Highland High School - Iris Yearbook (Highland, IL)

Page 29 text:

(Below) MR. STRATTON CHECKS over some important figures. Paperwork was one of his many responsibilities. (Below Left) ONE OF MR. Stratton’s greatest joys was the completion of the new high school in 1975. (Below) MR. STRATTON GIVES one of his many interesting speeches.

Page 28 text:

(Left) MR. STRATTON WAS often asked to address different groups and organizations. (Bottom) WHILE ASSISTANT COACH, Mr. Stratton helped to take the basketball team to state in ‘53 and ‘58. Superintendent Stratton Retires after 27 Years As § District Leader Stepping up from teacher to assistant high school coach, from student advisor to superintendent, Mr. Olin Stratton has many fond memories of his years in Highland. When Mr. Stratton first came to Highland in 1947 he had one thing in mind, to stay in Highland for one year. That was 38 years ago. In 1958 he became superintendent of Highland Community Schools. The next big step was becoming President of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) which he suc- ceeded to do in 1979. As in every job that is worth doing, there are some difficult aspects. Mr. Stratton states that one of the biggest problems was snow days. The question of whether or not to open or close the school because of bad weather is al- most a no win situation. The answer cannot always please everyone, and the decision has to be made quickly. School funding is another difficult problem he faced. Mr. Stratton doesn't like to ask people for money. He also doesn't believe in ‘burning out.’’ He believes that you shouldn't give up and that you need to try for success. In the future Mr. Stratton looks forward to his hobby of collecting an- tiques and having more time for travel- ing. NG am

Page 30 text:

Once Every Seven Years... The time had arrived. Most students didn't know what to expect. The teach- ers had told them to be on their best behavior. The school year was half over. Who was left to impress? But by the time the North Central Evaulation team left, they had been im- pressed. In their final report, the team complimented HHS on the behavior of the student body, the cleanliness of the building, the student teacher working relationship, and the wide variety of courses that are offered. The evaluators began their visit with tours of the school and a catered meal where they met the faculty members and became acquainted with the work- ings of the various departments that they would be evaluating. The evaluation, which only happens once every seven years, was held over a three day period from March 25-27. Some of the evaluators talked to stu- dents giving them a chance to express their opinions and feelings about the school and its programs. Mr. Richard Heitholt, principal of Quincy High School and chairman of the evaluation team, said that the students’ overall be- havior was ‘‘outstanding’’ and ‘“‘far above that of most students (at other high schools). ’ The steering committee, chaired by Ms. Cheryl Swafford, and the faculty worked for over a year to prepare for the evaluation and helped to make it successful. The evaluation team did make some suggestions for changes and improvements which will be at- tended to by the staff and the steering committee in the future. The team recommended that the vo- cational department keep up with equipment to meet the growing needs of the community. They also suggested that the school take a look at its grading standards, with the idea that they should be a little higher. a (Above) ONE OF THE DUTIES of chairperson Ms. Cheryl Swafford and principal Fred Sin- gleton was to make arrangements for the banquet. (Right) SUPERINTENDENT OLIN STRATTON and Mrs. Jackie Schneider were two of the many administrators and faculty members who attended the banquet. (Above) SENIORS JEFF BUCHMILLER, Bet Hanna, and Todd Korte helped prepare fo the arrival of the evaluators by putting upé bulletin board.