FSCH to celebrate 60th anniversary with reunion event

Fort Scott Christian Heights officials expect between 200 and 300 FSCH alumni to attend a special reunion celebration next month.
The FSCH Alumni Association has invited all alumni and former students of the local private school, which was founded in 1947, to attend the school's 60th anniversary celebration weekend June 8-9 in Fort Scott.
The event's theme is "A Walk Down Memory Lane," and will feature a variety of entertainment and activities, many of which are open to the public. Alumni are also asked to bring school memorabilia with them for display at the event, officials said.

FSCH alumnus Larry Gilpin, a retired 36-year broadcaster, will be the guest speaker for the reunion banquet on Saturday, June 9. FSCH alumnus Paul Page, who grew up on a Bourbon County farm and later earned his Ph.D., will serve as master of ceremonies for the event.
Local businesswoman Brenda Parsons, a member of the committee that is planning the event, said Gilpin was chosen because of his affiliation with the school, his successful career, and his popularity with staff and students at the school.
Gilpin was born and raised on a farm near Blackjack, Mo., and spent four years at FSCH before leaving as a junior. He began his radio career as an on-air personality in El Dorado Springs, Mo., at the age of 14, earning $14 a week. He later worked in broadcasting sales and management. He is now retired and lives in New Hampshire, where he serves as a member on several boards that oversee the state's judicial system.
Gilpin has worked at -- and even owned --television stations in Missouri, Texas, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. He became the vice president and general manager of a Boston, Mass., television station in 1990. In 2001, Gilpin sold four network television stations in which he had equity, one of which sold for $185 million, the highest price ever paid for a single television station sale across all United States markets.
He is also noted for giving several notable major television network personnel their first on-air jobs. Gilpin graduated from Central Missouri State University in 1972 where he earned a degree in Public Relations and Advertising.
Page, who grew up on a farm between Bronson and Uniontown, was selected to appear at the reunion event because of his important fund raising efforts for the FSCH Alumni Association, Parsons said. Page attended Fort Scott Community College in 1960, and later transferred to Pittsburg State University where he earned bachelors and masters degrees in 1962 and 1964, respectively. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Kansas in 1973.
During the course of his career, Page has taught at several high schools and universities across the country. He has served on the administration staff of several of those universities.
The reunion kicks off at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 8, with social time, refreshments, and a special music rehearsal at the Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton St. Softball games, which the public may enjoy, will take place starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 9 on the FSCH campus, 1101 S. Barbee.
Registration for the Saturday evening banquet will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the school. The winner of a scheduled "Walk Down Memory Lane" trivia contest will receive a vacation package to Branson, Mo.
The banquet and music celebration begins at 7 p.m. Saturday at CCC, and is open to family, friends and the general public. Many of the school's alumni are returning to perform special music during the concert, which is free of charge to everyone who attends.
There will be a $10 fee per person for meals served during the banquet. Any free will donations will also be accepted, Parsons said.
To make reservations for the dinner and music show, call Parsons at (620) 223-6370.