Member Milestones

Fifty-Year Members Honored

President Cheyney recognized nine members for their unique distinction as fifty-year members in our Society and those in attendance at the Annual Meeting were presented with Fifty-Year Member Certificates. Five others received their certificates in the mail along with the following letter from President Cheyney.

Fifty-year members Joseph L. Loughran, and his brother, Francis H. Loughran, Thomas J. Myer, Jr. and Harris C. Aller, Jr. receive their certificates

"One of the features that makes our Society so special is that so many of our members are so exceptional. We have been truly blessed with members who have, for an extraordinary period of time, chosen to serve, participate and mentor others in the growth of our Society. It is no small event when a member reaches the 50-year mark of service and commitment. It is in that context that your Society, grateful for your years of service, has awarded you a 50 Year Member Certificate. It is unfortunate that we could not have made this presentation to you at the Annual Meeting on April 13, 2000; nevertheless, we wish you to have this certificate in special recognition of your 50 years membership with the Society and the services you have provided to us.

Signed:

Curtis P. Cheyney, III
President

50 Year Members Elected

Harris C. Aller, Jr. 4/14/49

Wayne M. Anthony 3/9/50

Charles F. Clement, Jr. 2/10/49

Richard H. Crook, Jr. 6/9/49

Lawrence H. Hale 4/13/50

Francis H. Loughran 11/10/49

Joseph L. Loughran 6/9/49

Thomas J. Myer, Jr. 12/8/49

Charles S. Strickler 5/11/50

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Wilmot Competes at Olympic Trials

On June 25th, member Brett G. Wilmot, 23, of Philadelphia, competed at the 2000 US Olympic Trials in Federal Way, Washington, an achievement he never anticipated. "It was definitely worth training for one more year to qualify for the Trials. I competed against 14 men from around the country, vying for only two Olympic Team berths." Brett placed 11^th in the field and was very pleased with the results and his career. "Just having the chance to compete in the Olympics was enough. Competing at Sydney would be a dream come true, but I fulfilled my goals and now it's time to move on."

Wilmot’s seventeen-year career began at the Martin's Dam Swim Club in Wayne, Pennsylvania. Over the years, he competed for Conestoga High School, the LaSalle Diving Age-Group Team and lastly for the University of Michigan under the legendary five-time Olympic coach, Dick Kimball. During his senior year at Michigan where he majored in statistics, Brett was twice named All American and qualified for the 1999 US National Team. His performance earned him one point toward qualifying for the 2000 Olympic Trials. Needing two points to qualify, Brett placed eighth at the 2000 Spring Nationals and earned his second point, along with an invitation to the Olympic Trials. This was his second National Team berth and it resulted in an invitation to his first international competition in Mexico. Brett competed against the world's best divers, including Dmitry Sautin of Russia, the 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist.

Now that he’s retired from the sport of competitive diving, Brett’s future holds much promise as he earnestly begins his job search.

Song Immortalizes the Betsy Ross House

Philly I Love You, a song written by Society member Henry Shaffner, was sung at the Betsy Ross House on Flag Day, June 14^th. The beauty of Philadelphia after dark inspired the song while Mr. Shaffner was riding home on Amtrak from New York City. Congratulations to Mr. Shaffner, a member since 1989, on his history-making debut.