Spring 2015 Rider Recall - Roosevelt High School Foundation
Transcription
Spring 2015 Rider Recall - Roosevelt High School Foundation
ROUGHRIDER RECALL Theodore Roosevelt High School Foundation Newsletter Spring 2015 That Championship Season: Roosevelt Celebrates 1965 Basketball Team Members of the 1965 Roosevelt High School basketball team were honored on the 50th anniversary of their state championship. Friday afternoon and evening they turned back the clock fifty years at Roosevelt High School. A pep assembly in the school auditorium and a halftime ceremony in the gym were staged to honor the boys’ basketball team that won the state championship in 1965. That team was an offensive juggernaut that set more than one record while cruising past three opponents during the state tournament at old Veterans Auditorium. Keep in mind that those were days when no basket counted for more than two points no matter how far away it was launched. Still, Coach Al Comito’s freewheeling, full court-pressing bunch topped the 80-point mark 16 times over the course of 26 total games. The TRHS school spirit was an even more powerful force. The student section’s refusal to sit down (“Stand up and cheer for dear old Roosevelt,” says the school fight song, after all) during the state tourney games at Vets was a point of pride (“No, the Roosevelt cheering section will not be seated” reads the caption of a yearbook photo from the state semifinal matchup with Keokuk). So was the caravan of several hundred cars that wound its way through town like a blue and white train the day after the title game honking out the news that Roosevelt was the home of the state champs just in case anybody hadn’t heard. THE 1965 CHAMPIONSHIP BASKETBALL TEAM February 9, 2015 To: Marty Kenworthy, h School Foundation President, Roosevelt Hig on ll Championship Recogniti Re: 1965 State Basketba Marty, standing appreciation for the out I want to again express ognizing rec in did nts de stu d an job the foundation, faculty ampiCh ll ba our 1965 State Basket the 50th anniversary of e retim at gre a whole team had onship. I know that the ship ion mp cha our of d excitement visiting the euphoria an ates mm tea the of ny ma so to see season. It was a real treat have gathering just never would This rs. yea se the of all after nt. occurred without this eve and stusee that the school pride It is also very gratifying to through g lsin 50 years ago is still pu dent spirit that fueled us in part ves thri t tha a rich heritage the halls. Roosevelt has I am n. atio nd Fou the of d the work due to active alumni an a graduate. always proud to say I am Thanks again for hosting this memorable event. 5 Graham Cook, TRHS 196 1965 the of er mb [Me Championship team] ll ba State Basket Continued on Page 4 ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL FOUNDATION MISSION STATEMENT To celebrate the tradition and shape the future of Roosevelt High School by advancing and supporting the students, faculty, alumni and Roosevelt community BOARD MEMBERS PRESIDENT MARTY KENWORTHY PRESIDENT-ELECT WES GRAHAM VICE-PRESIDENT CHRIS FITZGERALD TREASURER KEVIN KRAUSE SECRETARY KAY SMITH PAST PRESIDENT FRITZ CRAIGER PRINCIPAL KEVIN BIGGS JUDY DOWNS ROBERT GERNES ONNALEE KELLEY ALICIA KNAPP LAURA LEONARD KENT MAUCK RENEE MURPHY ABBIE SAWYER PAUL SOENER JIM STAFFORD ELAINE STEINGER SARAH SUSANIN DOUG WELLS ANNE WHATLEY JASON WILLIS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JEANINE L RUTTER Message from the Principal Mr. Kevin Biggs While many Iowans relish the months of March, April and May, students at Roosevelt High School begin one of the toughest stretches of the school year. Certainly, the warm weather tempts all of us to meander outside for a brisk walk in the park or a shopping spree in the very popular East Village, but for many current Roughriders, this is the time when serious students begin the difficult work of AP Exam preparation. Throw in the arrival of state-mandated testing, now known as the Iowa Assessments, and the always present ACT Exam for our 11th grade students, and this building is packed with energy and emotion as the leaves turn green and the flowers take blossom! As many of you have likely heard or read in the past couple of months, state legislators are contemplating a later start date to the school year, hoping to avoid a negative impact on tourism (the Iowa State Fair). Many school districts around the state are calling “foul,” demanding local control and decision making authority. I may be in the minority amongst my fellow principals, but I’m one who looks to stay out of these types of decisions...I’m of the mindset that no matter when our students start school, we need to do all we can to see that they are prepared for life after their time as a Roughrider - just provide us a building and 90 great teachers...we’ll make magic happen, no doubt. In conclusion, it has been my honor and privilege to lead this tremendous building since 2013. When I reflect on my time here I immediately point to a few keys developments or characteristics that have remained with me, keeping me motivated and inspired to move forward and grow. First, more and more of our students of all backgrounds are engaging themselves in the very rigorous coursework known as Advanced Placement – college-level coursework that academically pushes students beyond their wildest imagination. Second, the number of students earning failing grades each semester has begun to drop significantly – by 150 students! The amazing teachers at TRHS are the reason for this, as well as our invested and “high-expectation” parent community. And three, the alumni of TRHS are in a class by themselves. The model for success has been created and paved by the thousands of former Roughriders roaming the planet – we have a lot to live up to and we are consistently motivated to make our alumni proud of our accomplishments. Thank you for your support of our students! And with that, I wish you a festive and warm Spring season...Go Riders! Kevin Biggs, Principal ROOSEVELT RECALL 2 Message from the Board Chair from President Marty Kenworthy The Foundation and Alumni Association recently had the great pleasure of hosting the 50th anniversary of the 1965 boys