Troy High School Class of 1976 Celebrates 50th Reunion
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TROY — The Troy High School Class of 1976 held its 50th class reunion Sept. 11-12, 2026, bringing alumni together for a weekend of activities, memories and reconnecting with former classmates.
The weekend began Friday with several activities, including a Mentor Mingle with former high school teachers, the Troy-Piqua football game and visits to downtown Troy businesses following the social gathering and football game. Those attending the Mentor Mingle also enjoyed accordion music performed by Linda Rudy Younce, a 1976 alumnus.
Earlier Friday, the reunion committee arranged visits to several former elementary schools, giving alumni an opportunity to see the buildings one more time before their demolition. The group also visited Van Cleve Middle School, which served as the students' seventh- and eighth-grade school, and Troy High School.
County Commissioner Ted Mercer, also a member of the Class of 1976, arranged a special tour of the Miami County Courthouse, including a look at restoration work that has taken place there.
The reunion concluded Saturday with a buffet dinner at Redman's Picnic Grounds. The planning committee acknowledged Haren's for providing the main course.
Although a bonfire and cornhole were available, much of the evening was spent catching up with old classmates.
The class was honored to have its president, Nathan Carnes, who now lives in South Carolina, and valedictorian Debbie Anderson Barkett, a Troy resident, in attendance.
Alumni traveled to the reunion from across the country, including Texas, Florida, Virginia, Colorado, South Carolina, Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky, Arizona, Washington, Louisiana and Kansas.
The planning committee also attempted to recreate the senior class photo taken in the football stadium 50 years ago. Alumni gathered for additional elementary school photos at Forest, Kyle, Heywood, Concord, Cookson, Hook and St. Patrick schools.
Carnes spoke briefly before dinner about the joy of returning to Troy and the special nature of the Class of 1976. He reminded classmates that they were the "Bicentennial Class of '76," a distinction that occurs only once in a lifetime.
Several alumni brought memorabilia, including graduation programs, pins, football programs and high school jackets, to share memories and school spirit.
A group of alumni gathered Sunday morning for an impromptu, self-guided bicycle ride throughout Troy, bringing the reunion weekend to a close.
