Troy HS Class of 1976 holds 50th class reunion

Troy High School Class of 1976 holds 50th class reunion

The Troy High School Class of 1976 held its 50th Class reunion during the weekend of Sep 11-12, 2026.  The alumni participated in several activities on Friday, which included a Mentor Mingle with several former high school teachers, the rival football game in Piqua (a great game, by the way), and visiting the many businesses of downtown Troy after the social gathering and football game.  Those in attendance at the Mentor Mingle had the pleasure of hearing Linda Rudy Younce, a 1976 alumnus who provided accordion music.

Earlier in the day, the committee set up visits to the elementary schools so alumni could see them one more time before they were demolished.  There was also a visit to Van Cleve (our 7th and 8th grade home) and finally, the high school.  County Commissioner Ted Mercer (another 1976 alumnus) arranged a special tour of the courthouse to see the restorations that have taken place.  The event ended on Saturday with alumni meeting for a buffet dinner at the Redman’s Picnic Grounds.  The planning committee would like to acknowledge Haren’s for providing our main course.  Although a bonfire and cornhole were available, the group just did a LOT of catching up with old classmates.  We were honored to have our Class President, Nathan Carnes (who relocated to South Carolina) and Valedictorian Debbie Anderson Barkett (Troy resident), in attendance.  The group also had alumni who travelled from many different states including Texas, Florida, Virginia, Colorado, South Carolina, Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky, Arizona, Washington, Louisiana, and Kansas. 

To the best of its’ ability, the planning committee “recreated” the senior class picture we took in the football stadium 50 years ago.  We also had fun having alumni gather for elementary school photos which included Forest, Kyle, Heywood, Concord, Cookson, Hook and St. Patrick.  Class President Carnes spoke briefly before dinner about the joy of being back in Troy and reminded everyone about how special our class was.  We were the “Bicentennial Class of ‘76 and that only happens once in a lifetime”.  Several alumni brought memorabilia including graduation programs, pins, football programs, and high school jackets to show school spirit.  Some alumni gathered together Sunday morning for an impromptu, non-guided bike ride throughout Troy to finish the weekend.