A few years ago, Mike Ebersole had an idea. The 1974 graduate of Elizabethtown Area High School (EAHS) organized an all-class reunion for alumni of any class year. "Mike was a very social person," recalled Peter Rios, a friend from high school. "He thought this would be a fun way for everyone to get together."
His idea was well received. At the most recent all-class reunion, held in 2019, more than 150 people attended. Sadly, Ebersole passed away unexpectedly in June of 2020, but Rios wanted to keep the reunion going. This year's all-class reunion will be held on Sunday, April 24, beginning at 2 p.m. at the Elizabethtown American Legion, 240 N. Hanover St.
"A lot of classes don't have reunions, so this is a way for anyone to get together," Rios noted. "You can meet up with friends who graduated before you or after you. You can hang out with your siblings if they were in a different class. It's just a fun time."
Rios describes the reunion as a casual get-together, featuring food and a cash bar. "It's a time for socializing and a time to catch up," he explained. Reservations are not required, and it's open to anyone who graduated from EAHS.
Ebersole was well-known in the Elizabethtown community. He was the announcer for high school sports, as well as a DJ for WQIC in Lebanon and an announcer for Lebanon Valley College basketball and football.
"He loved to personalize his announcing," recalled Randy Garrett, who calls Ebersole his best friend. "He knew all the kids, and everyone knew Mike."
When Garrett and Ebersole graduated, they made a pact with three other guys to get together every year. Since then, they have had breakfast annually on the morning of Christmas Eve. "We never missed a year," he stated. "The year Mike passed, we put a hat at his place. We said there would always be a seat at the table for all of us, even if it's an empty seat."
Due to Ebersole's involvement in the district, the Elizabethtown Area Education Foundation has started a fund in his honor. "We are raising money to upgrade the sound system at the football field and in the high school gym," said Garrett, who is a member of the foundation board. "Our goal is to install the upgrades this summer to have it ready for the fall football season."
Rios encouraged everyone to come out to the all-class reunion, adding that he appreciates the support of the Elizabethtown American Legion in hosting the event. "Come and catch up with old friends," he stated. "Several retired teachers will be attending. It's just a fun day to socialize."
For more information on the reunion, contact Rios at 717-951-1413.
Leave a Review