Every year around graduation, the Kingston High School Alumni Association holds a week-long initiation for the high school seniors. The Alumni Association is the oldest continuously running alumni association in the state. It was established in 1911 by John Erastus “Rat” Buck (March 13, 1895-January 7, 1971).
For many years, the initiation to become part of the alumni was a two-week long event. For two weeks, the seniors would meet from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Also, up untill a few years ago, the alumni would meet under “the tree” which was sounth of Kingston Pharmacy every day and on the Saturday of alumni week. The meeting place was forced to change because unfortunate circumstances led to the tree being cut down – it was in poor condition.
For the past few years, the initiation phase is for only one week, and is only before and after school Monday through Thursday, and a few hours on Friday and Saturday.
On Saturday, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. is the alumni breakfast where members gather to visit. At noon on the same Saturday, there is a public initiation downtown at the Kingston City Park. There is also a Kangaroo Court for members and spouses only at 4:00 p.m. and the annual banquet, which is for members and spouses.
In the past, the banquets were held at the Lake Texoma Lodge. Since the lodge’s closure, the banquet is now held at the KMAC.