Centennial celebration planned for Rankin Township High School alumni

RANKIN, Ill. (WAND) — The Rankin Township High School Alumni Association is preparing for their 100th annual Alumni Banquet in May.

The association said the centennial celebration marks an "extraordinary achievement" in village of Rankin's history.

According to the association, the Rankin Public School District #8 was established in the late 1880's and first held classes in town buildings until a wood frame building served students on West 2nd Avenue.

The district built a large brick building in 1902 and added to it in 1919. A new facility was built in 1952, which served the community until the district consolidated with the Hoopeston School District in 1987.

"Reaching our 100th banquet is a testament to the deep bonds formed at Rankin Township High School and the strength of our community," said Brian Diskin, Alumni Association President. "This celebration honors not just our school's history, but the thousands of graduates who have carried the Rankin spirit with them throughout their lives."

The alumni association said the annual tradition was only interrupted twice in its history — for nine years during World War II and for two years during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The banquet will feature traditional festivities including a catered dinner, recognition of milestone class years, memorial tributes to dead alumni, as well as more opportunities for classmates to reconnect. Special recognition will be given to the oldest alumni in attendance and those traveling the farthest to be at the event.

Friday, May 1st will feature a tent on the Rankin Lions Club grounds for an informal gathering. There will also be a display of alumni memorabilia.

The main event will be on Saturday, May 2nd. There will be music by Discount Rhythm Dukes on the Lions Club grounds from 1-4 p.m. The banquet inside the Lions Club will be from 5-8 p.m.

All Rankin Township High School alumni, former faculty, staff and friends of the school are invited to the banquet. Registration information and more details are available by the alumni association through email and social media.