The Bridgeport Alumni Association marked nearly a century and a half of tradition and success with the 140th annual banquet June 29. The class of 1974 celebrated their 50th anniversary and the bulldog spirit they took with them through life. The banquet was in Undo’s West at St. Clairsville.
Doug Green, president of the class of 1974, recalled being a member of the 100th graduating class. Green spoke of the “treasures” he had during his years at Bridgeport Exempted Village School District. He found inspiration in many other alumni and staff at Bridgeport High, such as John Havlicek of the class of 1958, who played basketball with the Boston Celtics. Frank Baxter, who coached basketball from 1962 to 1983, was a dedicated leader and Green gained experience as a statistician for the team, where he made many longtime friends. Class advisors Betty Rehm and Paul Klenowski, who would go on to serve as high school principal, provided guidance.
Green also commended 1974 classmate Joe Kotopka, who would later serve as a helicopter pilot in the military and then as captain of a Boeing 737 at American Airlines.
“He was a true treasure of Bridgeport High School,” Green said. “I’m sure you all have treasures out there, or a collection of Bridgeport High School treasures, and perhaps you are a treasure to someone else yourself. Bulldog treasures, look for them, they’re out there.”
Two honorees were also inducted into the Bridgeport Alumni Association. Fred Koss Sr. of the class of 1932 and William Charles Coulson of the class of 1981 both stayed in the area and had success in Bridgeport after graduating.
William Coulson’s granddaughter, Taaliah Coulson spoke on his behalf about her grandfather’s achievements in founding Bill’s Towing Company and helping to found Bridgeport Equipment and Tool. She became emotional when relating William Coulson’s battles with different types of cancer, most recently in 2020. She said surgeries and treatments have not prevented him from living his life and running his business.
Taaliah Coulson said his hard work, kindness and generosity have been an inspiration.
“It’s an honor to be your granddaughter,” she said. “I’m very thankful for you and all that you do for us.”
Fred Koss Sr.’s son, Bill Koss, spoke on behalf of his father, who passed away in 1997. He said family always came first with Fred Koss Sr. His family moved to the United States from Slovenia for a better life. Bill Koss said his father’s musical talent earned him some renown and extra money for his family during the Great Depression. Fred Koss Sr. also benefitted from the experiences of his father and older siblings and operated the General Welding and Supply Company founded by his father. He was devoted to Bridgeport High School athletics and was a founding member of the high school booster club. He also established a scholarship for worthy students.
“His heart was always with the bulldogs,” Bill Koss said, adding his father bled blue and black. “Dad was always proud of living in this town and proud of his school.”
The newest alumni from the graduating class of 2024 joined in. Campbell Kropka, who had served as student body president, spoke on behalf of her classmates, saying their time at Bridgeport High was rich with tradition and they would continue to represent their alma mater. Their achievements were significant, and as students they earned more than $500,000 in scholarships.
Superintendent Brent Ripley updated the alumni on the district’s future. In the coming years a new addition will be erected near the elementary, promising to make Bridgeport a hub of education, health and workforce training for the surrounding communities. The project is made possible by a state grant of $13.8 million.
“We aimed for the stars,” he said, adding news will be released on the school district app.
High School Principal Jack Fisher is concluding his first year at the helm and said it was an honor to build on the legacy of the blue and black. He was struck by the teamwork and focus on student success, which was on display when teachers and administrators reorganized a new schedule for the 2024-2025 school year to add an extra “flex” period for additional learning hours.
Board member Don Cash also spoke about the district’s future. He said there are many successful people from Bridgeport, and the high school is planning an upcoming half-semester class for seniors to collect the history of Bridgeport schools. A kiosk will be placed at the front entrance of the gymnasium. He said Ascent Resources has provided a grant of $9,200 and more funding is being sought.
Alumni scholarships of $750 were presented to 2024 alumni Katelyn Hunt, A.J. Gear and Brody Puskas.
Dick Taylor of the Class of 1972 Committee also announced the new Friends of Susie Young Scholarship of $600, awarded to Kropka. The alumni were commended for paying forward to the future.
The Alumni Association web site can be found at https://www.bridgeportschools.net/alumni.aspx.
