The Thorp Courier

Thorp High School Alumni Letter

October 24, 2007

Transcribed by Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Greetings to Thorp Alumni

Class reunions are always special regardless of the year being celebrated.  But, it seems the 50th class reunion is a milestone everyone hopes to reach.  During 2008, 50th class reunions will be celebrated throughout the country that includes the 1958 graduating class of Thorp High School.

The ’58 class spent all four years at the “old” high school.  When they get together for their 50th, they will have plenty of memories to share as their class was very active, had great leaders, had lots of success, and had lots of fun while in high school.  Plus, they will have lots to share with each other about their 50 years since graduating from high school.

The Seniorian staff, under the direction of Mrs. Joyce Malz, was led by Editor, Bernice Balicki, and Assistant Editor, Ingrid Lindquist.  The class of 1958 dedicated their Seniorian to Mr. Floyd Hanley.  Besides his many advisor roles, Mr. Hanley taught Shop and Driver’s Education.  To this day, Mr. and Mrs. Hanley reside in Thorp.

The class officers over the four years included Harold Hallanger, Bonita Stewart, Ingrid Lindquist, Merlin Nevala, Susan Baldeschwiler, Carol Micke, Vernon York, Frank Kotecki, Bernice Balicki, Robert Grucelski, and Ruth Biddle.

The Student Council representatives included Gretchen Parks, Michael Schneider, Bernice Balicki, Gerald Boardman, Geraldine Dudansky, Brian Hendricks, Rachel Micke, Stella Przybylski and Harold Hallanger.

Everyone participated in at least one organization (in most cases, more than one).  Organizations such as: Library Club, GAA, Letterman’s Club, FHA, FFA, Student Council, Curtis Drive, Forensics and Thorpettes.

The Junior Class play was “The Great Big Doorstep”.  Cast included Lois Borowick, Harold Hallanger, Bonnie Stewart, Louis Kaminski, Rose Bryniarski, Ingrid Lindquist, Vernon York, Carol Micke, Tom Kuester, Jane Conway, Jerry Boardman and Stella Przybylski.  Mr. William Mitchell was the director.

The cast of the Senior Class play, “Time Out For Ginger”, included Carol Masik, Jerry Boardman, Vernon York, Joan Przybylski, Louis Kaminski, Merlin Nevala, Harold Hallanger, Bonnie Stewart, Gretchen Parks, and Rose Bryniarski.  The play was again directed by Mr. William Mitchell.

The academic leaders were: Valedictorian, Jerry Boardman and Salutatorian, Brian Hendricks.

Faculty Advisors for the class; Freshman and Sophomore years, Mr. Dale Amundson; Junior year, Mr. Floyd Hanley, and Senior year, Mrs. Gertrude Swanson.

Junior Prom: “Red Sails in the Sunset.” King was Vernon York and Queen Carol Micke.

Girl’s Prom: “Winter Wonderland,” Queen, Gretchen Parks and King, Ingrid Lindquist.

Sadie Hawkins Dance: Queen, Jeanine Dallas.  Her escort was Chet Siudak.

1957 Homecoming: Co-King, Merlin Nevala and Co-Queen, Diane Benzschawel and Co-King Harold Hallanger and Co-Queen, Ingrid Lindquist.

Under the direction of Mr. Roy Brede, the Mixed Chorus presented two concerts, one at Christmas one in the spring.  The Mixed Chorus officers for the ’57-’58 school year were Harold Hallanger, President; Merlin Nevala, Vice-president; Jeanine Dallas, Secretary-Treasurer and Nels Christensen, Business Manager.

The band, also directed by Mr. Brede, presented three concerts and attended the Eau Claire Music Festival.  Senior members of the band were Carol Micke, Harold Hallanger, Rosie Tomkowiak, Rosemary Bryniarski, Bonnie Stewart, Janet Hedler, Dolores Szczech, Ingrid Lindquist, Jane Conway, Jeanine Dallas, Lois Borowick, Judy Glasshof (president) and Karen Izydorek.

As juniors they produced a newspaper, “School Sqawk”.  Bernice Balicki and Carol Micke were co-editors.  They directed an able staff with the assistance of Mr. Bernard Wenninger.  Then, as seniors, they wrote the “Cardinal Hi-Lites.”  This paper was to inform the community of the many activities.  The staff was under the direction of Mrs. Gertrude Swanson.  The paper was edited by Ruth Biddle and Geraldine Dudansky.

Sports activities included girls’ and boys’ noonday basketball and volleyball.  Senior cheerleader was Karen Izydorek.

The football team, under Coach Ray Gripentrog, finished their senior season with a record of four wins, three losses and one tie.  The seniors included Bob Frese, Jerry Knusta, Merlin Nevala, Bob Olejniczak, Chet Siudak, Harold Hallanger, and Tom Kuester.

The track team was coached by Mr. Leon Salander and was led by seniors Bob Olejniczak, Frank Kotecki and Bob Frese.  The baseball team was also coached by Mr. Gripentrog.  Seniors were Vernon York, Merlin Nevala, Tom Kuester, Bob Grucelski, Bob Frese, Chet Siudak and Louis Kaminski.

The ’57-’58 basketball season was one of the most successful (if not THE most successful) in Thorp High School basketball history.  The team won the Cloverbelt Championship, the WIAA District Championship then lost to the Eau Claire Old Abes in the Sectional tournament at Menomonie.  At that time, all high school teams played in one division.  Schools were not placed in different divisions based on school enrollment.  Coach Jack Tetzner led the Cards to a 22-4 record.  Seniors on the team included Harold Hallanger, Tom Kuester, Jerry Boardman and Vernon York.

The Thorp High School class of 1958 was quite a class.  They graduated on May 26, 1958.