Remembering Bettsville schools

BETTSVILLE --- In 2019, Bettsville School graduates, former employees, teachers and community members began to have an official annual reunion, and the yearly event continues to grow. The 2023 BHS Reunion will take place Saturday. Bettsville graduate Nicol (Olmstead) Crum, who helps plan the reunion, said she expects attendance to at least double from last year, when approximately 150 people got together for the community celebration. Crum said the American Legion again will host the reunion, and an outside tent and DJ will be new to the event this year. The 2023 reunion will "have a lot more fun things," Crum said. Like last year, dinner is being provided by Fat Pete's, she said, and this year's meal "will be ten times better." Bottled water will be provided, and attendees will need to bring any additional beverages to enjoy, she said, including pop, beer and wine. There is no cost to attend the reunion, and dinner is $25. Doors open at the American Legion in Bettsville at 5 p.m., with dinner served until 6 p.m., raffle drawings at 7 p.m., and music from 7-11 p.m. Prior to the reunion itself, the Bobcat Memory Room will be open in the former Bettsville school building from 3-5 p.m. Featuring a collection of Bettsville's awards, uniforms, pictures, and yearbooks, visitors can take a walk down memory lane with mementos of Bobcat pride. Crum said interest and participation in the reunion, and the Facebook group that helps bring the Bobcat family together, continues to grow. "We are up to almost 1,000 members," Crum said. Having so many people participating, she said, is a reflection of the special bond shared by Bettsville graduates and community members. "We're just like family," Crum said. Crum said a special thank-you is due to event staff Denise Martin, Susan Nighswander, Angie McGinis, Nicol Crum, Tracy Gase, June Obar, Bill Nye, Kelly Wise, and Mike Knisely. Bettsville Local Schools merged with Old Fort Local Schools in 2014.