E J Cooper High School - Talons Yearbook (New Hope, MN)

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Friendly Rivalry? This year Cooper was plagued with vandalism. It ranged from defacing the building with spray paint to words written in gasoline on the school grounds. It started as friendly rivalry, consisting of painting goal posts, ticket boxes, signs, and benches. “I think the tradition of painting Meilke Field was fun and nobody got hurt. It was when the vandalizing of the schools came into the picture that it wasn’t any fun anymore. Property was getting damaged and bitter feelings grew between our schools,” commented Sue Erickson. The problem alerted authorities when graffiti had been painted on the school by vandals. Then what was done for fun and enjoyment was known as vandalism. “It started out with rivalry. Then it turned out to be vandalism.” remarked Lori Komperud. Mr. Kemppainen held a meeting with the fall sport captains and another meeting with four students from each school. The meetings were held to discuss the problems. They decided on “Operation Meilke. During Operation Meilke, a number of students went to Meilke Field to paint the buildings solid white. “It would almost be a tradition, to go back each year, graffiti it, and then repaint it” stated Jeff Lonsky. 16 —FMtur

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MX -' 1. Mr. Fruehauf entertains at homecoming pepfest. 2. Cooper High's namesake. 3. Cross country captains rally for support. 4. The school store at Casino Night. 5. Mr. Chagnon forecasts a homecoming victory. 6. We want brats! 7. Senior Dave St. Cyr emcees the coronation. 8. Court Semifinalists; FR: M. Ulmaniec. J. Cogswell. J. Kantorowicz. M. Johnson. K. Evans. B. Stefano. S. Erickson, M. Myers, N. Winge, T. Sullivan; BR: M. Olson. J. Cowle, A. Nelson. J. Johnson, D. Brud-wick, D. Schubert. K. McDonell, J. Waterhouse, S. Nelson, M. Bettin, K. Loushin, B. Deno, R. Fri-gaard, M. Hemingway. Homecoming 1979 Ground the Flyers” was the theme for Homecoming. Sorry Charlie, we’ve got the spirit,” was another popular phrase heard throughout the Homecoming week. Each day was a different way to dress, and other events were the soccer and football games, a bratwurst feed and casino night followed by a bonfire. ‘‘Casino night is cool; the cafeteria looks like a casino in Las Vegas,” commented Loren Swatsky. The coronation ceremony (planned by Mr. Kloos), went smoothly with honored guests Ms. Debbie Duncan and Rick Gautsh, who were both former Cooper students. Former king and queen Jeff Steenerson and Dee Dee Durant came back to crown the new king and queen, Mark Hemingway and Rose Frigaard. Despite the cold weather, many people attended and cheered the team on to a victory over Hopkins-Lindbergh. 8 Momocooimg — IS

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1. Bill makes himselflook old. 2. A casual night in the Bordello. 3. Did you have to get married? “Places Please!’’ Three Penny Opera was one of the most difficult styles of musicals Cooper has performed. In spite of the hard characterization, difficult orchestration and lengthy schedules of the cast and crews, Cooper’s Drama Department put on six successful performances. The musical was adapted from The Beggars Opera, written in 1728 by John Gay. The three directors, Gretchen Heath, Jeff Phillips and Dan Dressen decided on Three Penny because they wanted a different format for the play. Ms. Heath, who directed at Cooper for the first time, commented, ‘‘The students were very competent. I was very impressed. They were supportive and worked well together. The musical depicts England’s low life at the time of Queen Victoria's coronation. All performers did an excellent job in their portrayals of beggars, ladies of the night, and swindlers. Bill Holmquistdid an outstanding job portraying the merchant J. J. Peachum. Polly, Peachum’s daughter, was played by talented singer, Lisa Kottke. Todd Hanson portrayed MacHeath, who was also known as Mack the Knife. Dressen stated that Hanson was larger in comparison to former persons he’s cast in the role of MacHeath. To add spice to the musical, MacHeath had a mistress named Jenny. Jenny, one of the more difficult roles, was played by Joan Kantorowicz. Wayne Sawatsky in his first time in a musical or play was excellent. He became one of the highlights of a very challenging, but rewarding experience. Musical — 17