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2014 Holiday Party & Meeting
Our Annual Meeting & Election of Officers & Directors was held on December 11, 2014. A holiday party for the volunteers of the CDHSAA was hosted by our President, Debbie Hoachlander, and her husband, Jeff. It was a very special evening, everyone who attended had a wonderful time with lots and lots of good food. A Big Thank You from all that attended. It is always fun being with our members who are involved in the association. Photos submitted by Bonnie Kapp Johnston '60
In November 2013, 24 of us boarded the Celebrity Summit and cruised through the southern Caribbean. It was a wonderful week - beautiful islands, great weather, and terrific company!
On July 1, 46 of us boarded an Amtrack train in Harrisburg and headed out to Pittsburgh to see the Phillies play the Pirates at PNC Park. It was a great trip, beautiful weather, and a fun group of people. In addition to the baseball game, we did a Duck Boat tour of Pittsburgh, had lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe, visited the casino, and more, then returned home on the 3rd.
After a two-year hiatus, our picnic came back with a bang! Over 200 people; all your favorite tunes from DJ Tim; delicious all-you-can eat buffet, beer & wine; Beer Garden for craft beer sampling; Wine Tasting tent; and an awesome band for dancing the night away. Here are a few photos of the festivities. If you were there and have other pictures, please feel free to add them to the album.
In 2009, the CDHSAA Board of Directors decided to start an annual recognition of an "Alumnus of the Year". Nominations are accepted from the CDHSAA membership and the Board makes the final selections. Congratulations to ALL of our outstanding honorees!
Our dedicated team of volunteers brave the elements to man the concession stand at all of CD's home football games, including the playoffs. We start out the season dealing with the heat and selling out the supply of bottled water and sodas. By the end of the season, we're bundled up like Eskimos and can't keep up with the hot chocolate orders!
The CDHSAA is extremely grateful to these people for their assistance. Our participation in this effort is a tremendous help to the football program and also provides a source of income to the Alumni Association.
The championship teams from 1997 and 2002, including cheerleaders, had their reunions on November 2, 2012. A pre-game social in the cheer garage, introduction on the field at half-time, and then a post-game celebration at Gilligan's. George Chaump coached both of these teams and enjoyed reuniting with his former players.
1997 Season Central Dauphin Rams Football Team
District 3-AAAA Champions
The 1997 Rams, under their new skipper, Coach George Chaump, enjoyed one of the most successful and memorable seasons in school history. Although CD had only been to the playoffs once in its school history prior to that season, the 1997 Rams set their sights high as they entered the postseason, winning the district championship in convincing fashion and advancing all the way to the state semi-finals, something that had never been done by any other Rams team. Along the way, they put Central Dauphin football back on the map and set the stage for great success on the gridiron in years to come.
2002 Season
Central Dauphin Rams Football Team
Mid-Penn Commonwealth Champions District 3-AAAA Champions
The 2002 Central Dauphin Rams Squad entered the season with lofty expectations and all the pressure that goes with being ranked #1 in the state. And they did not disappoint. With an undefeated regular season - which included a thrilling last-second victory over McDevitt - and an unforgettable victory over Wilson in the district championship, the 2002 Rams lived up to their billing. They were also known for their great individual talent at many positions, including Big 33 selections Brent Wise and Ardon Bransford. Under Coach George Chaump, the high flying Rams offense utilized that talent and put up some impressive numbers.
The 1972 Rams Central Penn Champion Football Team celebrated the 40th Anniversary of their accomplishment with a reunion at Landis Field on October 26, 2012. A pre-game reception drew over 60 people - 23 former players, 8 coaches, 4 cheerleaders, and family members - and the alumni team was recognized on the field at half-time. After the game, the celebration continued at Gilligan's.
Thanks are extended to:
Bob Rogers, CD '77, "Mr. Bob's Subway" for donating subs & cookies.
Jeff '74 & Debbie Groff Hoachlander '72 for donating bottled water, chips, pretzels, candies, guest gift bags.
