Alumni return to Dayton after a two-year break

DAYTON-The Dayton High School Alumni Association gathered in Dayton over the weekend, celebrating their first official reunion since 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic postponed the gatherings.

Betty Ann and Cecil Fletcher were this year's Alumni Parade Marshalls.

"We pick somebody active in the community, and who are alumni and active within our group, and who actively promote Dayton and our community," said Tammy Ketterman, DHS Alumni Association Secretary. "Both (Betty Ann and Cecil) are alumni and are very active in our organization."

Betty Ann and Cecil are long-time residents of Dayton, where they raised their son and daughter together. They are the proud grandparents to four and great grandparents to three.

Cecil enlisted in the US Army and later graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Animal Science. For nearly 40 years, he worked as a Field Manager for Green Giant and Smith Frozen Foods. He retired in 1995.

Betty Ann was recognized as Dayton's Citizen of the Year in 2011 alongside her 'sister,' Elaine Hudson. In the words of Roslyn Edwards: "If you attend any community event, it's a good bet you'll see both of them there!"

She graduated from Business College in Yakima and served many years in the Columbia County Auditor's office. She retired from her position as County Auditor in 1994.

Betty Ann continues to be active in the Dayton community, volunteering at Dayton Days, serving as a Delany board member, and helping at the Dayton Historic Depot.

Cecil and Betty Ann celebrated 70 years of marriage in May.

Ketterman said that the weekend went very well, with nearly ten floats entered in the parade. She and Dayton's alumni are already looking forward to next year's event.