ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NEWS
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NEWS
February 2009
150 WILDCATS ATTENDED THIS YEAR’S ALL SCHOOL REUNION
The annual meeting and all school reunion of the Haven High School Alumni Association was held on October 10, 2008 , at Haven High School with five classes (48, 53, 58, 61 and 68) holding special reunions. This year’s event began with a reception at 2 followed by an excellent review of student organizations and activities. Tracy Giddens also presented an update on the High School’s activities, accomplishments and challenges. Prior to leaving for their football game, the team and cheerleaders were introduced.
A special silent auction was held during the afternoon and evening featuring restored trophies from previous year’s being offered to the highest bidder. These trophies were stored and in bad repair. Over $400 was raised with funds dedicated to the scholarship fund.
The evening dinner was followed by a short annual report of the Association’s activities by Harland Priddle who reported that the membership is now 238. Jim Hayes, Marilyn Hurst and Bill Romig were elected to the Board for a period of three years.
Harland also recognized the following alumni who have passed away during 2008: Wayne Harris-1947; Edwin Stecher 1944; Lois Krenke Krenz 1954 and Ardith Hammer 1959 and indicated there may have been more. A moment of silent tribute was observed for those mentioned and others.
The program for the evening was very entertaining with a representative of each class holding a special reunion giving a brief review of their class and the “happenings” since leaving HHS . A special musical tribute was included with a song from their era played by Bryce Matteson.
The evening was concluded with the announcement of the winners of the silent auction of trophies with Jim Hayes announcing the winners.
ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP FUND
The Association has arranged for a scholarship account with the Hutchinson Community Foundation. All donations to this fund are tax deductible. Contributions to the scholarship fund should be made to the Hutchinson Community Foundation with a notation in the memo section of the check “For Haven High Alumni Scholarship” and sent to HHS Alumni, P. O. Box 131 , Haven , Kansas 67543 .
ALL SCHOOL REUNION DATE SET
Mark October 9 on your calendar. This is the date for the next Association annual meeting and all school reunion. Details will be forwarded at a later time.
SPECIAL CLASS REUNIONS
Classes who graduated 44, 49, 54, 59, 64, 69, 74, 79, 84 and 89 have been forwarded an invitation to include a special class reunion at the time of our annual meeting in October. If you are a member of a class in this category, please let us know if you have plans to be with us. Using this weekend for your special class reunion provides you the opportunity to see your classmates without spending weeks arranging the event—just use our event and enjoy being with your classmates as well as other Wildcats.
WALL OF HONOR PROGRAM BEING DEVELOPED
The Board of Directors is considering a Wall of Honor program to honor graduates from the past. This program is still being reviewed but the following is a brief summary of the program being considered.
Each year, a selection committee will review candidate nomination forms and select up to three alumni whose accomplishments have had a profound influence on society. Inductees are honored at the annual meeting of the HHS Alumni Association with other special recognition at other High School activities. A plaque with a photo and biography of each honoree is placed on the Wall of Honor located in the High School Commons Area where today's students may be inspired to follow their dreams and reach their full potential. The Wall of Honor is to be co-sponsored by Student Council, the High School Faculty and the HHSAA. Again, this is being reviewed. We will provide additional details and nomination forms as the program is finalized and adopted.
HAVEN IS CLASS 4A THIS YEAR
Each year, the Kansas High School Athletic Association identifies the specific classes for athletic competition. Haven moved up from 3A to 4A and will compete with larger schools from such cities as Colby and Concordia for state events.
FFA NEWS:
SAMUELFISHBURNWINSSTATEFFA SPEECH CONTEST
Samuel Fishburn of the Haven FFA Chapter was one of 48 state winners participating in the 2008 National FFA Prepared Public Speaking Career Development Event ( CDE ). The competition was held Oct. 22-25, during the 81 st National FFA Convention. The road to Nationals began last year for Samuel when he began preparing his speech in October for the District contest in December. Placing 2 nd at District he qualified to compete in the State contest in May at the State FFA Convention. Samuel qualified for the National contest by winning the state event. At the National contest Samuel placed in the bronze level. GREAT JOB , SAMUEL—WE ARE PROUD OF YOU.
