The Peekskill High School Alumni web site was created in the early 1990’s by Ron Abbey, Class of 1940 and Robert Howles, Class of 1953. It has grown tremendously since then and Marilyn Abbey, Class of 1966 has been added as a technical advisor.
There are currently 872 individual pages which feature each Yearbook’s individual graduation pictures along with a Class Directory page for each year. The data base of graduates contains over 13,000 names. The Directories also list 1,234 names, the email addresses and current city addresses along with many obituaries of classmates.
There are scattered pictures and notes from the 1920’s but the earliest Yearbook (Searchlight) is for the year of 1927. The class numbered 26 teachers and only 75 graduates, from Drum Hill High School. The last class to graduate from Drum Hill was in the year of 1930. The Yearbooks of those early years pale when compared to the elaborate publishing of today’s bound editions.
The last class to graduate from Drum Hill was in 1930 and the last class to graduate from the Ringgold Street High School was in 1972. The Class of 1976 was the first class to complete all four years at the present high school.
Perhaps the most significant part of the site is the “Fallen Heroes” section in which we have published as much
data that has become available to us as a tribute to those alumni’s who sacrificed their young lives in the service of their country. World War II claimed 44 lives; Korea, 2; and in Viet Nam, 15 men made the ultimate sacrifice. We continue to add more content to these pages as more information is received.
In the year 2000, Bob Howles began the formulation of the “All Classes Day” and with the help of many grads, led to a gathering at various locales in Peekskill of 1,100 former students of the high schools. Many pictures and all names are included in those links.
Bob died in 2007 but we still consider him to be part of the team.
We obtain the greatest satisfaction when we receive word that someone has located the current address of a former classmate, or that pictures have been found of fathers, mothers and other relatives through our Alumni web pages.
Some of the most recent Yearbooks have not as yet been sent to us so we welcome anyone that is willing to loan us one, which will be promptly returned after scanning the pictures.
We are currently seeking a music CD from anyone that would permit us to add the music of “Hail To Our Colors” to the pages.
Check out the website at: www.peekskillhighalumni.net
And check on our website from people you know who have graduated.