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

Page 23 text:

 ▲ Chemistry students conduct a lab as Henry Roberts observes. ◄ Guests look at the science display In the cafeteria. 20th Anniversary

Page 22 text:

20 Year Anniversary Oooper celebrated its twentieth anniversary during February and March. A group of dedicated people formed the committee: the chairperson was Neal Luebke and assistant chairpersons were Melissa Doerr and David Baumann. Other members were Elmer Kemppainen. Tom Gagnon. Caryl Bugge, Vern Hollister, Lois Yuzna. Jan Reinke, Patrick Billig, Liz Reid. Anne Marie Hennen, and the National Honor Society Officers. The kick-off for the celebration was an assembly on February 15 in which there was a parade of students bearing banners showing what they represented. Throughout the month there were many special activities. The musical “Babes in Arms was celebrated as the twentieth anniversary show. Jerseys proclaiming the anniversary were available and were worn frequently by the staff and students. Displays in the show cases lauded the twenty years with style. The grand finale occurred on March 15 with an Open House-Activities Fair. Parents, students, and prospective students toured Cooper. There were exhibits in the cafeteria, in addition to birthday cake, entertainment in the auditorium and demonstrations in the classrooms. A Ms. Reckdahl. Mr. Thiede. and Zahra Haddass talk about the foreign exchange program. ► Kris Bailey pours punch and serves birthday cake in the cafeteria. 18 — 20th Anniversary

Page 24 text:

More Than a Namesake E. J. Cooper is more than a namesake for Robbinsdale Cooper High School. E. J. Cooper is a living legend. As the first superintendent of School District 281, he was known as “the builder”; and when he retired, the district was the fourth largest district in the state with 22 buildings. 22,000 students and 900 teachers. He developed an excellent curriculum for the district, with classes for slow learners, handicapped children, and gifted and talented students. E. J. Cooper was honored for his years of dedication and service to our school district by naming this high school after him. E. J. Cooper's 87th birthday was celebrated with a rousing pep rally organized by Neal Luebke and Patrick Billig, assisted by Tom Gagnon. Led by the flag twirlers, the ceremony began with a colorful parade of 56 students representing the academic areas and activities that make up our school. The students marched proudly as the band, directed by Mr. Thompson, played the Olympic theme. Master of Ceremonies Elmer Kemppainen introduced people who paid tribute to E.J. and the school. A tribute to Mr. Cooper, written by Communications teacher Phyllis Kromer, was read by senior Mark Kovach. Mark was followed by Mayor Ray Mattson of Robbinsdale. who proclaimed February 15. 1984. as E. J. Cooper Day. The proclamation was signed by the mayors of five neighboring communities. Mr. Cooper responded by exuberantly thanking the students and staff, and saying “I feel I am a very lucky man. The students and staff contributed money to help purchase E.J.’s birthday gifts. These gifts were presented by the presidents of the senior, junior and sophomore classes. Senior Bruce Gutnecht presented E.J. with a year of Cable T.V. and ShowTime T.V. Dinner at the Bungalow was given to E.J. and his wife by junior Jenny Gorzycki, and a bouquet of roses was given to Ms. Cooper by sophomore Paul Steener-son. Following the ceremony, a special banquet was held for the invited guests including Superintendent of Schools. Donna Jean Carter Ph.D., some Central Office personnel, members of the present school board, some members of the school board of 20 years ago, former administrations; teachers and staff who retired, and RCPO officers. E. J. Cooper’s birthday party was the start of a month-long celebration for the 20th anniversary of Robbinsdale Cooper Senior High. 20 — E. J. Cooper Day