Burnsville Alumni Hold 2025 Gathering, Award Over $10K in Scholarships

Burnsville alumni from a variety of class years took part in this float.

Members of the John Godwin family continue to provide a scholarship to graduating seniors.

“The Journey Continues” for these members of the BCHS class of 2003.

The Class of 1975 riding the “Rollercoaster of Life” for their parade entry.

These Burnsville Bruins are members of the Class of 2025.

The BHS Class of 1965 gathered to celebrate their 60-year reunion.

The Braxton County High School Marching Band was on hand for the parade.

Members of the Class of 2025 (standing, lower left corner) are sworn in as new members of the KAA.

Terry Lipps Smith ‘85 was recognized as one of the Kanawha Alumni Association’s “Alumni of the Year.

Karlena Boyce ‘20 (left) is presented with a KAA “Alumnus of the Year” plaque.

The Kanawha Alumni Association (KAA) observed its 106th reunion celebration during Memorial Day Weekend 2025. Festivities for the weekend began on the evening of Friday, May 23 with the annual Burnsville School Reunion on the football field behind the school. There, the crowd enjoyed a meal and music from the Kowboyz as everyone reminisced with classmates and old friends.

On Saturday, May 24, activities kicked off with a parade. The theme for this year’s festivities was “Letters From Home,” which recognized the Burnsville Post Office and the dozens of individuals who have worked to deliver the mail over the years.

After the parade, the Braxton County High School marching band played the National Anthem and the school song at the stage behind the school. Friends were then able to visit and enjoy concessions provided by the First Baptist Church of Burnsville and baked goods from the Burnsville CEOS Club.

Later, returning alumni and friends gathered back at Burnsville Elementary School. The oldest alumni in attendance were recognized by Association President April Ramsey Boyce; they included Willard Steele (Class of 1950) and Martha Bell Taylor (Class of 1950). The oath of membership was also administered to new members Levi Allen, Laura Cain, Emma Conrad, Adam Cosner, Elijah Ramsey, and Allie White. Other former students taking the oath included Connie Bush Burgett, Carol Luzader Messinger, and Danielle Teter.

The John Godwin Memorial Scholarship, presented by Carla Godwin in the amount of $500, was given to Cain. The John Elmo Wines scholarship, presented by Bob Wines in the amount of $1,000, was presented to Ramsey. The Lamona Casto Memorial Scholarship, presented by three of her sisters in the amount of $1,400, was given to Cosner. Conrad and White both received a $1,500 Claud ‘Bud’ Mick Scholarship. The Kanawha Alumni Association also awarded scholarships to the graduates to bring each up to a $1,500 total award; $1,500 to Allen, an additional $1,000 to Cain, $500 to Ramsey, and $100 to Cosner. Additionally, Erica Nicholson, a 2024 graduate, received a second-year renewal of her Mick Scholarship due to satisfactory academic progress in her ongoing college endeavors.

Since 1994, over $90,000 in scholarship funds have been presented to Burnsville area high school graduates during the Kanawha Alumni Association annual reunion thanks to the generosity of its members. This year alone, over $10,000 was awarded.

Alumni of the Year awards were presented to Terry Lipps Smith (Class of 1980) and Karlena Boyce (Class of 2020).

An auction of assorted items and baskets took place before a baked steak dinner was served. All told, around 190 Burnsville area graduates and friends were on hand for the Saturday evening events.

In keeping with the theme, Robin Taylor and April Dean from the Burnsville Post Office were on hand throughout the evening selling commemorative historical postmarks showing the old Burnsville Post Office (the former Burnsville Exchange Bank building).

The officers of the Kanawha Alumni Association appreciate all those who attended this year’s reunion. Members are already planning for the festivities during Memorial Day Weekend 2026 and all alumni and friends are encouraged to mark their calendars.