The Commemorative Book

When we got the word a year or so ago that Rayen would definitely be closed, I felt a personal responsibility as the yearbook advisor to document Judge Rayen’s legacy and the 141 years of education that he endowed for Youngstown’s children.

So, the idea of doing a commemorative yearbook came to me. At first I wasn’t sure if I would have any support for a book like this, but in the past few months I’ve gained the confidence to go forward with this project. Along with a group of student volunteers, we are going to produce a book that sums it all up….what this school has been to all the different generations of students who have walked the halls of dear old Rayen. I’d also like to spotlight families you have sent generations of children to Rayen. It will be quite a project! And I’d like your help in making this book a treasured keepsake for everyone.

First of all, I need pictures. I will be scanning in highlights from the yearbooks that I have access to. I have most of them. I also need stories…you can create your own blog on this site to send me your memories of Rayen. You can also upload pictures to this site. We will add them to our picture gallery for website visitors to see.

Pictures, memories…oh yes…and history! What tidbits of history do you know about Rayen? Can anyone answer this question? When did The Rayen School take the Tigers as our mascot? We are hoping to have a fold out section in the book so we can include the mural in its entirety.

For this book to become a reality, we need advertisements to pay for the printing. Maybe you would like to take out a full page add to honor your family members who went to Rayen. So far, the McLaughlins and the Patricks will spotlight their family in the commemorative book. Click on the link for the Commemorative Book and you will be able to find more information on the ads.

We are planning to distribute the commemorative issue in the Fall of 2007. So, if you want to send me pictures or memories, you have until next summer to get it to me.