FFA MEMBERS ATTEND NATIONAL CONVENTION
Ten members from the Haven FFA Chapter traveled to Indianapolis , Indiana , and joined about 55,000 other FFA ; members for the 81st National FFA convention held on October 22-25, 2008 . The theme for this year’s convention was “Step Up---Stand Out”. Members who attended the Convention were Samuel Fishburn, Dustin Gilbert, Colbly Hamer, Thomas Oldenettel, Colten Salm, Kenzie Stout, Ashley Tonn, Brandon Warner, Josh Weve and Colton Young.
ATHLETICS
FOOTBALL TEAM BREAKS LOSING STREAK
While the season was only 1 win against 8 losses, the Wildcats ended a 32 game losing streak by beating Sterling 8-2 on September 12. A late touchdown by Nickerson jerked another victory away from Haven who also played competitive in most of their games. Several Wildcats were selected for All League Honors. These were: Byron Nienstedt, 2 nd team defensive back; Jordon Drake, 2 nd team linebacker, Cory Hatchel, honorable mention offensive line’ Natahan Pohl, honorable mention running back and Ridge Foster, honorable mention quarterback.
CROSS COUNTRY TEAM PARTICIPATED IN 8 EVENTS
The girls and boys cross country teams had fifteen members this year and placed in most of their meets. Our Wildcat girls placed 2 nd at Sterling and Marion and 3 rd at Collegiate. Boys were second at Skyline and 5 th at Smoky Valley . Coach Roper has only one senior so is hoping for improvement in 2009.
TENNIS TEAM ACTIVE WITH FOURTEEN MEMBERS ON THE SQUAD
Coach Littlejohn had 14 girls on her tennis team this fall with 7 receiving their Wildcat letters. The team did not have anyone qualify for state competition but did participate in 8 matches in the fall.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAM 25-14 FOR THE YEAR
The girls volley ball team had a very successful season by participating in 13 tournaments. Becca Achilles was selected as 2 nd team all League. Emily Ostlund and Paula Stucky were honorable mention all league. Coach Pore had six seniors on her team with all six being excellent players. The junior varsity showed some excellent potential in achieving an 11-13 record for the season.
WRESTLERS COMPETE IN 6 MATCHES
Coach Corns had ten members on the team this year with six being seniors. Haven wrestlers always gave everything for the team and competed against such schools as Wichita North, Wichita East (who they beat 30-22). Josh Miller placed 3 rd at Hesston and Jordon Simon placed 4 th.
BOYS BASKETBALL HAS NEW COACH AND MUCH IMPROVED RECORD
Coach Lonnie Parrimore, formerly at Fairfield , brought energy and new systems to the Wildcats and it has paid off in just one year. Having struggled last year, the team finished this season with 14 wins and 6 losses. Highlight of the season was winning the championship at the Adolph Rupp Tournament in Halstead, first time for the Cats. Cory Hatchel and Devon Callon were selected as co-MVP’s for the tournament. Beating Nickerson in double overtime on February 20 th brought joy to team and fans –it is always good to beat a long time rival. The Wildcats played in sub state on Monday, March 2, against Concordia losing 49-38 but still had a great season. Congratulations to Coach Parrimore and Wildcats for an exciting season.
GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM RANKED 4 TH IN STATE
With a 19-1 record, the outstanding girls team, coached by Dwight Roper, is ranked 4 th in the state heading into sub state tournament play on March 3. The lone loss was to Wichita Collegiate by 6 points early in the season. This year has been an exciting year with Coach Roper achieving his 300 th win as a coach, tournament championships in Kingman and their own Wildcat Classic. The senior laden team will be challenged in state play with placement in a sub state tournament with other ranked teams. Their first game was on March 3 against Lindsborg-Smoky Valley in Haven and they won big 55-19. While the all league team has not been announced, we are sure the Wildcat girls will receive recognition in several areas. GOOD LUCK AT SUB STATE AND HOPEFULLY STATE TOURNAMENT.
