Alpena High School will be hosting alumni from across the decades this Friday for their annual homecoming celebration, according to a Wednesday press release from Alpena Public Schools. “Northland Area Federal Credit Union is returning this year to sponsor an awesome pre-game tailgate,” said Alpena Public Schools Communications Director Lee Fitzpatrick. “Put your green and white on and come out to join us for this event.”

Three distinguished AHS Graduates will be inducted into the Wildcat Alumni Hall of Fame. During the day, they will address the student pep rally and then they will be presented to the crowd prior to the football game.

Kathy Pelleran-Mahoney Ph.D. earned her doctorate in public affairs from Western Michigan University. She has had a long and successful career in nonprofit management and political consulting including being called on to help build democratic governance in eastern Europe following the end of the Cold War.

Ryan Suszek stayed local, beginning his post-secondary education at Alpena Community College and advancing academically while also working in leadership roles at the Besser Company. Ryan’s career led through several promotions at Besser to his current job as chief executive officer which he has filled since 2021.

Kathy Pelleran-Mahoney

Brett Trelfa served his country in the United States Marine Corps and built his career in Computer Science attending University of Michigan and Carnegie-Mellon University. He has worked in both manufacturing and health care, advancing to his current role of senior vice-president and chief information officer with Arkansas Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

“These are three outstanding Alpena High School graduates that our students can look to as an example of what can be accomplished through hard work, dedication and an AHS education,” said Fitzpatrick.

AHS students have been celebrating all week with theme days. On Monday, students and staff dressed in all pink for pink out. On Tuesday, students and staff switched outfits, with students dressing as staff and staff as students. Wednesday was generations day and today is anything but a backpack day.

To kick off the week, senior and junior students had a powder puff volleyball and football match on Sunday.

Students will have hall decorating on Thursday and a pep rally on Friday. To cap it all off, students can attend the homecoming dance Friday night.

Ryan Suszek

“This is by far a great year for participation by everybody,” AHS principal Romeo Bourdage said. “The freshmen are ready to jump in, they’ve really embraced it and have done an outstanding job.”

Homecoming day events are listed below.

Green and White day to support the Wildcats for Homecoming on Friday. The community is invited to join in! Make Alpena green and white this Friday!

Campus Closet at AHS is open 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday and will have limited products at the stadium from 7 to 8 p.m., weather permitting.

The homecoming parade is at 4:45 p.m. Friday, from Ella White Elementary to Alpena High School.

Northland Area Federal Credit Union tailgate party starts at 5 p.m. Friday outside the Park Family Field at Wildcat Stadium featuring hot dogs, pop, and chips.

The Wildcat Hall of Fame induction ceremony is at 6:35 p.m. Friday.

The homecoming football game is at 7 p.m. Friday against Gaylord.

Reagan Voetberg can be reached at 989-358-5683 or rvoetberg@TheAlpenaNews.com.