state basketball championship. Ten of the thirteen players and the lone surviving coach joined the Foundation, Roosevelt students and staff for a rousing pep assembly and introduction at a half-time ceremony of the Roosevelt game on January 30th. The players and coach Ron Adcock truly represent all that is great about Roosevelt tradition and spirit. I mentioned it during the player introductions, but this team was called the best Iowa high school basketball team ever by none other than long time Drake coach Maury John! Equally impressive – all thirteen players from that team went on to complete college. I am very proud that the Foundation board and Roosevelt staff dedicated their time and talents to honor not just the 1965 team, but also create a great example of leadership and achievement to the current students. Look for photos and video clips from the day of the event on the Foundation web site and Facebook page. The board is well underway in developing the priorities and timeline for the new strategic plan adopted at the board meeting on December 8th. The plan implemented by the board includes the following six (6) main goals: 1) A sustained membership level in the alumni association; 2) Build a self-sustaining endowment; 3) Raise funds to support new and existing projects; 4) Build a stronger awareness of the Foundation and Alumni Association; 5) Strengthen and maintain an active and diverse board; and 6) Support school administration and programming. Over the next few years the board will use the plan to guide it in its efforts to Create the Best Roosevelt Experience. Two big annual Foundation events are coming up soon. First, we hope you can join us as part of the Hall of Fame induction ceremony on April 15th and 16th. Then on May 15th, the Rough Rider Cup golf outing will be held at Waveland Golf Course. Save the dates and we look forward to seeing you on these special days. Go Riders! Marty Kenworthy , ‘76 President, TRHS Foundation & Alumni Association Vision Statement: Creating the best Roosevelt experience. Mission Statement: To celebrate the tradition and shape the future of Roosevelt High School by advancing and supporting the students, faculty, alumni and Roosevelt community. You can find out about those events and others by visiting the Foundation website www.trhsfoundation.org and also “liking” us on Facebook www.facebook.com/roosevelt.roughriders.5 Tom Kreamer was a lanky frontcourt star who got a scholarship to Iowa State and became an attorney who lives and practices in Kansas City. His running mate, Tom Schulze, went on to play for the Iowa team that won the Big Ten title in 1969-70. Old timers remember Des Moines Register headlines with a recurring “Tom-Tom” theme as Kreamer and Schulze paced the ‘65 team’s march to glory. “The state basketball championship did strange things to Roosevelt. In addition to disrupting study for a time, it created a feeling of unity and pride which is unimaginable to anyone who has not actually experienced it.” – 1965 yearbook (page 127) Schulze was tragically killed in 1985 but only two of the surviving members of the team were absent from Friday’s festivities. The co-captains were Ron Shirk (Dr. Ron Shirk whose patients over the years have included former teammates and coaches) and Kreamer. Coach Comito, Kreamer and Schulze are all members of the Iowa High School Basketball Hall of Fame. A short video clip from the title game was shown at the assembly. It highlighted how hair and shorts have lengthened over the years but hardly did the team justice. Afterwards Kreamer spoke on behalf of the team. “Well, I’m sure after watching that and looking at us old guys you’re probably wondering how we ever won anything,” he joked. “But even though we don’t have the skills anymore to win a basketball championship, let me tell you what we do have. We have memories, like the all-day assembly in this auditorium on Monday after we won state. And a deep love for Roosevelt. All of us are still proud to tell people that we graduated from one of the best high schools in America, one known for excellence in everything – academics, athletics and fine arts.” All 13 players on that storied team earned college degrees. Prior to the assembly the guests of honor shared lunch and a building tour with the current boys’ varsity team. Gifts were exchanged. This year’s team gave the returning champs school t-shirts and caps. The champs reciprocated with school-colored socks like the ones that were all the rage at Roosevelt back in 1965. The team wore them Friday night when they took the court against North but there was no magic in them. The Polar Bears spoiled the party by winning the boys’ game after the Roosevelt girls triumphed in the opener. That didn’t prevent a halftime ceremony when Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie, TRHS Class of ’66, presented the home-comers with a key to the city. “You better make quick use of it after the game tonight,” he quipped, “because it expires at midnight.” There’s no expiration, though, where the exploits of that once-in-a-school’s-lifetime team are concerned. The legendary Maury John was the Drake University head basketball coach at the time and he was quoted to the effect that Roosevelt was the best high school basketball team he’d ever seen. He spoke for many who were around during that sensational winter half a century ago when a dozen Westside kids and a couple thousand of their closest friends were unstoppable together. This article was written by TRHS alumnus Mike Wellman. It originally appeared in District News, Des Moines Public School website, February 2, 2015. Reprinted by permission. ROOSEVELT RECALL 4 CELEBRATING ROOSEVELT HISTORY Roosevelt High School has a rich history and long-standing tradition of excellence spanning nearly a century. In this issue we introduce a “Celebrating Roosevelt History” feature, with a former student’s recollection of Everett Craft and the story behind the origins of the Roosevelt Fight Song. We encourage our readers to contribute articles that highlight your own experiences and memories of Roosevelt. Please send them to [email protected]. The Craft and Art of Teaching I was deeply saddened to hear the Everett Craft died in