Alumni History
The Canastota Alumni Association has been in existence for well over 100 years. In June of 2010 we held our 129th annual Canastota Alumni Banquet. The first banquet was held in 1881 honoring Canastota’s sole graduate, Miss Lizzie Lamb. The Alumni Association itself was founded by Mrs. Margaret Mooney Milmoe in 1988; its purpose to promote fellowship and interest in the school community. The annual banquet helped the association in reaching its goals.
Due to the many cultural and social changes throughout the years, it has been a challenge to keep student and alumni interested in our association and to keep this organization a viable one. We still manage to attract approximately 200 alumni and guests at the annual Alumni Banquet held in late June of every year. The Vincent V. Albanese Alumni Achievement Award, The Educator’s Award, and a Secretarial Award denoting outstanding contributions to his/her profession and the community are presented to deserving persons at the banquet each year. Also honored is the Senior who is the recipient of our annual Alumni Scholarship and recognizing any other seniors who are in attendance. Veterans who apply for, and receive diplomas under the guidelines of Operation Recognition are presented with Alumni Certificates and various classes are honored along with the 50 Year Class.
Under the leadership of President Mary Ann Dilettoso Mengucci and its 15 directors, the Alumni Association continues to promote school and community fellowship and interest with the following activities and accomplishments:
- Participating in Homecoming Weekend Activities
- Assisting the Senior Class with putting on the annual chicken barbeque held on the day of the school budget
- Sponsoring a Senior breakfast prior to graduation
- Attending the end-of-the-year Senior picnic
- Presenting our annual scholarship to a deserving student at the Senior Awards Night
- Organizing the annual Alumni Banquet
- Involvement in organizing and planning of the June dedication of the Roberts Street Complex as the Vincent V. Albanese Educational Center
- Involved in the planning and execution of the 2010 Bicentennial celebrations for Canastota
- Established and maintain a display case and Alumni bulletin board in the High School Foyer to promote CCS students’ awareness of, and interest in, the Association’s activities and history
- Publishing an Alumni Newspaper to update alumni on the organization’s activities.