“GRIZZ FEST” 2027

A Night to Remember: Grizz Fest 2026 Brings Grizzlies Together

Oh, What a night!  Ashland High alumni gathered at Grizz Fest to reconnect, and celebrate the community that continues to bring Grizzlies together. The Historic Ashland Armory was packed with graduates from 1953 through 2026 represented, it was a wonderful reminder that once a Grizz, always a Grizz!

The evening began with good food, familiar faces, and plenty of conversation. Raffle tickets were flying, and many lucky alumni went home with amazing raffle baskets generously donated by our incredible sponsors. Their support helped make the evening, and our scholarship mission possible.

Celebrating Milestones & Memories 

Several classes had special reasons to celebrate - milestone Reunions and Birthdays

• Class of 1956 — 70th Reunion

• Class of 1961 — 65th Reunion

• Class of 1966 — 60th Reunion

• Class of 1969 — 75th Birthday for those classmates

• Class of 1971 — 55th Reunion

• Class of 1976 — 50th Reunion

Each class was well represented, and members shared a few words about their years at Ashland High, the friendships they made, and the importance of community. The smiles, laughter, and stories made it clear that those high school memories still hold a special place in the hearts of our alumni.

Investing in the Next Generation of Grizzlies

One of the most meaningful moments of the evening came as we turned our attention to the future.  Cianna Crosby, one of the 2026 Ashland High Alumni Scholarship recipients, stepped up the podium and with a heartfelt “Thank You” to the audience. Cianna expressed how receiving the scholarship made it possible to reach her dream of becoming a nurse. With the rising cost of education, scholarships can make a real difference for a young person pursuing their dreams.

A beautiful message about the importance of community and giving back segued perfectly into the launch of this year's Ashland High Alumni Scholarship fundraising drive. Thanks to a generous matching commitment, every dollar donated will be matched 1:1, up to $500, helping us build the scholarship fund that supports future Ashland High graduates.

Pledge cards were collected, checks were received, and a thrilling announcement by Sid DeBoer, of a $50,000 gift establishing the Sid and Karen DeBoer Scholarship to support AHS alumni attending Southern Oregon University during their sophmore year. Add your donation today!

Remembering Those Who Came Before Us

As the evening program came to a close, the room grew quiet for a beautiful and moving moment of remembrance. A heartfelt musical performance by Tim Lewis - Class of ‘76, and Rick Saul - Class of ‘75, followed by a moment of silence honoring the classmates who are no longer with us.

And then, in true Grizz Fest fashion, the silence gave way to celebration as Trebled Souls launched into the Ashland High Fight Song and the room came alive. There was music, dancing, laughter, and one more opportunity to celebrate being part of something bigger than ourselves.

Thank you to everyone who came, volunteered, sponsored, donated, shared a story, bought a raffle ticket, or simply showed up ready to reconnect. Go Grizzlies!