October, 2014. Of all of the teachers I experienced at Roosevelt, at the Chicago Art Institute, at Drake University, and the University of Wyoming, Mr. Craft remains one of the four who had the most impact not only on what turned into my own forty-year teaching career but on my personal life as well. When I was a sophomore in Mr. Craft’s English class, coincidental to our reading William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, the film version of Julius Caesar was released, starring Marlon Brando, James Mason, and a cast of other important film actors. Because I’d gone to see the movie the first weekend it opened, on Monday Mr. Craft wanted to know my opinion of the film’s faithfulness to the play as well as the quality of the acting. Imagine how flattering it was to a fifteen-year old boy to have his favorite teacher ask for his opinion and mean it. He really did want to know what I thought. Weeks later, when each member of the class had to memorize a passage or speech from the play, I chose Mark Antony’s eulogy over the fallen Brutus’s body. As I stood to deliver my speech Mr. Craft said, “Ron, you’re going to need a body.” Before I could reply, Mr. Craft was lying prone on the long table he kept in front of the room, allowing me to stand over him and deliver Antony’s stirring lines, which begin, “This was the noblest Roman of them all,” lines that go on to pay tribute to Brutus with: “His life was gentle; and the elements/So mixt in him, that Nature might stand up/And say to all the world, ‘This was a man!”’ Ironically, I used those same lines later in my life when delivering the eulogy for my mentor uncle, Jack Cleveland, and my mentor-professor at Drake University, Dr. John Hicks. I believe the lines apply equally Everett Craft. The consolation for me is that several years ago, when my youngest son, Rider Vierling, a ballet dancer, and his wife, Kristy Tancred, an Australian ballerina, were in Des Moines as professional guest artists for a “Nutcracker” production, my wife and I took both Everett and Eunice Craft and John and Mary Ann Hicks to the theatre for the performance, followed by a reception at my brother Lewis Vierling’s home, which the Crafts and the Hicks also attended. On another occasion, while visiting with Mr. Craft in his home, I was able to describe in more detail the profound impact his “I’ll do anything to make literature come alive” approach to teaching -- the craft and the art of his in-class style -- had on my own teaching at five college preparatory schools in four states, where I had the joy of leading senior students through masterworks such as Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace, William Faulkner’s “The Bear,” the poetry of Robert Browning, as well as William Shakespeare’s plays. Mr. Craft said he was delighted that what he did at Roosevelt had meant so much to me. When I added that I often talked about his influence on my teaching with my own students, he was even more pleased. Now that I am retired from teaching and focusing on my own writing, I sometimes wonder if, perhaps, when it is time for me to “depart this mortal coil,” any of the students I taught will remember me with the same sense of gratitude with which I remember Ever Craft, who was truly “The noblest Roman of them all.” Ronald Vierling, TRHS class of 1956, novelist, playwright, and poet. ROOSEVELT RECALL 5 CELEBRATING ROOSEVELT HISTORY 1941: Jack Schmitz Pens “The Roosevelt Fight Song” It was 1941. World War II raged across Europe and Northern Africa. That spring Jack Schmitz would graduate from Roosevelt High School and go off to serve in the United States Army. He had contributed much to his soon-to-be alma mater. Next to his handsome yearbook photo myriad activities and offices were listed, from Senior Class President and German Club President, to tennis and debate team. But more than all of his activities and offices, Jack gave a gift to Roosevelt that has been celebrated--and sung--by countless students, fans, and alumni. In 1941 Jack penned The Roosevelt Fight Song. Jack’s classmate, John Cooper, passed this story down to his son, Mark Cooper. According to Mark, Jack was killed in action about six months into his deployment. This was sad and tragic news for the Des Moines community. Today, we look back on Roosevelt’s rich history and honor outstanding alumni, such as Jack Schmitz, who not only served Roosevelt but made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Below are several photos from Jack’s 1941 yearbook as well as his original version of The Roosevelt Fight Song and today’s version, which is little changed. Many thanks to Mark Cooper for sharing this piece of TRHS history. We invite TRHS alumni and friends to share their memories and history of Roosevelt for the Rider Recall Newsletter. Roosevelt Fight Song -- 1941 Roosevelt Fight Song --- 2015 T.R.H.S.! T.R.H.S.! T.R.H.S.! ROOSEVELT! ROOSEVELT! ROOSEVELT! Stand up and cheer for dear old Roosevelt! Unfurl her banners to the sky, And when our team goes smashing down the field, They’ll keep the blue and white on high—rah! rah! For in our name lies fame and glory great, The challenge of a fighting team And we will fight our way to victory FOR BLUE AND WHITE! FIGHT! FIGHT! Stand up and cheer for dear old Roosevelt, Unfurl her banners to the sky. And when our team goes smashing down the field, They’ll keep the Blue and White on high. Rah! Rah! For in our name lies fame and glory great, The challenge of a fighting team, Who charge and fight their way to victory For Blue and White – Fight! Fight! Jack Schmitz Class of 1941 ROOSEVELT RECALL 6 What’s Happening at TRHS this SPRING ATHLETICS Baseball May 26th – July 14, 2015 Golf April 7th – May 21st April 20th 10:00 AM Girls Varsity Invitational April 27th 12:00 PM Girls Varsity Invitational April 30th 10:00 AM Girls Varsity Tournament May 4th 10:00 AM Girls Varsity Invitational May 14th 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Girls Varsity Invitational Sharks Pageant Soft Ball May 26th – July 2th June 5th TBD Invitational North Polk June 6th TBD Invitational North Polk June 12th 12:00 Varsity Invitational Urbandale High School Spring Sports Parents Meeting March 25th 6:30 PM TRHS Auditorium