The meeting was called to order by president Melinda Strong. Members of classes from years ending in "1", "2", and "3" were recognized. Special recognition was given to R.C. Davis as the only surviving member of the class of 1943. The Lufkin Daily news and the TV station out of Tyler both did interviews with Mr. Davis about this being he 80th anniversary of his graduation from Apple Springs High School.
Joan Ragland gave the treasurer's report. She distributed copies of the financial statement and informed the group that an accurate report of the groups financial status is always available of the website under the Financial Reports tab. Rebecca Thorne made motion to accept financial report and file for audit, second by Kelly Lankford. Motion carried.
Joan also reported on the status of the scholarships that the group awards each year. Applications and recipient information can be found under the Scholarships tab on the website.
Melinda and Joan gave an update on the status of the brick garden. The group is still looking for someone willing to lay the bricks. The ones that have been ordered in previous years are waiting to be placed on the school campus. It appears that the best way to proceed would be to replace the bricks that are currently at the flagpole and construct a walkway that can have additional bricks added over the coming years. Rebecca Thorne made a motion to take up bricks from the current location and begin construction of a new sidewalk. Cost of replacing current bricks would be covered by specific fundraisers and donations identified as being for the brick path. Second by Wayne Strong. Motion carried.
Melinda asked the group to consider implementing a process to ensure that the association has documentation of scholarships being delivered to recipients in a timely manner. Wayne Strong made a motion to ask the school for a copy of the processed scholarship checks from AISD for auditing compliance. Second by Rebecca Thorne. Motion carried.
Group opened discussion for consideration of scheduling of alumni homecoming activities for 2024. There being no strong opinions expressed, Joan Ragland made a motion to keep activities focused on basketball game in January, but to leave open the option of having activities associated with football homecoming in the fall. Second by Wayne Strong. Motion carried.
Discussion of slate of officers. Rebecca Thorne made a motion to keep current slate of officers. Second by Linda Madden. Motion carried.
Discussion of creation of planning committee. Rebecca Thorne made a motion to create a planning committee to assist with fundraising activities and coordination of alumni activities. Second by Wayne Strong. Motion carried. Melinda will be recruiting volunteers to serve on the planning committee.
Fundraisers planned for the future include the following: April 8--Spring Garage Sale at old fire station July 15 -Fall Garage Sale First Saturday in December - Vendor Fair at old fire station Raffle Board Squares- Begin selling chances in August, goal is to award winners at Basketball homecoming.
Wayne Strong made a motion to adjourn. Second by Rebecca Thorne.
Winners from SILENT AUCTION: R.C. Davis ---Auto Charging Station donated by Melinda & Wayne Strong Kathy James -- Wooden Porch Swing donated by Linda & Roy Lynn Madden
