ANDIS – Saturday morning began early for Don Murnahan as he walked down the hallways, reminiscing of his school days while preparing the old Andis School for its fifth reunion.

Saturday, September 02, 2000

ANDIS – Saturday morning began early for Don Murnahan as he walked down the hallways, reminiscing of his school days while preparing the old Andis School for its fifth reunion.

"When they announced the closing of the school in the summer of 1992, I decided I wanted to have a reunion that involved everyone ever involved in the school," Murnahan said. "We invite everyone here including the bus drivers who were involved bringing the students to school."

The school was built in 1940 to replace six one-room schools in what is now the Dawson-Bryant School District.

Murnahan attended the school in 1941, when it opened, and later returned in 1954 to educate many of his friends’ children, he said.

"Not only did I attend this school when it first opened, I was also a teacher, principal and coach at the school."

Many travel from all over Ohio, Florida, New York, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and West Virginia to join in the day of fellowship, Murnahan added.

For former student Mike Bowles, the trip from his current home in Cape Coral, Fla., was "well worth the drive," he said.

"My last year here was in 1962, and this is my first time back," Bowles said. "I’ve seen several friends here that I haven’t seen since I left the school. I can remember Mr. Murnahan in particular. He was the one that has been the most influential in my life."

Presently, the Andis School building is used for an alternative school and Headstart program, but workers have maintained the integrity of the building, Murnahan said.

"We appreciate these two programs for allowing us to enjoy this day together," he said. "Seeing everyone together is worth it all "