NEWS ON FORMER HHS WILDCAT ATHLETES
Isiah Barfiled, class of 2007, continues to be successful as University of Kansas defensive back. Although just a red shirt freshman, Barfield saw significant action in the 2008 season He had a pass interception in game 3 against Sam Houston state and played in the Insight Bowl against Minnesota which Kansas won easily.
Andy Dirks, class of 2004, is a member of the Detroit Tiger organization. Although injured early in the spring, he played most of the season with a class c minor league team and has participated in winter league ball. His assignment for the 2009 season has not yet been determined.
FINE ARTS NEWS
BAND PROGRAM CONTINUES TO BE OUTSTANDING.
Jim Phillips and Brad Shores are the band directors at Haven High School . Courses include Concert, Marching, Pep, and Jazz Band.
In addition, students may enroll in steel drum class and beginning guitar class. The school also offers unique ensembles such as the "Trash Cats" which is a novelty percussion group that performs at games and special events.
MARCHING BAND
The marching band has again continued to be one of the best in the state with I Superior ratings at all events including the Kansas State Fair and Andover Marching Festival in October.
The Marching show features music of the band " Styx " and is one of the best shows ever attempted at Haven.
The Concert Band had a successful contest season in the spring of 2008 by receiving straight I (superior) ratings at the MCAA League Festival and the State Large Group Festival. The first performance for this year was on Dec 22 at 7:30 pm at the Haven High School auditorium. The state band concert is scheduled for April. The Concert Band will be traveling to St. Louis in May of 2009.
The 2008-2009 Jazz Ensemble will perform a number of concerts including the MCAA League music festival in February. The jazz band received a I at League and 7 students were cited with "outstanding musician" awards at the HCC jazz festival. Under the direction on Brad Shores and Jim Phillips, this year should be another good year for the Ensemble
TRASH CATS AND STEEL DRUMS UNIQUE TO THE STATE
These two groups have brought excellent entertainment to audiences at the National Junior College Basketball tournament and at other events such as the Fine Arts Empty Bowls Festival in the spring of 2008. The Steel Drums unit is the only one in Kansas and received national recognition in Disneyland in the spring of 2008. The steel drums will be going to Dallas later this spring.
VOCAL GROUPS CONTINUE TO BE OUTSTANDING
Under the direction of Scott Hay, the HHS vocal groups are considered one of the best in the state. Scott offers three courses/activities; Wildcat Singers, Chorale and a music theory course.
Wildcat Singers is an elite chamber ensemble selected from the students of Haven High School . This group is auditioned yearly and limited to 20 positions (sophomores-seniors). Members meet daily for rehearsal, as well as outside of school for extra-curricular study and performance. They are in demand locally and regionally and provide an excellent, highly professional program .
Chorale is a non-auditioned large ensemble designed to perform music appropriate for the high school contests and events. Scott and his group are gearing up for state contests later this spring and are hopeful he and his group will be as successful as 2008 when several were selected for the SCKMEA Choir.
T he SCKMEA Honor Choirs are large groups of individuals from schools in central Kansas . There are three choirs. There is a men's choir, woman's choir, and a mixed choir. The spots have been previously auditioned for at Andover Central High School . Winners of the Honor Choirs will compete at WSU for a spot in the All-State Choir. In 2008 HHS had several who were selected. They were: Kelsey Callison, Jordan Drake, Sam Eberly. Kai Ezell, Cory Hatchel, Kristin Hatchel, Hunter Jacques, Freddie Jordan, Lyndsay Knepp, Emily Ostlund, Alyssa Parks, Morgan Skomal, Paula Stucky, Alyssa Towell, Adrienne Wolf, Megan Yoder
SPEECH DEBATE AND FORENSICS
HHS Debate team placed third in regionals in January and was in the top 12 in the state. Debaters advanced to state on January 24 and 25.
