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

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 AA Neal Luobke congratulates Mr. Cooper at a banquet held In his honor. AA A proclamation of E. J. Cooper Day was made by Mayor Ray Mattson of Robbinsdale and Mayor Dean Nyquist of Brooklyn Center. A Student representatives march proudly before the student body. Ik : T n = r jK. E. J. Cooper Day — 21 I

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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

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Dancing the Night Away The Jack of Hearts dance, based on the old Sadie Hawkins dances, was held on the tenth of February. This was the time when the girls got to ask the boys out. Students were mostly positive about the role reversal. Junior Annette Spence said, ul like itl It gives the girls a chance to make a pass at the boys instead of the boys making a pass at the girls.” To give a look at the other side, junior Mark Sawatsky said, “It's great that they have to pay for us!” The boys, after being treated to a dinner at a restaurant ranging from McDonalds to Jax, were escorted to the dance by their dates. They wore conservative two and three-piece suits, and the girls wore new dresses and proud, “Look-who-l’m-here-with” smiles. The music, playing until 11:45, was provided by Ground Control. The dance concluded Snow Week and the reign of Jack of Hearts, Paul Norman and Snow Queen, Barb Biren. ▲A Rachel Benson and Scott Nadeau move to the music of Ground Control A Ground Control sets a dancing mood ◄ A couple dances the night away 22 — Jack of Hearts