Des Moines Technical High School - Engineer Yearbook (Des Moines, IA)

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Matti Routiola comes to Tech from Finland Matti Routiola attended Tech High as a f oreign exchange student f or the entire 1968-69 year. He came to the United States from Fin- land. Matti enjoyed his year at Tech and said, I wish that all schools were like this one. There is so much c hoice of subjects. Matti ' s first reaction when he came to the United States was the difference in cars. He is interested in stamps and many types of athletics including soccer, hockey, and gymnastics. American and Finnish youth, said Matti, are much alike and enjoy many of the same things. Matti stayed with the John Ryckman family. Donald Ryckman was his American brother. expounds on his knowledge of U.S. history. Matti pauses with his American brother, Don Ryckman. 26

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Tech ' s band, chorus play important role in school ' s academics Mr. 1). (). Wilson completed his 18th year as head of lech ' s music department. He directed the chorus of 60 members and the band of 36 members. First semester activities were the Christinas assembly in which the band and chorus look part. The chorus put on an informal concert for the administrative staff on the steps to the fust floor. Many of the staff joined in the Christmas caroling. ( horus also took part in baccalaureate. The band took part in school spirit through- out the year. They played at five football games and eight basketball games. The band also look part in commencement. Spring semester projects in- cluded a concert for Tech stu- dents and junior high schools. Mr. Wilson feels Tech should have an equal outlet and the opportunity to enjoy and expe- rience music as the other high schools of Des Moines. c 3Efft3 V D. O. Wilson Mr. Wilson directs the pep band with gusto Kathy Burnett shows the talent needed in Tech ' s band. 25

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Gustave ' s arrival is welcomed at Tech Gustave Asplanato spent the second semes- ter at l ech. He came to the United States For six months from Uruguay. Gus was surprised to see Iowa ' s snow. His impression of l ech u.is, beautiful— it is an entirely new experience. Gus is very interested in basketball and played it in his home country. Basketball there is much like it is here except that there are no professional teams. After high school, Gus wants to continue his education at the university level to become an industrial engineer. Gus lived with the Joseph Bowling family. Richard Bowling was his American brother. Gus locates his home country, Uruguay, on the globe Gus ' s American brother was sophomore Rick Bowling. 27