Speech and Forensics participants are in the middle of their season with the latest contest being held in Haven on February 21. State forensics contest is in March.
STUDENT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
HHS offers several clubs and organizations for students. These include FFA , Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Art Club, National Forensics Club, KAYS and Student Council. All of these are very involved in Community Activities. For example, the Student Council sponsors an annual breakfast for veterans on Veterans Day, an event that attracts approximately forty veterans.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW
As in the past, we have received several personal information forms on alumni. Following is a summary of theses forms:
1944: Paul Lyman. Currently lives in West Chester , PA (near Philadelphia ). He and Jo Ann, formerly of Kansas City , Kansas , have three children. After HHS graduation, Paul attended Hutchinson Junior College for one semester before entering the Army Air Corps. After Army service, Paul attended Kansas State University graduating with a degree in Agricultural Engineering. His working career included a position at KSU , Del Monte Corp in Hawaii, Boeing Company in Wichita . Before retiring, he worked for Northrop Corporation in Palmdale , California . His best memories included beating Mt. Hope in football and school plays.
1953-Jane Banker Jestes is now living in Wichita , Kansas , with husband, Jim. Their four children are living in 4 different states, including Kansas . Jane spent her working days as a Secretary and also with Pizza Hut where she worked with the deaf and received special recognition for her efforts. Her best memories of HHS were her “Queen Days” as FFA and Year Book Queen. She also enjoyed debate and singing in the choirs.
1953- Jess Lytle and Evelyn are now living in Sun City , Arizona . They have three daughters, Kim, Leann and Cher . Jess attended Wichita University , El Camino College and Riverside City College . Jess was an aircraft tool designer. He was a “Master Layout to Develop” sheet metal designer for NASA and received special recognition for his work in the Apollo program.
1967-Linda Schmidt Brockman and her husband, Keith live in Clarinda , Iowa . They have three children, Sarah, Matt and John, all living in Iowa . Linda received her diploma in nursing from Grace Hospital School of Nursing. She worked at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita , Bryan Memorial in Lincoln and Clarinda Regional Health Center in Clarinda , Iowa , for 35 years. In her opinion, her life’s biggest achievement has been given the opportunity to work as a successful health care professional. She remembers the good days in Kayettes, ball games, great teachers and pizza parties.
1958-Orval Yoder and Cherie live in South Hutchinson . They have four children living in Hesston, Hays, Hutchinson and Oregon . Orval worked for Hesston Corporation for 42 years. He remembers the great state champions in basketball and the number I ratings in music.
1959-William “Buster” Eckel and wife, Jackie are living in Clearwater , Kansas and have one daughter, Susan who lives in Wichita .
CONTACT INFORMATION:
HHS Alumni, P. O. Box 131 , Haven , Kansas 67543 —Tel: 620-664-3304-Email hpriddle@aol.com-www.highhighalumni.com-NOTE: This is a new P. O. Box.
Officers and Directors of the Association:
Harland Priddle, President/ Director-620-664-3304, Email: hpriddle@aol.com
Kathy Schmidt Trapp, Vice President/ Director-620-465-3670 Email: wtacres1@outownusa.net
Betty Morgan Albright, Treasurer/Director, 620-465-3843, Email: balbright@pixius.net
Verla Hefling Swindler, Secretary/Director, 316-772-5698 Email: vswindler@cox.net
Church Haines, Director, 620-465-3611, Email: Haines.chuck@yahoo.com
Bill Romig, Director, 316-838-5451, Email: bromig@cox.net
Jim Hayes, Director, 620-663-2700
Marilyn Kinast Hurst, Director, 620-486-2496 Email: marilynhrst@yahoo.com
Nancy Morgan, Director, 620-463-2123, Email: nmorgan@havenschools.com