WAHS History

In July 1879, the first decade of West Aurora High School graduates formed the school’s original alumni association. A record book containing alumni association minutes from 1891 to 1919 includes an unofficial list of every West High graduate from 1870 to 1919.

While the names of many have faded into history, others live on through descendents and place names. A “Stolp” graduated in 1870, a “Todd” in 1871, and a “Downer” in 1874.

Others include “Copley” 1879, “Goodwin” 1880, “McCarty” 1888, “Kendall” 1889, “Tanner” 1892, “Freeman” 1894, “McWethy” 1898, “Nicholson" 1898, “Montgomery” 1899, “Bliss” 1907, “Deuchler” 1907, “Mitchell” 1916, “Reuland" 1916, “VanSickle” 1916 and "Salfisberg" 1917.

Every graduate from 1870 to 1919 are included in the unofficial list contained in the alumni association minutes Record Book.