The Bellevue Alumni Association, a network of past students, is experiencing new growth under the leadership of Alumni Director Garrett Sims.

In his short time he has improved many aspects of the association including an enhanced member database and social media. The database, in just a few years, has grown from zero to seven thousand members. 

“We have a website that’s pretty active that we started up last year, that’s got just tons of information on it,” Sims said. “And then we use social media a lot, and our Facebook page probably gets the most action on social media.”

One of the recent developments in the association is the creation of the Bellevue Band Alumni. They meet monthly to rehearse and perform, and their next event is the Olde Towne Trick or Treat on October 26 at 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.

“We’re just rehearsing because we like playing and because we like being around each other,” band member A.J. Bowen said.

This association meets up for yearly reunions lasting several days as a way to reconnect with past classmates. These reunions occur in many places including at football games, schools, or restaurants.

The association also showcases the accomplishments of the Alumni, via things like the Authors Bookshelf. This features books published by both Bellevue East and Bellevue West graduates and ranges from children’s fiction to philosophy. The alumni are an ever-growing community that is only expanding under this management.

“We anticipate more engagement as the years go on, but in the beginning, you know, everything’s kind of brand new,” Sims said.