Diane Miller Pattison '73 for providing a great Memorabilia display.
The CDHS Alumni Assn. for donating balloons & signs, copies of 1973, '74 & '75 Centralians & Alumni Directories, name badges, reprints of 1972 team photos & programs, can koozies, Alumni Discount Cards, and the appetizers provided at Gilligan's.
The Rams Club for donating 2012 Keepsake Football Programs.
CD Head Football Coach Glen McNamee & Athletic Director John Confer for their inspiration and assistance in making the reunion possible.
John Urban, Jr. '59, Debbie Gross Bayura '71, Diane Miller Pattison '73, Mike Heilig '73 and Debbie Groff Hoachlander '72 for their help with planning.
"The 1972 Central Dauphin Rams' success can be explained very easily. How they were able to win the Central Penn Championship was a combination of vision, hard work and a lot of talent - with a fair share of luck added of course.
This was not a team like years past -- they were smaller, both in the backfield and on the line. The question was: "How could they compete with the other teams?"
Head Coach Gary Sheeler and his staff had to find a way. The answer came -- SPEED. No, not the tremendous team trainer in 1972 and for many years to come - Mr. Speed Ebersole. The first and foremost SPEED came from the player who was to become the fastest halfback in the Central Penn Conference - one Steve Musser.
Every day, the team worked on SPEED - not just Musser and the running backs - but also on the offensive/defensive lines AND the Special Teams. From all those wind sprints to running the Hill, every day was a practice focused on getting faster and searching for more SPEED.
With every game, the concept of a TEAM also became stronger. Everyone did what was asked of them and EVERYONE gave 110%. SPEED helped the team to victory, but what actually won the games and the Championship was a group of very talented young men who came together in that magical 1972 season as a true TEAM. GO RAMS!!"
Submitted by Mike Heilig,Class of '73, Co-Captain of the '72 Rams.
On June 19, we had 25 people get together for a day in Hershey. We boarded the Hershey Trolley in front of Chocolate World and had a wonderful guided tour all over the town of Hershey. Returning to Chocolate World, we rode the chocolate ride, had a great lunch in the food court, and shopped for all sorts of goodies. We then drove to The Hershey Story - Chocolate Lab & Museum. After creating our own version of s'mores in the Lab, we were taken through the Museum by CD Class of '60 grad John Bender, who shared his knowledge of all things Hershey with us. A great day!
What a perfect night for a ball game! About 50 of us headed over to City Island for a great all-you-can-eat picnic buffet and lots of fun with friends and family.
On Dec. 14, 2011, we hosted a "Volunteer Appreciation Party" as a way of saying "Thank you" to everyone who helped us this year. Our volunteers are the heart of our organization and we are grateful for their assistance.
On the first Wednesday of each month, a group of CDHS grads gets together over breakfast. It's a great time to catch up with old friends and make new ones. Join us at the Promenade Family Restaurant on Derry St. Reservations are required by 8:00am that day - CDHSalumni@verizon.net or 541-0220.
Our second mixer was another rousing success! On the deck at The Colonial Lounge for a gorgeous night in Linglestown. In addition to the folks you see in these photos, some of the camera-shy attendees were: Nancy Compher Stine '62; Nicole Wallace '00 and her 3 guests; and photographer, Debbie Groff Hoachlander '72. A total of 35 people came out, we took in 5 new membership applications, and handed out several others.
PA Sports Hall of Fame, Central PA Chapter, 2011 Banquet
The 2011 Induction Ceremony was held on June 12, and Central Dauphin was well represented! Barry Schmiedel, Class of 1960, was honored as an inductee. Other inductees with ties to CD were Gary Sheeler, former CDHS football coach and Athletic Director, and Tami Scola, wife of former CDSD Superintendent Dr. John Scola. Many other CD alumni were in the audience to support our former Rams. The Alumni Association also placed an ad in the program booklet, listed all of CD's Hall of Fame Inductees to date - click here to see it.
