HARDWICK – The Hardwick Academy/Hazen Union Alumni Association expects another strong turnout from alumni throughout the weekend of June 18 to 20, said association president Mike Clark.
Over the last two years, the reunion has attracted upwards of 150 participants, he said. Most of the planning process for the annual reunion weekend is complete with new events added and just a few last-minute details to tend to.
The alumni association is expanding the weekend’s lineup by partnering with Hill Farmstead Brewery in Greensboro Bend to promote the alumni kick-off event, slated to be held Thursday, June 18, from 3. to 5 p.m., with a social hour open to all alumni, friends and family. No registration needed. Brewmaster Shaun Hill, a Hazen alumnus, is the latest in a long line of Hill family legacy that not only helped settle Greensboro in 1791, but also opened the first tavern in town in 1809 under the direction of Aaron Hill.
“We have been overjoyed with the turnout we’ve seen from our alumni over the last couple years,” said Clark. “Two years ago we had a great turnout despite tough weather conditions, and of course last year we had great weather and we had an extraordinary day. Based on the past two years especially, it’s obvious the alumni spirit is alive and well. I’m very proud of the work our Alumni Association members have done to help reinvigorate this great tradition.”
On Friday, June 19, alumni weekend continues as Mountain View Country Club in Greensboro plays host to the annual Master’s Memorial Golf Tournament. The masters, which started in 2017 by paying tribute to many of the areas golfers who have passed on, is a nine-hole scramble tournament. There are two tee times available to play, the first at 12:30 p.m. and the second at 3:30 p.m. Proceeds from the tournament are redirected into funds to help support select graduating seniors at Hazen Union. The tourney is open to the public.
Forms for the event can be downloaded from the newly-formed H.A.H.U. Alumni website, hardwickhazenalumni.com under the events tab. This tourney in the past has drawn nearly 100 golfers.
The association will be selling hot dogs and hamburgs all afternoon and Teddy Foster will be on hand selling his famous french fries and fried corn. The event is open to the public.
The alumni reunion will be held Saturday, beginning at 11:30 a.m., at the Brochu Pavilion, 2244 West Hill Road. There is an existing outside structure with many picnic tables and the association has also hired GMR Tent Rentals in Hardwick to provide additional shade coverage.
Registration forms for the reunion can be downloaded from the association’s website and is free to attend. A buffet meal will be served by the Village Restaurant from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m., for $20 per person. Alumni should reserve their meal by downloading the alumni trifold registration form off the website so the association can plan ahead for a food count. The reunion should run late into the afternoon.
Alumni graduating in the five-year classes ending in either 1 or 6 will be celebrated. From Hardwick Academy, those classes include 1951, 1956, 1961, 1966 and Hazen classes from 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021. The association will have class representatives to speak before the crowd and will hand out gifts, including the alumni traveling farthest and oldest alumni attending.