Tennis April 4th – June 2nd April 4th – 10:00 AM Boys Varsity Invitational April 11th – 9:30 AM Boys Varsity Invitational April 25th 9:00 AM Girls Varsity Invitational May 18th 3:00 PM Girls Varsity Tournament April 17th 7:00 PM – Roosevelt Pool April 18th 7:00 PM – Roosevelt Pool Track Soccer March 20th 2:00 PM Boys Varsity Invitational Central College March 26th 4:30 PM Boys Varsity Invitational March 28th 10:00 AM Boys Varsity Invitational March 31st 4:00 PM Girls Varsity Invitational April 9th 4:30 PM Girls Varsity Invitational, Werling Relays April 11th 12:00 Boys & Girls Jim Duncan Invitational April 14th 4:30 PM – Girls Varsity Invitational April 16th 4:30 PM – Boys Varsity Invitational April 30th 5:00 PM Boys & Girls Varsity Invitational May 7th 4:30 PM Boys & Girls Varsity Invitational April 4th – May 22nd April 4th 10:00 AM Boys Varsity Tournament Newton HA Lynn Stadium April 11th 12:00PM Boys Varsity Roughrider Classic Invitational April 25th 10:00 AM Girls Varsity Tournament April 25th 10:00 AM Girls Varsity Nevada Invitational May 16th 9:00 AM Girls Varsity Tournament March 6th – May 23rd STAY CONNECTED. ROOSEVELT RECALL 7 What’s Happening at TRHS this SPRING THE ARTS Band April 18th State/Solo Ensemble Festival All Day Indianola HS April 27th Des Moines Band Festival – All Day May 12th 7:00 PM Spring Band Concert Orchestra May 14th 7:00 PM Spring Orchestra Concert Roosevelt Theater March 5-6th Spring Show 1 – 7:30 PM March 5-7 Anatomy of Gray March 14 IHSSA State Individual Events April 9-10th Spring Show 2 – 7:30 PM April 9-10th A Evening of One–Acts 7:30 PM April 23rd 2:45-7:00 PM Thespian Induction April 30th 6:00 PM Theatre Banquet Vocal Music May 7th 6:00PM Vocal Music Awards Night Library April 28th 7:00 Spring Concert Auditorium Show Choir Competition April 18th Show Choir Competition – All day Illinois May 8th 7:00 PM- May Revue It’s Music to our Ears! Congratulations to the All-State Orchestra 2014 students: Violin Mila Kaut (3 yrs) Shana Liu (2 yrs) Julian Gruber (1 yr) Olivia Helton (1 yr) Elizabeth Fisher (2 yrs) Vaughn Hommerding (4 yrs) Cello Anna Steenson (1 yr) Bass Geneva Gaukel (2 yrs) Roan Withers (unable to participate) All-State Band: Flute Maya Miller Final concert - May 14th @ 7:00 Roosevelt Auditorium Jennifer Luft Des Moines East Orchestra Director Des Moines Roosevelt Orchestra Director AP Music Theory [email protected] The All-State Orchestra rings the bell ROOSEVELT RECALL 8 WHAT’S HAPPENING Theodore Roosevelt High School Bridges 2 Harmony Gospel Choir There are several exciting performing groups in Roosevelt’s vocal music program. One of those groups is the Bridges 2 Harmony Gospel Choir! This choir has performed many times in the Des Moines area this year, and is now receiving rave reviews everywhere they go. “The YouTube phenomenon has helped the name recognition of the choir,” says choir director James McNear. “The passion they display as they perform is infectious and the audience is drawn in by the sincerity of the students as they give themselves to the music.” The choir has had opportunities this year to perform the National Anthem for our military personnel and at many events here in the area. “Our concert schedule has been brutal,” Mr. McNear continues, “but worth it because the students see the effect that they can have on others . . . . I’m very proud of their involvement in service projects this year.” In January they participated in the “Day of Service” for the Dr. Martin Luther King holiday by performing at 7 am, participating in assembling Meals for the Heartland that afternoon, and performing again that evening at the North High MLK Celebration. Word is getting around about this group and the invitations continuously flow in. “My only regret is that we cannot grant every request, but I’m happy that people want to experience what the students do.” When asked about how he keeps it going Mr. McNear responded, “We normally do not charge, but the sponsors of the concerts really help us out when they find out what I am trying to do with these students. Donations like uniforms, meals for the kids, and helping us to sponsor our Jr. Bridges 2 Harmony program in January go a long way in helping us stay afloat!” The group has many gifted songwriters, poets, and dancers, and each facet is allowed to have a part in shaping the presentations under the watchful eye of Mr. McNear. ”I want everything to be done tastefully, and we make subtle changes for the audiences that we encounter each performance.” One goal this year is to make another music video that rivals “Can You Hear?,” a presentation recorded right at Roosevelt over 3 years ago and still being played regularly on YouTube. The Roosevelt Bridges 2 Harmony Gospel Choir performs well over 30 concert dates per year, none more important than a recent performance in East Moline, Illinois. The event was sponsored by a collaboration of Moline high school and city officials to see what a program looks like that brings many different students together, and to see how feasible it is to begin a similar program in that area. It is a wonderful thing to know that we are learning from each other and literally building bridges of understanding through music that penetrates the soul! ROOSEVELT RECALL 9 R In Memory of TRHS ALUMNI We have received word that the following TRHS alumni have passed away: Name The information in this section comes primarily from obitu aries printed in The Des Moines Register. We invite anyone to submit news of de- ceased Roosevelt alumni. Please give us as much of the following informa- tion as you have: al um’s name (including maiden name, if applicable); age; years of birth, gradu- ation, and death. Please send e-mails to: trhsfoundation- [email protected]. Thank you. Graduation Year Year of Death Mary (Drennen) Blaskovich 1939 September 2012 Audrey (Squier) Keeler 1940 November 2014 Doris (Harrod) Holmes 1943 February 2015 John C. DeMaris 1946 February 2015 Mary “Molly” (Miller) Bryan 1946 December 2014 Jerry I. Matulef 1949(?) December 2014 Ivan “Ike” Davidson 1950(?) December 2014 Mina (Van Voorhis) Fischer 1951 January 2015 Richard S. Sheldon 1951 December 2014 David Adamson 1952 January 2015 Robert E. Buising 1953 January 2015 Ronald