Photos provided by Debbie Groff Hoachlander, Class of '72.
Our first "mixer" at Gilligan's! About 40 people attended, and we got 13 new memberships. In addition to the alumni you see in these pictures, the camera shy people who were also there included: Karen (Witmer) '60 & Sam Mummert '60; Susan Seeds; Jim Creason; Mike Mausner; Debbie Groff Hoachlander '72; Betty Blain Miller '63; Bev Davidson Bosak '62; Marty Bennett Malakin '72; Janice & Herb Wragg '58; Eric Epstein '78; Rich & Sarah Eshenour Johnson '63; Patty Martz '68.
The third annual All Alumni Reunion was held on Jun 20, 2009. Here are some photos of the great time that everyone had. The weather wasn't cooperative, so we all stayed inside for the evening, but that didn't put a damper on anyone's spirits. Thanks toJudy Nevin Emmers, '61 for sharing her pictures with us.
From Ray "Wally" Smith, '71 : I kept a few items from back in the Shanghai days. Had that on the wall in the basement of my parents place 4807 Locust Lane until they moved out about 8 years ago. That is one of the only items in the basement to survive Hurricane Agnes in 1972. There is a music periodical in the Harrisburg area called Shinbone. They are doing an article on Shanghai and asked us to send some old photos and stuff......so I thought I would send it to you as well.
For the third year, we have had an Alumni Welcome Booth at the Homecoming Football Game. Alumni were greeted as they entered Landis Field and given complimentary drinks and popcorn, and Alumni ribbon to wear. After the game, we headed over to Gilligan's to continue the celebration with more food & beverage!
The 1958 Undefeated Football Team was inducted into the CDHS Hall of Fame at the September 5, 2008 game at Landis Field. The following night, the team met for dinner at Geo's Country Oven Restaurant and the Alumni Association was there with gift bags for all team members.
Here is a collection of photos taken by various attendees at the 2nd Annual All Alumni Reunion Picnic - June, 2008. If you have additional ones, please feel free to add them!
On April 14, 2008, the school district hosted an Open House for the community to see the recently completed renovations to the CD Middle School, our former high school. A delegation of CDHSAA members set up a display table and served as an unofficial "Welcome Booth" for the attendees. We handed out Alumni Ribbons and information about our organization, brought the contents of the 1954 Time Capsule, and showed the film, "Central Dauphin's First Year" in the small auditorium. The renovations are amazing! If taken into the building blindfolded and then asked to guess where I was, I would never have thought it was the same building I spent sooooo much of my time in as a teenager.
For the second year in a row, the CDHSAA called for a "Green Out" at the East game. Everyone was encouraged to wear their CD green and the Alumni Association handed out free pom-poms to the CD fans. We are grateful to our generous sponsors - Enders Insurance Associates, Groundwater Sciences Corporation, and Jeff Hoachlander of Edward Jones Investments - for funding this effort for us.
The 2007 Homecoming game was Friday, Sept. 28th against Cedar Cliff. The CDHSAA sponsored an "Alumni Welcome Booth" where we greeted all alumni, handed out complimentary beverages (Thanks to Harrisburg Dairies!) and popcorn, and Alumni Ribbons. The classes of '57 and '62 were special guests as they were celebrating their 50th and 45th reunions that weekend. After the game, the party moved to Gilligan's Restaurant with approximately 100 enjoying each other's company, as well as snacks provided by the CDHSAA. Our lucky 50/50 winner was Sam Swartz ' 63, who took home $115!!!!
Here are some additional photos from the June 30th Picnic. If anyone can help to identify some of these faces, please email us. If you have photos that you took that day, you may upload them as well.
The opening of the 1954 Time Capsule at the Locust Lane building took place on September 23, 2005, the day before the 50th Anniversary Celebration. The items which were inside of it are currently being held until we purchase a new time capsule for the new high school. The NEW cornerstone at the Locust Lane building has been installed, and we are grateful to Bruce Wevodau, '69, for generously donating his time to this project.