ALTON RICH RECEIVES SHSAA, INC.’S HIGHEST HONOR

     One of the highlights of Sampson High School Alumni Association, Inc.’s (SHSAA, Inc.) 2008 Alumni Reunion was the awarding of the 2008-2009 Ram Recognition Award to one of the Association’s most dedicated and active members, Mr. Alton Rich.  His important and numerous contributions to our organization made him the perfect choice to receive this most high honor.  His accomplishments and achievements are too many to mention; however, below is an overview of his accomplishments that show why he is so worthy of this award.

            Mr. Rich, who is also affectionately referred to as “Big Al,” joined SHSAA, Inc. during its early years and is Life Member # 142.  He served as National President of the organization from 1997 to 2001.  During his administration he instigated and implemented changes that moved the organization forward and continues to help make a significant difference in the positive progression of our Association.  During his tenure the ‘ole’ Sampson High School was reopened as the permanent SHSAA, Inc. headquarters, one of the campus buildings was rehabbed into eight apartment units; and the process was started to secure from the City of Clinton the Cafeteria, Library, and Industrial Arts Building Complex.  Mr. Rich was instrumental in starting an official archives in the headquarters building – something that came to fruition during the current administration with his help in researching and implementing the purchase of our new fireproof file cabinet.  He also assisted in the development of the first SHSAA, Inc. website, and he secured state flags from each chapter’s home state that will eventually be flown along the walkway of the school, which is located on McCoy Street.

“Big Al” continuously provides usable materials to the headquarters building at little or no cost to the organization.  He has traveled to Clinton, North Carolina twice during the current administration to participate in SHSAA, Inc. “Clean-Up Day,” where he provided several of the materials that were used in the clean-up.

Currently, on the National level, he is the Chairperson of the Assessment Committee where he is responsible for providing guidelines and processes for maintaining our archives and he is a very active member of the Phase Two Committee.  When the Committee sponsored a Silent Auction and Spaghetti Plate Dinner in 2007, “Big Al” generously donated several items for the Auction.

“Big Al” has been President of the Washington Metropolitan Chapter for the past twelve years.  As President he constantly contacts old members and works hard trying to involve past SHSAA, Inc.  scholarship recipients in the activities of the Organization.  Four past recipients have become active members as a result of his efforts.  He also co-edits the WMAC newsletter, along with his wife Margaret, providing informative and pertinent information to organization members and friends.

“Big Al” is also very active in his community.  He has served as Chairman of the “Suitland Beautification Committee” since 1990 and in this capacity he organizes 40-50 citizens of Suitland, on a quarterly basis, to volunteer to assist in community clean ups as part of a countywide project to make a “Livable Community.”  Additionally, he has been a volunteer for "Christmas in April - Prince George’s County” since 1996 and does dual duty by also serving on its Board of Directors.  This nationwide program performs repair of homes of elderly citizens who are disabled or financially unable to repair the home themselves.  He has also served as a “House Captain” on the event day, which has been annually held since 1998 on the last Saturday in April.  He helps to manage the “Christmas in April” warehouse and volunteers to pick up donated items/supplies from all over Prince George’s County and deliver them to the warehouse. 

Other community activities attributed to Mr. Rich include serving as a member of the Suitland “Crime Action Team (SCAT), working on the prevention and solution to crime, and being a trustee of the Suitland Civic Association, which focuses on grounds maintenance and coordination of community activities.

            It is easy to see why Mr. Alton Rich is this year’s recipient of the Ram Recognition Award.  He works diligently for our organization and is a pillar in his own community in Maryland.  He is truly a gift to us and is someone who strives daily to fulfill our organization’s missions.  We salute Mr. Rich for a job well done!  We love you and appreciate you!  Thank you for all that you do!