LaGRANGE — The Troup High School Alumni Association on Friday hosted its 3rd annual Teacher Appreciation Luncheon at THS’s campus on Hamilton Road.

The association, which raises funds to support the school, served gracious portions of barbecue chicken, green beans, macaroni and cheese and other foods to more than 130 educators and support staff — all at no charge.

“This is just an opportunity for us to show our appreciation for how hard the teachers and staff at the high school work,” said James Woodruff, Troup County Sheriff and a 1983 graduate of THS.

The alumni association has been active in helping fund special projects at the school, including the multi-message digital display at the entrance of the school, according to Chip Medders, THS principal.

“That was a very big project,” Medders said. “It serves us in a lot of capacities. It’s a place to highlight the accomplishments of students and teachers, and it helps us promote sports and fundraisers.”

The group also recently raised $1,000 to send a THS student to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, and are eyeing starting a scholarship program for THS students.

A small garden in front of the school also includes a small plaza with bricks engraved with names of alumni and their graduation year, explained Ellis Cadenhead, president of the association. The group sells the bricks and uses the funds to support activities and improvements at the school. Bricks can be purchased for $40, or $35 for two or more at a time.

The Troup High School Alumni Association meets on the first Tuesday of each month during the school year at 7 p.m. at the THS library on the Hamilton Road campus. The meetings are open to any graduate of THS. Because the school year is ending, the next meeting will be in August. Anyone wanting more information should contact Ellis Cadenhead at 706-884-5546.