Lawrence Haag 1957 December 2014 Judy (Smith) Snider 1958 January 2015 James R. Bassarear 1965 January 2015 William “Bill” Lawrie 1966 January 2015 Arthur C. Rich 1970 February 2015 Samuel J. Nuzum II 1974 January 2015 William “Will” Houck 1975 January 2015 Jeffrey G. Cornick 1987 January 2015 TRHS Show Choir at a recent performance TRHS Bridges 2 Harmony Gospel Choir members assemble Meals for the Heartland food packets ROOSEVELT RECALL 10 Roosevelt Boys Swim Team Wins 12th Straight Conference Title; Six Swim at State Meet Roughrider swimmers won their 12th straight conference title in January, scoring 332 points, with Lincoln finishing second earning 217 points. Senior Davis Ward won the 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly and swam on the winning 200 medley and 200 freestyle relays. Junior James McKee won the 100 freestyle and anchored Roosevelt’s three winning relays. Senior, Lander Geadelmann The Rider’s depth also played a decisive role with top six finishes in every varsity contest, including: Lander Geadelmann and Ned Turner (200 freestyle); Dalton Lynch, A.J. Fleming, and Alex Hilmes (200 individual medley); River Iannaccone and Duncan Shay (100 butterfly); Geadelmann and Hilmes (100 freestyle); Turner, Lynch and Alex Shay (500 freestyle); Andrew Shumway and Fleming (100 backstroke), and Freddy Smith (100 breaststroke). The Riders went on to finish third at the district meet behind district champions Dowling Catholic High School and runner up West Des Moines Valley. Junior, Alex Hilmes Riders finished the season strong with six swimmers qualifying for state in the following events: 200 medley relay, 100 butterfly, 500 freestyle, 200 free relay, and the 50 freestyle. Pictured below are the Roughriders 2015 State Qualifiers. Congratulations to all of the swimmers and coaches on another terrific season! Coaches: Steve Teter, Jeff Crispin, and Lydia Ahrold. Riders 2015 State Qualifiers are pictured below, from left: James McKee, Freddy Smith, Davis Ward, Dalton Lynch, Lander Geadelmann, and Alex Hilmes. R PARTY BAR PARTY PICTURES Check out the full story on page 15! ROOSEVELT RECALL 11 Reflection of 2014-2015 Wrestling Season by Daryl Dotson, Head Coach Tanner Murray and Jacob Harman qualified for the 2015 State Wrestling Tournament as seniors for the Roosevelt Wrestling team. Tanner and Jacob wrestled tough in the first two rounds at the state tournament but came up short on winning their matches. Tanner competed for the Roughriders at 145 lbs. and Jacob at 152 lbs. We as a team will miss their hard work in the wrestling room on a dayto-day basis. I am very happy that Tanner and Jacob were able to achieve part of their goal by qualifying for the state tournament this season. They represented Roosevelt wrestling very well in competition. Tanner and Jacob had good wrestling careers at TRHS, which included some adversity they had to work through that helped them become better people. We wish Tanner and Jacob the best of luck with the rest of their senior year and after graduation. Our wrestling season was filled with highs and lows, but we are a better team because of going through them together. We have a great nucleus of young men coming back to represent TRHS wrestling. We do our best as a coaching staff to teach good character in our program. We have made improvement from last season to this season and we will get better. Here are the wrestlers that finished the season in good standing: Kaleb Creighton Crum, Lexx Klinge, Josh Hawkins, Korbin Blankenship, Justin Overmyer, Tanner Murray, Jacob Harman, Sam Grinstead, Seane Scott, Matthew Jones, Quan Huynah, Jacob Overmyer, Evan Konrad, Ashton Davis, John Primeau, Nathan Evans, Jordan Moss, Mason Woods, Brandon Foster, and Andrew Woock. Managers this season are: Elizabeth Pongxayavong, Ruquiyah Muhammad, Caitlyn Malloy, and Tyerell Jones, who all did a great job working behind the scenes. Thank you to all the parents who supported Roosevelt Wrestling; we could not do this without your support. We will continue to get better by working in the off-season, wrestling in tournaments, lifting weights and building our young men into men of character. CONGRATULATIONS EMILY BOLLINGER! Local 5 and Bankers Trust were excited to congratulate Roosevelt High School teacher Emily Bollinger as this month’s One Classroom at a Time grant winner. Ms. Bollinger wins a $1,000 for a special project, as well as a cultural workshop from Culture All. Ms. Bollinger’s students are currently reading “A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier” written by Ishmael Baeh, a former boy soldier from Sierra Leone. Bollinger says it’s one of those rare books that students can’t put down. They really enjoy reading the text aloud and discussing it, so Bollinger wants to expand on this experience. She will use this money to bring in Ishmael Baeh, or another former boy soldier, to talk to the students. She hopes they can learn about perseverance and finding hope even in the darkest of circumstances. Congratulations to Emily Bollinger and TRHS! Speech and Debate Heads for Dallas this Summer! Over Valentine’s Day weekend the TRHS Speech and Debate team traveled to Okoboji High School for our district’s National Tournament Qualifier. It was an incredibly successful weekend! After many rounds and plenty of adrenaline filled moments, eight students qualified to compete at the National Tournament in Dallas this upcoming June. Those students are: Andy Anderson (11th ) and his partner Ted Appel (12th) in Public Forum Debate, Akanksha Chilukuri (11th) and her partner Elena Hildebrandt (12th) also in Public Forum, Rachel Wade (10th) in Dramatic Interpretation, Nour Harzallah (12th) also in Dramatic Interpretation, Daniel Drane (11th) in International Extemporaneous Speaking, and Ellie Konfrst (9th) in Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking. Several other students secured positions as alternates in their respective events: Jacob Appel (12th), Mary Beth Armstrong (9th), Regan Copple (11th), Wyatt Johnson (9th), Jade Miller (10th), Jane Rice (11th), Jacob Thompson (10th) and Claire Wallace (9th). In the weeks to come we will be finishing up our regular season tournaments. Still ahead are the