Ben's Birthday Bash

Members of the Franklin High School Choir and their director, Glen Ludtke, serenade Dr. Franklin with "Happy Birthday" on his big day.

Members of the Franklin High School Rally Squad sing the Quaker fight song at Ben's birthday party.

Dr. Franklin visits with Franklin High School Alumni Association President Pam Knuth Child ('75) at his birthday party. By all appearances, he is looking quite fit at 303!

The members of the committee organizing this year's event:

(from left to right) Beverly Blanchard Entrikin ('60), Terri Bollinger ('67), Joyce Stroud Gago ('54) and Janette Entrikin Sprando ('51). Not pictured: April Whitley Avery ('67)

Dr. Benjamin Franklin celebrated his 303rd birthday on Friday, January 16, 2009 in the Media Center of Franklin High School, named after the distinguished gentleman from Philadelphia. On hand were members of the Franklin High School Alumni Association, faculty from the school and friends in the community. The FHSAA celebrates Ben's birthday every year with coffee and pastries for teachers and staff as their way of saying "Thank you" for the work they do. And a special thank you to Dr. Don DeSpain for playing the part of Dr. Benjamin Franklin.

On a more serious note, the day also included the dedication of the main hall desk. This desk was donated to the school in memory of long-time staff member, Steve Armony. Mr. Armony lost his life in an auto accident on October 6, 2008. The funds for the desk were donated by the following individuals and groups:

Imago Dei Community Church

Franklin High School Alumni Association

Jerome Mannenbach, Franklin High School Faculty

Intrepid Marble and Granite, Drew Brandt ('84) and Leslie Hugo Brandt ('84), Owners

Charles Landers ('74)

Joyce Stroud Gago ('54)

Steve Matthews ('70)

Stu Johnson ('52)

Members of Steve Armony's family and friends look on at the dedication ceremony.

On the left, Russ Brown, Presient of the Franklin High School Development Endowment and on the right, Dr. Charles Hopson, High School Director for Franklin, Cleveland, Grant and Lincoln, speaking at the dedication.