History of District 11 Alumni Association

On Oct 8, 1960, the Alumni of District 11 met in the auditorium of the Shidler High School for the purpose of electing officers and organizing an alumni association to meet annually. Jerry Harbeson, class of ’40, was elected president, Warren Argo, class of ’40, vice-president and Dorothy Vann Rhoten, class of ’40, Secretary-treasurer. A motion was made that dues for the association be set at $1.00 per person per year. This motion was seconded and approved. Graduates of classes from 1927 to 1959 were recognized. There were 117 charter members at that time.

That same year the Alumni Association donated money for a whirlpool bath for Shidler High School Athletic Department. In 1968 money was given for a lighted sign for the front of the school. Later, an ice machine and warmer were purchased for the cafeteria. The class of 1951 donated money for new curtains in the auditorium.

In 1963 the first alumni dance was held at the American Legion in Shidler.

In 1982 the association held their first barbecue. So many alums returned with their families, and with limited places to eat, the barbecue was started to fill a need and allowed alumni to stay on campus.

The earliest financials we could find began in 1993. 1993 was also one of our biggest years with 215 people in attendance at the barbecue and 280 people at the dance. In 1996 we had 425 people at the luncheon. Our biggest paid membership was in 2006 at 312 members. In 1973 dues were raised to $2 in 1981 dues were raised to $3 and in 1988 were raised to $5. In 2019, dues were raised to $10.

In 1984 the Alumni Association contacted the school to donate money to update the football press box. The school declined the funds. It was then decided in 1985 to establish the W.G. Ward scholarship with those funds.

The Herb Bias Elementary Memorial Athletic Fund was established in 1988 and is still active. This fund was created to ensure that elementary athletics endured during financial hardships. Mr. Bias was a teacher, coach, and principal and believed athletics developed character. Mr. Bias organized the Little Olympics in 1956. All students in the elementary school, kindergarten through 6th grade competed for ribbons given in 24 different events, including, 50-yard shuttle relay, and 50- and 75-yard dash.

In 2000 another generous donation of $15,000 was given by Mrs. Barbara Mitchell, widow of Bob, 1936 graduate and sister-in-law to Bill, 1940 graduate to establish The Bob and Bill Mitchell Scholarship. It was the wish of the brothers, as alumni, to remember the many good things about the Shidler School system. This scholarship is now inactive but gave 15 students $1000 to start their college career.

In 2001 The Association voted at the business meeting to open the Ashley Alexander Music Fund in honor of Mr. Alexander and is still active. Because many schools were losing their music programs, the Association wanted to ensure the music program in Shidler Schools could continue. The Association has purchased many items for the music program including instruments. The Association continues to accept donations for the fund.

Due to scholarships and funds received, in 2003 the Association applied and received its nonprofit status. Our Mission Statement is: The District 11 Alumni Association as a non-profit organization is dedicated to providing information and annual events to individuals who are alumni or who are/were affiliated with any public school, including schools no longer in existence, in Oklahoma Independent School District 11.

Mary Lou Cargill Memorial Library Fund was entrusted to the Alumni Association in 2009, by her family to help support and fund items that will benefit both the high school and elementary libraries with their Accelerated Reading program. Mary Lou worked thirty-two years for the Shidler District 11 Public School system as a librarian, and educator. In her tenure with the district she promoted her love of reading and a well-maintained library. The need for support for this fund remains.

In 2020 new grants were established; teacher grants were set up to help teachers buy needed supplies for their classrooms and student scholarships. We are discussing the best way to use these funds for students.

As we gathered for the Association’s 60th homecoming celebration and as we say goodbye to the halls at Dear Old Shidler High for last time, one thing shall forever remain…our school spirit. It is that very spirit that brings us back each year and that powers the heartfelt donations supporting future alumni. Our spirit shows our love.