following tournaments: the Kanellis National Invitational (at Iowa City West High), the IFL All-Iowa Finals at the University of Iowa, the Great Midwestern Novice & JV Debate Championships, and West Iowa NSDA District Congress Tournament. We are thrilled that our feeder middle schools Callanan and Merrill, as well as seven other DMPS middle schools, have begun promising debate programs. This year the programs are just doing Public Forum debate, but in the future they will grow to do most forms of debate as well as speech. The TRHS students are excited to get help these programs grow through mentorship, judging, and recruitment. Under our new Director of Forensics, Lauren McCool, we are looking to build our Team’s Alumni network and database – especially with alumni who competed in or before the 1990s. If that is you we truly believe you laid a great foundation for our team and we want to make sure you are up to date on our successes. Please send your contact information to Coach McCool via email at [email protected] – we’d especially like to invite you to our end of the year banquet! How can you help our team? First, to be candid, we are always in need of financial sponsorship. Our students are very successful and many of them need financial support to travel to tournaments and to attend summer institutes. We as a coaching staff want to ensure that money does not keep a student from competing, but our resources are limited. Second, we always need judges for tournaments. Most of our tournaments are located in the DSM Metro or in Iowa City so very little travel would be required! Donating your time to judge not only saves the team money but helps deepen our judging pool, which is good for everyone competing. Think it has been too long since you were “in round”? Not at all! You’d be surprised how fast your skills and knowledge will come rushing back once the first speech has started! ROOSEVELT RECALL 13 2015 REUNIONS | SAVE THE DATES! Class of 2005 10th - TBD Send your contact information to [email protected] Class of 1995 20th - July 31-Aug 1, 2015 Friday, July 31 8:00 pm – Social hour at local bar TBD Saturday, August 1 10:00 am – Tour of Roosevelt – Rider Shop Open 12:00 pm – Family Potluck at a local park TBD 8:00-11:00 pm – Reunion party at Des Moines Social Club cash bar and food available. If you haven’t done so already, please email us at [email protected] and provide your full name (including maiden name if applicable) so we can provide updates. Class of 1995 is our Facebook page. It is a closed group, so alums can friend any one of the planning committee and we will invite them: Beth Claypool Flynn, Sarah Claypool Friedland, Ryan Ford, Kelly Caldbeck, Nicole Thompson Bridgeman, Matt Lozier. Class of 1990 25th - July 17-18, 2015 Class of 1980 35th - Aug 14-15, 2015 Thursday, Aug 13 - Pre-reunion gathering at Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway. Family friendly, bring a picnic, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages & a blanket. Adult beverages available for purchase. Check the website for music line-up: www.jasperwinery.com. Iowa State Fair also opens the 13th. Friday, Aug 14 - TRHS golf tournament at Waveland Maria Bennett - chair [email protected] 5:00 pm Welcome reception/casual gathering on the deck at Wellman’s Pub on Ingersoll. ALL TRHS grads are welcome. Saturday, Aug 15 - Yoga and a walking tour of the Roosevelt area is being planned. 10:00 am - Tour of Roosevelt Dinner and dance at Wakonda Club TRHS January & June Classes of 1955 60th Reunion September 18 & 19, 2015 We will gather Friday night, September 18th at 6:00 PM at the Waveland Golf Course Clubhouse. The evening will include a three entrée buffet dinner with dessert and beverages. A full cash bar will be available. Many classmates will remember attending dances here back in the day. Saturday, September 19th will have morning and afternoon times open for visiting local attractions and informal get-togethers and conclude with a 6:00 PM gathering at the Jasper Winery. The meal will feature a gourmet buffet with appetizers and desserts and include a cash bar featuring the beers and wines produced by the Winery. As we have done with each of our past reunions, a Biography Book will be available to any class member whether attending the event or not. For further particulars, please contact: Bill Meek: Join the Facebook page to stay up to date: TRHS Class of 80 35th Reunion or [email protected] contact Donna Nell Overton [email protected] or (515) 255-7220 Stefany Reed [email protected] for more information. Class of 1975 40th - Aug 14-15, 2015 Saturday, Aug 14 - 10:00 am Tour of Roosevelt More details soon. Join the Facebook page: TRHS75DM Class of 1965 50th - September 18-19, 2015 Send your contact information to: [email protected] Nancy (Diehl) Bone: [email protected] (515) 285-1784 Rees Jones: [email protected] (515) 978-2853 ROOSEVELT RECALL 14 R-Party Bar Party Highlights It was bitterly cold outside, but it was warm inside the Gramercy Tap on February 26, where the first ever R-Party Bar Party was held. Trocar, a band featuring Graham Cook, class of 1965, provided live music while Roosevelt alumni and friends enjoyed appetizers and beverages. We welcomed RHS alumni from the class of 1950 all the way up to the class of 2012. It was great to see old friends reuniting and new friendships being formed. More than 100 people attended and 60 new members joined the RHS Alumni Association. This new Roosevelt tradition will go down as a success with a great turnout. Thank you to everyone who braved the cold weather and supported this event and the Alumni Association! A special thank you also goes out to Renee Murphy, Jeanine Rutter, and Sarah Susanin who were integral in planning this event and to Trocar and Graham Cook for providing the entertainment. Mary Sparling’s and Laurie Dickinson’s volunteer efforts and the rest of the planning committee of Chris Fitzgerald, Abbie Sawyer, Onnalee Kelley, and Wes Graham were appreciated as well. Finally, thank you to Carter & Mike Hutchison and Gramercy Tap for hosting this event. Photos are courtesy of Christopher Maharry of Maharry Photography. Visit our website trhsfoundation.org/photo gallery and click