When the Marshall High School Class of 1995 began planning their 30th reunion, the group wanted to do more than simply gather and reminisce. They were looking for a way to celebrate their bond while also giving back to the next generation of students. That idea quickly grew into something lasting, a class scholarship.
“Creating a scholarship felt like a meaningful way to honor our class and invest in the future of Marshall students,” Kristin Terrell shared.
The process of raising funds was a collective effort. Classmates spread the word through email, social media, and reunion updates, inviting everyone to take part. Donations of all sizes began rolling in, and the momentum built quickly. Even small gifts added up to something significant. To add to the effort, the class also sold “Class of ’95” merchandise that doubled as a fun reunion keepsake and a fundraiser for the scholarship.
The most memorable part of the process wasn’t the dollars themselves but the generosity behind them. “It was inspiring to see how excited people were to contribute. It gave us all something positive to rally around and made reconnecting feel even more meaningful,” reunion planners explained. Their fundraising was so successful, they’ve already raised enough funds for a scholarship to be given to the Class of 2026.
The scholarship became woven into the fabric of their reunion planning. It wasn’t just a side note; it was a shared goal that united the class. At the reunion itself, classmates reflected on how giving back added a deeper sense of purpose to the celebration.
For Sonya Vierstraete, a member of the Class of ’95, attending the Pride in the Tiger Foundation Scholarship Ceremony and witnessing their very first award being given was a moment to remember.
“It was exciting to celebrate the Class of 2025 students and their accomplishments,” she said. “Watching the first recipient of our Class of 1995 scholarship brought everything full circle. We remembered sitting at our own scholarship banquet 30 years ago, and it felt so meaningful to pay it forward to today’s graduates, and hopefully many more to come.”
The Class of 1995’s story shows the power of coming together, not only to reconnect with old friends but also to leave a legacy for future Tigers. Their scholarship is proof that the spirit of giving back only grows stronger with time.
The Class of ’95 hopes their journey inspires other reunion classes to consider doing the same. By pooling resources and rallying together, each class could honor their shared history while investing in the future of Marshall students.
Visit our donations page to learn more about how you can make an impact: http://www.prideinthetiger.org/donate
