Hall of Fame award
February 1, 2025
The Plainfield Community Schools Legacy Foundation Gala was a wonderful evening and honor for our class. We were honored along with 3 others, Brad Fishel, Tamara Trittschuh and Ron Richardson who were all inducted into the 2025 Hall of Fame. Our award was unique as it has never been presented to an entire class. The plaque and our comments in the Gala brochure can be read below...
The Class of 1968 at Plainfield High, with approximately 190 students, graduated on June 3rd, marking the transition from high school to the next chapter of their lives. Little did they know, this group would leave a lasting legacy on future Plainfield students. Their journey would not only be defined by personal milestones but also by a profound commitment to giving back to their community..
In 2013, as the class prepared for its 45th reunion, two members - Charlie Nelson and Carol Wendt - conceived the idea of a "reunion for a reason" Their vision was simple: raise funds for the Plainfield High School Student Assistance Fund by encouraging donations above the reunion ticket price. These funds would provide financial aid for the students in need. The response was overwhelming. The first donation check was $2400, a surprising and heartwarming amount. This marked the beginning of a philanthropic effort that has continued to grow over the years. The Class of 1968, motivated by a deep sense of gratitude for the school that shaped them, has donated over $200,000 to Plainfield Community School Corporation.
The Student Assistance Fund has supported school meals, activity fees, medical expenses, clothing and other needs, ensuring no student is left behind due to financial hardships. To this day, the Class of 1968 remains closely connected to Plainfield schools, demonstrating that the bonds forged in high school can have a lasting impact on future generations.
When accepting this award, I made the following comments...
Thank you to the Hall of Fame committee for this unique and amazing honor. The class of 1968 was humbled to just be nominated and then to be selected was more than we could imagine. Our class would also like to congratulate all the other people who have been recognized tonight.
I speak on behalf of the class of whom some are here tonight and most importantly for my co-chair of our 45th reunion, the late Charlie Nelson and also for the man who continues to support our Student Assistance Fund donations, the late John Anderson.
It was 57 years ago that our class walked across the football field as cool graduating seniors and tonight we come together as seniors whose goal is to warm the hearts of current Plainfield High School students and families.
Just like all of you, over the years, our classmates have individually supported our own families, friends, faith, charities and causes that are near and dear to our hearts. During our planning for the 45th reunion in 2013, we decided, as a class, to support the place that brought us all together and that was Plainfield High School and the Student Assistance Fund.
As the renowned anthropologist, Margaret Mead said: never doubt that a small group of thoughtful people can change the world: indeed it's the only thing that ever has. The class of 1968 is focused on changing the world of a high school student who may be forgotten, is struggling or a family that is in need. Our donations began in 2013 and continue through today whether we are celebrating a reunion or not. Our classmates have continued to support this initiative as we honor family, friends and causes with our donations. In our own small ways we want to pay it forward as we remember the hallways we strolled and celebrate the days of our youth.
However our donations are used, we try to remain anonymous. We have received some heartfelt thank you notes from students. One wrote, to whom it may concern, "this is an incredible gesture that not many would do for someone they don't know." Another wrote, "I hope some day to be able to do this for someone, like you have helped me."
We started our donations in 2013 with $2400 and it has continued to grow. It's not really about the dollars given but the number of students we can help. We don't know where our story may end, we just know the need will continue.
Paying it forward expects nothing in return. The Hall of Fame award is more than we could have ever imagined and we thank you for the amazing class recognition.
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We are anxious for our class to celebrate this award. Right now I have reserved 2 tables of 8 for whoever wants to attend and will add more as you let me know you will attend. It is the Annual Educational Gala and Silent Auction fundraiser which honors educators and leaders within the community. Please attend in formal attire. Visit pcslegacyfoundation.org for more information. A 2 minute video of each honoree (there are 5) will be shown that evening. Our class video will be taken from the photos on our website. I will share the link to the video here or send it separately once it is produced. Please RSVP to me by December 1st if you plan to attend. Call or text 317-459-0899. Also, we'll plan an impromptu gathering on Friday night, January 31st at the Metro Diner from 4:30 - 6:30p. Let me know if you plan to attend.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 1st, 2025 at 6pm at the Cunningham Restaurant Group Event Center 2499 Perry Crossing Way Suite 250 Plainfield, IN 46168.. Bless your hearts, here are the emails I received....
September 4, 2024
Dear PHS Class of 1968,
The Plainfield High School Hall of Fame was created as a permanent tribute to those alumni who have exhibited high ethical standards and integrity while achieving excellence in their daily lives, careers, and activities. The selected individuals stand out among their peers. As we read through the many nominations, we were inspired by the exemplary contributions of our alumni. We are proud to count you as one of our own. Your class has more than met and exceeded the PHS Hall of Fame requirements, and it is my great pleasure to announce that you have been selected as Hall of Fame Inductees. This is a very unique situation, and we are so proud to induct the entire class for its contributions.
You and your fellow inductees will be honored at our Legacy Foundation Education Gala on February 1, 2025. The PHS grand hallway includes a tribute to the members of the PHS Hall of Fame, including a nickel plaque honoring each of our inductees. . A commemorative brick will also be placed in the Victory Plaza by the Bell Tower. Mrs. Jenny Laser will be the contact person for the Legacy Foundation.
Please accept my most sincere congratulations. It is an honor to serve on this committee and a great responsibility to determine which of our alumni should receive our highest honor. We look forward to honoring you and working together in the future.
Sincerely,
Brent Schwanekamp
Plainfield High School Class of 1998
Hall of Fame Committee Chairperson
Assistant Principal - Plainfield High School
From Jenny Laser...
I am sending this email on behalf of the Plainfield Community Schools Legacy Foundation to let you know that the Class of 1968 has been selected, among several nominee applications, to be in Plainfield High School's Hall of Fame. Several of your colleagues spent a significant amount of time filling out the nominee application about all of your class's accomplishments and achievements throughout the years. We are truly blessed to have a class like you in our community!
Plainfield Community Schools Legacy Foundation is hosting our annual Educational and Leadership Gala on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at the CRG Event Center, where you will be inducted into the PHS hall of fame. We will honor Plainfield Community School Corporation's teachers of the year as well as our four new hall of fame members at the gala. Each inductee will have a personal video, created by PHS broadcasting students, played regarding their life, career, and accomplishments and will be honored on stage with a plaque that will be displayed at Plainfield High School.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me anytime! We look forward to getting to know you and celebrating your achievements! Again, congratulations!
Sincerely,
Jenny Laser
Executive Director of Plainfield Community Schools Legacy Foundation
(317) 437-0580