on the link to view more. 2015 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES ANNOUNCED! This year’s Hall of Fame inductees will be Robert Phillips, Class of 1955 and Janet Phillips Sharma, Class of 1962, our first brother-sister team. We look forward to the April 15 reception and April 16, 2015 ceremony and hearing them tell more about where their paths took each of them after graduating from Roosevelt. Look for their stories in the Summer Rider Recall. ROOSEVELT RECALL 15 16th Annual | Rider Cup May 15, 2015 | Waveland Golf Course We are pleased to announce the 16th annual Rough Rider Cup golf fundraiser will be held on May 15th. We are excited to be at Waveland Golf Course again this year; Roosevelt’s home course. This event will be a four-person scramble with a 1:00 P.M. shot-gun start. As initiated last year, the Foundation will be partnering with TRHS student groups to plan and host the event with a portion of the proceeds being shared with each group. In addition, student golfers will be on the course assisting groups with tee shots and putting. Scoring will be done in flights and there will be many prizes and on-course games. Please join us as a golfer, sponsor or donor. Use the registration form in this newsletter or download the form from the Foundation Website (www.trhsfoundation.org/rider-cup). We anticipate a sell out this year, so gather your foursome, register early and help us make this another successful Rider Cup! Rider Cup 2015 Registration Form 2014 - 1:00 Shotgun Start RIDERMay CUP15, 2015 REGISTRATION FORM MAY 15, 2014 - 1:00PM SHOTGUN START 1. Participate as a golfer: $150 (age ≥35) or $120 (age < 35) (provide your information below) 2. Sponsor a golf hole in your name or your company’s name @ $300. Hole sponsors will have their name displayed on a sign at a hole and will be acknowledged in an upcoming Recall. Print the way your name (company’s name) should appear on the tee sign: __________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Donation: $100 $150 $200 _____other My total payment equals: $_______________ Your Name Class of Address Email City/State/Zip Phone Please list the names of the other golfers in your foursome: _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ Deadline for returning this form is May 1, 2015. Please make check payable to Roosevelt Foundation or pay by credit card: MasterCard, Visa, or American Express (circle one): _____________________________ Credit Card Number __________ _________ Exp Date Sec. Code ____________________________ Signature Mail your completed form to: Roosevelt Foundation P.O. Box 12087 Des Moines, IA 50312 (Registrations limited to144 players. Registrations recieved after event is full will be placed on a waiting list.) ROOSEVELT RECALL 16 HELP SEND THE CLASS OF 2015 TO COLLEGE! Each year the Roosevelt Foundation awards college scholarships to many of our seniors, based on need and merit. 100% of donations to the Rider Scholarship Fund will help send Roosevelt Grads to the college, university, or vocational school of their choice. Last year we awarded more than $40,000! Please consider making a generous gift! Donations may be made online on our website at trhsfoundation.org. or by filling out and sending in the form below. Please contact Jeanine Rutter at 515-664-2020 or email [email protected] for more information. Thank you for supporting higher education in our community. 2015 Roosevelt Rider Scholars Scholarship Donor Name(s) [as you wish to be acknowledged]: _________________________________________________________Graduation Yr:__________ Address:________________________________________________________________________ City: _______________________________________________State/Zip: ___________________ Phone: _________________________E-mail: _________________________________________ Donation Amount: ____________________ ( ) Check enclosed, payable to Roosevelt Foundation ( ) Charge my credit card account: ( ) Mastercard ( ) Visa ( ) Amex Card number: ______________________________ Expiration: ________ Sec. Code: _______ Signature (if donating by credit card): _______________________________________________ This gift is: ( ) in honor of ( ) in memory of: ______________________________________ ( ) Please contact me about a planned gift for the Rider Scholars Scholarship endowment. Please mail donations to: THRS Foundation / P.O. Box 12087 / Des Moines, IA 50312 THANK YOU! ROOSEVELT RECALL 17 The biggest thank you to all of the DONORS that allow us to continue providing support to TRHS CONNECT WITH ROOSEVELT Recorded January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014 Rough Rider Contribution $1,000 - $2,499 Diana DeVotie Reddington Ingrid Ganske Brigid Kelly Roosevelt Contribution $500 - $999 Marty & Tamara Kenworthy Bill & Val Armstrong Pamela Bass-Bookey & Harry Bookey Samuel Early Mark Feldmann John Fisher & Jann Freed Bob & Ann Gernes Rosalie (Samberg) Goldberg Gerald Kirke James Larson John Olds Janis & John Ruan III Roger & Shirley Stetson Violet Young Charitable Trust Teddy Contribution $250 - $499 J. Gregory Hull Bette Gilman Nelson Sarah & Andy Susanin Pete & Beth Ann Bakros Chuck & Janet Betts Beth Muell Bishop & David Bishop LaVerne & Blaine Briggs Carolyn Christiansen Graham Cook Bennett Ely R. Dennis Hamill Joe & Peggy Jester John Joseph Ward Klein Christopher Kramme Richard & Geraldine Krezek John & Ellen Kunkle Edward F. Loeb M.D. Carol Cross Lowenthal Mary Ann Rood Roger & HeatherSoener Elaine Steinger Molly & Bob Veenstra TRHS Contribution $100 - $249 Cindy & Harry Bauge Diane Mitchell Brewer Gordon J. Smith Mary & Peter Cownie Christopher Fitzgerald Bill & Mary Holtze MichaelSadler Laura Leonard Jim & Janie Wine Don Arends TimothyBarber Daniel Bartlett Amber Baybayan Curtis Brighton Mary Brubaker Dave Caris & Hallie Still Caris Sydney Timmins Coder Issac Couture Fritz & Holly Craiger Cecil B.Drain Jacqueline Easley Sally Witmer Ehlert Bruce & Kay Heilman Leslie & Steve Heimbach James M. & Nancy J. Hoak Scott Hoekman John W. Iles Ted Irvine William R. Jackson OnnaleeKelley Kathleen Kennedy Ian & Daniel Lin LorenceLong Kaye Lozier Mary Lou Lynch NormanMandelbaum Dr. & Mrs. LarryMartindale Kent & Sheila Mauck Jacqueline EasleyMcGhee