. White '58
Paul '78 & Lori (F)Yeske '78
(F) - Friend; (T) Teacher
2010 Annual Memberships Vernita Adams '38 Carol Balgemann '69 Dennis '62 & Heidi (F) Bartz Bob '60 & Judy '62 Carlson Thomas Darnold (F) Tom '52 & Susie '57 Enarson Dustin & Kristin Fast '96 Chele Garder '83 |
Gail Hampel '50 Carol Jean Smith Iverson '55 Don Jackson '67 Darwin E. Kendrick '50 Mary Bennett Lauhead - teacher Mary Lou Madden '38 Nancy Means Ngle '71 Janet Olenius '56 |
Bob Penwell '64
Tom & Laura Schafer '75 Norma Miller Tanner '50 Lucille Vonnahme (teacher) Elizabeth "Betty" Ward '46 Misti Heard Yates '95 (F) Friend; (T) Teacher |
Gifts
Class of '46 - $100 towards the Marquee Sign
Class of '62 - $200 toward the purchase of the Marquee sign
Freida Creswell '42
Madeline Bergren '50
Dick '56 & Sandy Olson '59 Brown
Lillian Bulleri Dusatko '41
Thomas P. Fisher '38
Marvin '48 & Barb Focht (F) - contribution for the Marquee Sign
Tom '39 & Janice (T) Focht
Jim Hyink '50 - contribution for the Marquee Sign
Kirk Jamison '62 - Contribution for the Marquee Sign
Dick & Gloria Kline (F)
Dwight '46 and Janice '46 Lewis
Tom Luker '53
Thor McMillen
Tom Means (F)
Bob '61 & Tracy '61 Mullen
Teresa Nook (School Superintendent)
Dennis Northup '62
Jason '92 & Darci '92 Poston
Roger '59 & Mary Lynn '63 Poston
Jim '67 & Donna '75 Robinson
Peggy Brodrick Rogers '44
Lance & Judy '67 Mikkelsen
Merrill Nisely '49
Carl Marvin Peterson '48
Steve '65 & Linda '66 Ridenour
Marsha Shepherd '67
Erin Sorenson (Student)
Fred Stickler '50
David '49 & Correne (F) Williams
Dave '49 & Corrine (F) Williams
M.A. Woodward '44
Paul '78 and Lori (F) Yeske
Memorials
Helmer Asklof '30
Joan Brown (Friend)
Steven Fitzwater ‘72
Vonna Wheeler Fryrear '46
Linda Heard ‘62
Bruce Jamison '55
Don Means '41
Leland Means '46
Carolyn Mitchell Olson'55
Nelle Palmquist (Friend)
Glenna Freuck Robinson '34
Harold Robinson '35
Irene Robinson (Friend)
James F. Schulz (Friend)
Elmer Simpson '40
Larry Wheeler '60
Phyllis Whitney ‘46
Gifts of Time and Resources
Economic Development Initiative of the Villisca Chamber of Commerce and the City of Villisca
Bob Mullen '61
Jim Obemeier - teacher
Jim Robinson '67
Roxanna Sieber – (F)
Peggy Vermillion - Owner of Villisca Review Stanton Viking
