The 2^nd meeting of the MCHS Alumni Memorial Committee was held on this date at the home of Wayne and Norma Prichard.  Those in attendance were:  Chairperson, Jack Koger; Wayne and Norma Prichard; Cecil and Elaine Walker; Barbara Gilreath, Sam Perry; Ted Baker; Mike Baker; Nell Koger and Anne Duncan-Withrow.

Minutes of the January 19, 2008 meeting were approved as written.   

The following Agenda items were discussed:

Report regarding possible placement sites of the monument. 

Ted Baker reported that he is still working on a list of sites for consideration.  He will keep the committee advised as those discussions develop. 

Jack Koger presented, for committee approval, the official letter to alumni composed by Sam Perry.  The letter is designed to fill each and every person who ever attended McCreary County High School with nostalgia and enthusiasm for the project.  The committee agreed that the letter was exceptionally well written and a tremendous step forward in our effort to make this dream a reality. 

Motion by Ted Baker – seconded by Wayne Prichard, to accept the letter as written.  Motion carried unanimously.

The letter will be prepared for distribution. It is our hope, through this letter, we will be able to determine just how much interest and enthusiasm can be generated for this worthwhile project.  We are not asking for donations at this time, just an expression of interest.  The first mailing will be targeted to members of the Class of ’57 inasmuch as, at this time, they are the lead group on the project.  The letter has been e-mailed to all those for whom we have e-mail addresses.  In addition, the letter will become an official part of the minutes for this date and be posted on the MCHS website @ http://www.mcmemorial.org

The letter has been forwarded to all local media for publication

Jack Koger suggested a donation by the committee as a start-up fund to pay for expenses incurred such as postage, etc.  $135 was collected and Barbara Gilreath and Elaine Walker will establish an account at Bank of McCreary County.

It was suggested that inasmuch as Memorial Day Weekend brings a lot of out-of-town people back to the county, it would be a good idea to hold a special meeting in the hope of drawing those folks into our project.  This is an excellent idea and Saturday, May 24, at 2:00 P.M. was chosen as the date and time.  Place will be determined and a meeting notice and contact phone number will be published with our local media

We are in need of legal counsel and would welcome a volunteer for this service.

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held at 6:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 8, 2008 at the home of Wayne and Norma Prichard.

There being no further business for discussion, the meeting adjourned.

Press Release
For Immediate Release  Monday, January 21, 2008
 
 
Whitley City, Kentucky
McCreary County High School (MCHS) Alumni Memorial committee formed
 
At the 50th Reunion of the Class of ’57, an idea was discussed to create a lasting memory for teachers and alumni members of the McCreary County High School.  The building is sadly in an extremely deteriorated condition and, very likely, its presence will fail to exist in the near future.  The property is currently privately owned by Rev. Braxton King.  Alumni Tom Clark has established an informational MCHS website to visit at  http://www.crosskit.com/class57
  
The first meeting was held on January 19th the home of Wayne and Norma Prichard.  Those in attendance were:  Jack Koger; Wayne & Norma Prichard; Cecil and Elaine Walker; Ted Baker; Shirley Bryant; Anne Duncan; and Tom Clark via WebCam.
 
The meeting was basically a brainstorming session to establish the formation of a committee and discuss ways and ideas to proceed with establishment of a McCreary Alumni Memorial.  The following items were discussed:
 
Project Title
 
By a unanimous vote it was agreed that the project be called The MCHS Alumni Memorial
 
Placement of the Monument
 
Jack Koger stated that Doug Stephens has spoken with co-owner Monica King  and obtained verbal permission to construct the monument on the grounds of the high school building.  It was determined by the committee that before proceeding with actual construction at any site selected, written approval must first be obtained before expending any monies.
 
Other possible sites discussed were:
          McCreary Central grounds.
          Courthouse lawn. 
          McCreary Bank Park on Main St. in Whitley City,
          The new McCreary County Park currently under construction.
 
A brick replica of the old McCreary Co. High School building was suggested.  A search will be done by the committee members to obtain an acceptable photograph for possible use in the preparation of a drawing.
 
A drawing and specifications must be prepared to determine size, cost estimate and for presentation to various officials and/or property owners for their review and approval.  It was suggested that Jack Koger contact
Ruthann Murphy Pratt to determine if possibly she could do the drawing.
 
Construction Material    
 
Wayne Prichard suggested it would be neat to use the old brick and stone from the building. He also suggested that, for a fee, alumni could have their name engraved in a brick.
 
Jack Koger stated that Doug Stephens also indicated that Monica King had given verbal approval for our reuse of the old brick.
 
Cecil Walker suggested that, quite possibly, the old brick could contain asbestos dust.  EPA would need to be contacted for a ruling on its reuse.  This is definitely an issue for further discussion.
 
All committee members agreed that brick would be the preferred material of choice for the memorial.
 
Project Funding
 
Committee discussion for funding possibilities include:
 
Purchase by alumni, for engraving, of brick used in construction.  This would be open to all past students of McCreary High regardless of whether or not they graduated.  It would also be open to family members of deceased alumni who wish to purchase bricks in memory of their loved ones.
 
If approved by EPA, old brick could also be sold to alumni for personal use as mementos.
 
Of course, donations in any denomination will be solicited.  Just how and when procurement of funds will begin is a topic for future discussion.  
 
Jack Koger indicated that Barbara Gilreath has generously volunteered to establish and manage an account at the McCreary Bank for these funds when we are ready to proceed with this aspect of the project.

Alumni Contact List

Compiling a list and mailing addresses of the McCreary alumni will be a major project.  During his visit to the School Board regarding construction of this memorial, Cecil Walker will also discuss with them whether they have any of these records and can they be obtained.  Committee members of various MCHS Reunions can be contacted for their respective list.  Other potential sources will be discussed.

Establishment of Officers/Committee Members

Chairperson:                       Jack Koger
Treasurer:                         Barbara Gilreath
Recording Secretary:              Anne Duncan Withrow
Committee Members:              Ted Baker
                                    Shirley Bryant
Webmaster                        Tom Clark
                                    Norma Prichard
                                    Wayne Prichard
                                    Elaine Walker
                                    Cecil Walker

These nominations were approved by all in attendance.

Committee Meetings

The committee agreed that meetings will be held monthly.
The next scheduled meeting will be held at 6:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 16, at the home of Wayne & Norma.  This is subject to change based upon the determination of a larger attendance.