John G. McGinnis Joan Wallace Myers Sarah & Tom Norman Susan Norton Sandy & Denny O’Brien Randy Ramundt & Jennifer Speer Ramundt Abbie Sawyer Paul Scott Frances Shloss Charles Kent Smith J.H. Sommers Mary Sparling Majorie Spevak Rachel Stauffer Tom & Molly Sullivan Frederick G. & Somjit Swain DeborahTurner Tim & Toni Urban Jim & Dee Vickery Natalie Engman Werbitt Chuck & Tracy Wheeler Leigh Wichern Jerry F. Wilson Stephen Wolfe Pep Contribution $50 - $99 Pam Kenyon Susan Carlson Aanes Anne Witmer Ahern Ruth Everling Allen Lee AnnBakros Kathy Beals Bast Carol Anne Bauer Maria Bennett Joan Burke David C. Collier Connie Comfort James Derrick Judy Downs Julie Doyle Dave Fanning Mary & Robert Fanter Susan Hansen Fisher Robert L.Gale Pat Gibson Ron Grohe Lucia Herndon Ken Hickerson Barb & Ben Hildebrandt Steve Hill Norman & DianeHills HarrisonKruse Robin Little June Mackay Robert McCaffrey Renee Murphy John & Susan Murrow Val Near Barb & Andy Nish James A. Peterson David Peterson ROOSEVELT RECALL 18 The biggest thank you to all of the DONORS Pep Contribution $50 - $99 MichelleRenken Lara Severson Mary Lou Snyder Katie Sobolik Nancy J.Walden Martin Waldinger Marsha Wheeldon Friend Contribution up to $50 Vicki Goldsmith Carl Agee RebeccaAnders Kathy Bartlett Dale Brubaker John & Ellen Burnquist Skip Byers Betty Elgin Kate Foster Jeffrey Greenberg Pam Gregory Andy Hayes Steven Hellyer Tom Holtz Jack Kingery Kevin Krause Lance Krieg Ted & Ruth Kunkle John Lepley Sam Lepley Joyce Lowe Emily Markonlatos Elizabeth Michaelson Phillip Miller Mr. & Mrs. Donald Neuman Sharon Parker-Lenihan Becky Seaman Powers Krik Ryan Amy Schell Paul H. Soener Marne Strake Jim Swaim Adam Swartz Kelvin Thomas Elizabeth Whitt Mary Lou Christianson Dorette Kagin Sarachik that allow us to continue providing support to TRHS CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Recorded January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014 $10,000 to $19,999 John and Jackie Bucksbaum $1,000 to $9,999 John Joseph up to $999 JW Brammer Marcella Huff - in honor of Howard Dean Huff MEMORIAL GIFTS Recorded January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014 OTHER GIFTS Recorded January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014 Robert & Ann Gernes Class of 1963 front entrance landscaping John & Janis Ruan - Student Needs Class of 1964 Reunion - Student Needs Beaverdale Fall Fest for TRHS Marching Band Trent & Renee Murphy for TRHS calculators Named Scholarships Bryant D. Tuel Memorial Scholarship Larry Tuel Dick Hewins Sciences Scholarship Dick Hewins Emily Wagner Scholarship Dick and Sandy Wagner Christine & Jay Polson In Memory of Tom Hickerson Donald & Donna Dorn Ken Hickerson Marjorie Webb Herman Kirkpatrick Scholarship Mrs. James A. (Marlene) Peterson Wayne & Claire Daily Gene Warrington Richard & Joanne Liddy In Memory of Wilson Hickerson Ken Hickerson Marjorie Webb Hewins-Seaman Sciences Scholarship Mary Baker In Memory of Judy Skelley Harker Mary Lea Kruse In Memory of Judy Phyllis Jagiello George P Miller In Memory of Everett Craft Betty Torgerson Christi Sidwell Class of 1976 Class of 1977 Erma Joslin Glen & Laurie Dickinson Jeannette Ludwig Kathy Collins Reilly Lisa Leonard Mary Elgin Mary Helen Bertrand Nancy & Richard Lynch Peter Taggart Rose Hayne Thomas & Marian Scott William & Diane Green John J. Hansell Scholarship Silvia & Jordan Hansell Phyllis & Ed Hansell Mark Clark Kathy Collins Reilly Scholarship Kathy Collins Reilly Larry & Dee Ann Wilson Marvin James Fink P.E. Memorial Scholarship Larry Fink Meriam Rosenthal Scholarship Gayle Canada Timothy Parker, M.D. Pre-Medicine Scholarship Tim and Beth Parker Weidmaier Lineman of the Year Scholarship Bill & Linda Weidmaier ROOSEVELT RECALL 19 SCHOLARSHIP GIFTS Recorded January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014 RIDER SCHOLARS SCHOLARSHIPS Pamela Bass-Bookey & Harry Bookey Paul & Phyllis Breddin Mary Brubaker Tom & Diane Child Fritz & Holly Craiger Charles Day Robert & Ann Gernes Helena & Jay Hadek Diane Churchill Jon Hoak Iowa Student Loan David & Gerrianne Jordan Tamara Rood & Doyle Karr Gerald Kirke Christopher Kramme Ron & Jan Kruse Betsye Lee Ina & Dani Lin T Scott Little Mary Lynch Carol & Edward MacDonald memory of Andrew Holmes Don & Charlotte Neuman Tom & Sarah Norman Sarah Pongracz Barbara Raffensperger Pat Schroeder Kathleen Brogan Schwarz Earl H. Scudder Jack & Pat Sink Vincent Starzinger Tom & Molly Sullivan Janice & Mark Thomas Joseph Van Ginkel Jr Memorial Jay Villwock West Bancorporation Foundation Dena Goplerud & Thomas Zisko BIRDIES FOR CHARITY Ami Copeland Fritz & Holly Craiger Christopher Fitzgerald Robert & Ann Gernes Wesley Graham Marty & Tamara Kenworthy Laura Leonard John Kunkle T. Scott Little Sheila & Kent Mauck Martha McKlveen Renee & Trent Murphy Jeanine & Jon Rutter Max Schoenberg Kay & Elliott Smith James Stafford Chuck & Tracy Wheeler Jason Willis Thank you! ARE YOU CONNECTED to the Roosevelt Foundation & Alumni Association? Donor Name[s] as you wish to be acknowledged _____________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________ City____________________________State _____ Zip_________ Telephone _____________________ Email __________________________ Maiden Name _______________________Class ___________ Please make checks payable to the Roosevelt Foundation and mail to: Roosevelt Foundation PO Box 12087 Des Moines, Iowa 50312-9402 Alumni Association Membership ____ $25 ____ $1,000 ____ $1,500 Annual Membership - Individual Lifetime Membership - Individual Lifetime Membership - Couple Foundation Donation Levels ____ $10,000 Big Stick ____ $250 Teddy ____ $5,000 Foundation ____ $100 TRHS ____ $2,500 Championship ____ $50 Pep ____ $1,000 Rough Rider ____ $________ Other ____ $500 Roosevelt ____ $________ Anonymous Total Donation (Includes membership & foundation) $_______ ____ VISA ____MasterCard ____AmEx Credit Card Number __________________________________ Exp. Date ____________ 3 Digit Code _______ Signature __________________________________________________ This is in honor/memory of [Circle One] _________________________________________________ _____ Please contact us about a Named Scholarship Opportunity ROOSEVELT RECALL 20