In July of 2004, several West Aurora High School graduates gathered at Luigi's Restaurant on Prairie Street to revive the alumni association.

That evening alumni elected officers and set as the group's mission to help graduates and staff members work together for the common good of alumni, current students and the high school.

The idea of an alumni association is not new. A thriving West High alumni group existed as early as the 1880s and as late 1930s, historical records show.

However, interest and support for West High may never have been greater than it is today. West High sports and performing arts remain the cultural heart of the District 129 community. Both the student population and the facility on Galena Boulevard are expanding. Recently the district added more classrooms, science labs, a choral room, greenhouse and field house to West High. Graduating classes now number well above 600.

During its first year, the Alumni Association concentrated on acquiring a database and signing up new members so that it could be in the position to serve better the interests of graduates. The May 2005 publication of a first-ever alumni directory, a project of Harris Publishing Co. and School District 129, significantly assisted this effort.

Next came the creation of this interactive alumni Web site with an expanding online Alumni Web Directory. The group took a big step in 2006 by establishing a Distinguished Alumni Hall of Honor at West High and inducting 10 charter members. One byproduct of this effort is the building of a scholarship fund for West graduates.