Grants Pass High School - Toka Yearbook (Grants Pass, OR)

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Grants Pass High School Principal: Frank Thomas It’s Just The “Principal” Of The Thing! Vice-Principal: Howard Harrison Becoming synomymous with Grants Pass High after 24 years at the helm, is the name Frank Thomas. A graduate of the University of Oregon. Mr. Thomas started his career teaching History. He came here in 1943 as Vice-Principal and the following year was promoted to Principal. Striving to develop a program to fit the needs of the students of Grants Pass High School is his aim. His future plans include expanding upon the vocational aspects of the school. Hunting and fishing rank as his favorite pastimes, although he admits he rarely finds time to enjoy them. Along with his work and hobbies. Mr. Thomas is an active member of the Elks and Rotary Clubs in addition to many professional organizations. These activities keep our chief administrator hopping. but not too busy for an occasional visit from his four bouncy grandchildren.

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Robert Busch. Dr. Robert Hawley and Gordon Burns Institutes District 7 Policies Mrs. Fred Hichens. President The ‘joint was jumping’ in the Administration Building as plans were made to relocate to the now empty Riverside Grade School. The present building would then be used for housing new vocational classrooms. The blueprints for the construction of an entirely new building to be used for an expanded vocational program were also discussed. Plans to build a new football stand for the adults were discussed and accepted by the board. It would replace the present delapidated student stands. Students would then take over the present adult facility. These stands would not only provide better and more comfortable seating, but also raise the capacity. Tackling these and the other “hairy’’ problems confronted the District Administration. Making district policies was the School Board which included Chairman Mrs. Fred Hitchens. Mrs. Joseph Schwein-furth. Gordon Burns. Dr. Robert Hawley. Robert Busch and Jesse Calvert. Activating these policies was the province of Superintendent Ralph E. Jones. With his staff. Wade Patterson and Fred Gray. Assistant Superintendents; Warren Cook. Director of Secondary Education; and Tom Denney. Director of Adult Education; he worked hard to improve the educational possibilities of our youth. Jesse R. Calvert. Robert Reyneke and Mrs. Joseph Schwemfurth. 19

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Guardian Angels Untangle Student “Hang- ups” Viewing the office of Grants Pass High this past year, one was likely to see a smiling man bustling about. This friendly man was Vice-Principal “Howie ’ Harrison. Aside from being a walking information bureau on colleges, Mr. Harrison was the man behind the scenes in the Seminar program. Through his efforts many qualified speakers addressed GPHS students, on subjects ranging from “Hippies to the John Birchers. Being Dean of Boys at GPHS was a very complex job. It entailed a lot of responsibility as well as personal interest. The duties of the office were not always enjoyable and it took one who was respected to master it. Such a man was “Tuffy Keith. Dean of Boys at Grants Pass High School. Mr. James Keith was not only a disciplinarian and an advisor to the boys, but was also a friend. Dean of Girls: Bertha Calhoun Friends: How does one feel upon retiring after working with students for 46 years? First it is with the hope that at some time and in some way. I may have helped many students in preparing for and adjusting to life. Next. I am proud of our school, it's traditions, accomplishments. faculty and students. I have faith that students who graduate from Grants Pass High School will continue to bring honor to themselves, their parents and the school. What does one do upon retiring after years of working? This is one person who has many interests and projects waiting. I have weaving looms, knitting projects, a home and yard and an interest in people. Perhaps I will do a little idling, too. I will continue to be interested in former students as well as future students of our school. We all know that conditions do not remain the same I have seen many changes in the past 46 years and I anticipate many more will take place in the future. I wish to extend my appreciation to administration, faculty and students for the trust and cooperation, and to the community who has supported the schools and provided this fine school system throughout the years. Sincerely. 21 Dean of Boys: James Keith