OAKLAND — The Oakland Alumni Association held its annual banquet celebrating graduates from Oakland High School, Williams High School and Messalonskee High School. More than 200 graduates attended the event.

Pearl Estes, from the class of 1938, was the oldest in attendance. Jae Aslam and Emily York, from the class of 2013, were the newest attendees.

After a short business meeting and lunch, attendees were given the opportunity to congratulate Emily York as the first annual Alumni Educational Award recipient. York was chosen for her community involvement with youth sports, various civic group involvements and overall success in high school. She will be presented with a $500 award after completing her first semester of college. She is enrolled in the nursing program at USM.

Each year the alumni association honors one of its own by celebrating them as the Eagle Award Winner, and this year Linda Grady, class of 1954, was honored. Grady volunteers at many nursing homes in central Maine playing piano and doing activities. Grady was instrumental in the return of the Messalonskee Victory Bell back to its glorious state and it now re-established tradition of ringing following school victories.

Next year’s alumni banquet will be held Aug. 9, at the Waterville Elks Lodge. Any graduate not on our mailing list can call Alumni President Kelly Roderick at 465-2849.