Alumnus Celebrates 100th Birthday at VES

It’s a tradition at VES during the daily Chapel service to recognize anyone who is having a birthday and sing "Happy Birthday” to them. Tuesday was no exception. The person the school was singing to did have one quality not seen in chapel this year: his age. Dr. John Risher ‘28 was the gentleman the school community was serenading and he was celebrating his 100th birthday. In celebration of that, Tuesday was declared John Risher Day. Dr. Risher was given a tour of the campus and invited to what was hoped to be an outdoor picnic, but was moved indoors due to the weather. A special assembly was then held in the afternoon where Dr. Risher explained to the student body what VES was like in 1928. Tuition was only $600 and the students did not have private rooms. Students also had to put up with frequent pranks from students at E.C. Glass. Dr. Risher had the community spellbound with his stories from long ago and his funny anecdotes about life on campus 80 years ago. As he sat down after his talk, 200 voices filled the chapel with Happy Birthday. Happy Birthday Dr. Risher.