(By Regina Lorenz, Osmond Republican) OSMOND — Saturday, June 22, was a day for celebrating the Orange and the Black as former graduates came home to the Osmond High School 35th biennial reunion.
The afternoon began with a coffee and cocktail hour at the city auditorium. The Osmond Senior Center and Down Memory Lane were also open during the afternoon for those wishing to visit or look at Osmond memorabilia.
Before the evening event started, Clark Gansebom with the Osmond Community Fund spoke to the audience about the fund and what it could mean for the Osmond community.
The evening program began with the presentation of The Colors byAmerican Legion Post 326, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7838 and the Sons of the American Legion, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Legion Commander Dave Kruse (Class of 1980).
“The Star-Spangled Banner” was sung by Tracy (Kumm) Cook (Class of 1989), and the crowd was welcomed by Alumni Committee President Jeff Luhr (Class of 1994).
Following a prayer given by Roger Tacey (Class of 1969), a delicious meal of Swiss steak, hash brown casserole, beans and a cheesecake dessert was served to 268 alumni.
The treasurer’s report was given byAlison (Pfanstiel) Dennis (Class of 1986), followed by the roll call of honored classes, read by Chris Schmit (Class of 2012) and Aaron Gutz (Class of 2007).
The honored classes included the 25-year classes ( 1998 and 1999), 50-year classes (1973 and 1974), 60year classes (1963 and 1964), 70-year classes (1953 and 1954) and classes graduating earlier than 1953. Don Streich (Class of 1950) was honored as the earliest graduate attending.
It was noted that Mary Ann (Gubbels) Peschel (Class of 1948), who wasn’t able to attend, had made it to 34 out of the past 34 alumni reunions and was on the original alumni committee.
Margaret (Buchanan) Ryan (Class of 1988) told a humorous story about contacting Randy Jochum to ask him to be the evening’s speaker. She then gave special recognition to those who had worked at Osmond Community School as administration, faculty, staff and board members and asked them to stand.
Before the 2026 committee was announced, Brianna (Kumm) Schmit acknowledged the 2024 alumni committee which, in addition to herself, included Jeff Luhr (1994), Jerry Dennis (1983), Alison (Pfanstiel) Dennis (1986), Margaret (Buchanan) Ryan (1988), Aaron Gutz (2007) and Chris Schmit (2012).
The 2026 alumni committee — which has not been finalized - will have two carryovers: Chris Schmit (2012) and Brianna (Kumm) Schmit (2013). The new members will include Craig Gutz (2010), Evan Timmerman (2008), Jennifer (Ekberg) Hodson (1999), Richard Hodson (1998), Laura (Schmit) Theisen (1998), Ryan Buchanan (1995), Kelli (Kumm) Buchanan (1994), Pam (Bahr) Buchholz (1986), Jackie (Johnson) Hitz (1981), Doug Johnson (1975) and Barb (Geiger) Johnson (1977).
Brandon Mowinkel (Class of 1998), then took the stage to introduce the guest speaker, Randy Jochum. He gave a heart-felt but also humorous speech about the man who has spent the past 50 years at Osmond Community School.
Randy has taught PE, anatomy, biology and Spanish, and served as coach, athletic director and principal. Brandon explained that, from 1974 to 2000, Randy led the Tiger basketball team, including the state runner-up finish in 1994. He also told a story of a fishing trip to Yankton with Randy and his son Matt, which ended in a speedy trip back so Randy could make sure the boys' fish were recorded as Master Anglers.
Randy Jochum then took the stage to address the Osmond alumni. He spoke about destiny and the path one takes to be where they are destined to be. He told of his plan to study wildlife biology, which changed to a teaching degree when he headed to Kearney State so he could play basketball. After graduation, he started driving truck — which paid more than teaching did at the time. But his college advisor told him about a job opening in Osmond High School. After some bad luck with a flat tire, and a stop at the Osmond Skelly station where he met Hank Schmit, Randy was interviewed by the superintendent and the entire school board, and several days later received a job offer. He and his wife made the decision to come, and that was 50 years ago.
Randy commented on the school colors that audience members were wearing — the Orange and the Black — and said “Help keep our school and your school pride alive. “
The reunion concluded with a video tribute of pictures of graduates from the honored classes featuring music by the Osmond High School band when Richard Luhr was the band director. It included drum cadences and the school song, “The OrangeAnd The Black” recorded at a pep rally in the fall of 1993 before a football playoff game.
The evening concluded with a street dance at the "post office" corner. Mu sic was provided by Clay Creek Band.
Alumni members chosen for the Athletic Hall of Fame Committee for the year 2026, which were not announced Saturday, include Kelsey (Nuesch) Curtis (chairman), Brian Manzer (co-chairman), Jerry Johnson (second term), Greg Kumm, Chanelle (Stech) Timmerman and Lacey (Johnson) Stelling. Chairman of the 2024 committee was Joe Schmit.
LINCOLN — All layers in Nebraska during May 2024 totaled 8.50 million, up from 7.90 million the previous year, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Nebraska egg production during May totaled 216 million eggs, up from 196 million in 2023. May egg production per 100 layers was 2,540 eggs, compared to 2,475 eggs in 2023.
