Alumni History

The Canastota Alumni Association

The Canastota Alumni Association has been proudly bringing graduates together for well over a century. Each June, we gather to celebrate our annual Canastota Alumni Banquet, keeping a tradition alive that began in 1881. Our history started with a banquet honoring Canastota’s very first graduating class, which consisted of a single graduate, Miss Lizzie Lamb. The Alumni Association was formally founded
by Mrs. Margaret Mooney Milmoe in 1928 with a clear purpose: to promote lifelong fellowship and deep investment in our school community.

Today, our annual banquet remains the cornerstone of that mission. While modern cultural and social shifts present new challenges in keeping graduates engaged, our community remains incredibly strong. Every June, we proudly welcome approximately 120 alumni and guests to our annual celebration. Each year at the banquet, we celebrate the outstanding contributions of our community members and students by presenting:
● The Vincent V. Albanese Alumni Achievement Award
● The Educator’s Award
● The Special Recognition Award
● Alumni Certificates for veterans receiving diplomas under the Operation Recognition guidelines.

We also put a special spotlight on our graduating Seniors, honoring those who receive our annual Alumni Scholarships as well as all seniors in attendance. Special milestone classes are recognized each year alongside our traditional 50-Year Honor Class.

Leadership & Activities
Under the leadership of President Brenda Egelston and our dedicated Board of Directors, the Alumni Association continues to actively foster school and community spirit through the following initiatives:
● Supporting Students: Sponsoring the annual Senior Breakfast before graduation.
● Scholarships: Presenting our annual scholarships to deserving students at the Senior Awards Night.
● Events & Connection: Organizing the annual Alumni Banquet and publishing the Alumni Newspaper to keep graduates connected.
● Preserving History: Maintaining a dedicated display case and Alumni bulletin board in the High School Foyer to inspire current CCS students and promote awareness of our history.