Mentone High School - Bulldog Yearbook (Mentone, IN)

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FOUR Mentone High School The first class graduated front Mentone High School in 1893—just sixty years ago. There were six graduates in the first class. Three of these are still living, Anna (Blue) Mentzer, Alice Jennings, Marie (Heighway) Bowman. This first high school included three years of work rather than four. This first high school building stood east of the First Baptist Church on the corner. High school continued in this building until 1932. This building burned in 1946. The remains of the first school can still be seen. In 1926 a community building was con- structed in its present location. This project was completed through donations of labor and money. It is said that part of the old ball park fence was torn down and used in the gym. The building cost about five thous- and dollars. When it was completed, a cele- bration was held to dedicate it. In 1926 the Kosciusko County tourney was held in this building. This community building has served the community well. Even today the Mentone gym has one of the better floors of the county. In 1930 construction was started on the new Mentone School Building. Due to con- struction difficulties the building was not completed until 1932. The present building is considered one of the most modern in the county. It has asphalt tile floors, brick wains- coting, and fire resistant construction throughout. The Mentone School includes a well-equipped cafeteria for serving of noon lunches and for use by the community in after school hours. Other significant features include a self contained primary room, a modern first aid room, farm shop, and home economics rooms. All in all, the Mentone School building has served the boys and girls of this community well. After World War II there was agitation to replace the community building with a modern gymnasium. Due to the crowded conditions in the present building and the increased enrollment in the future, it was thought wise to add several classrooms. In 1951, D. H. Lessig of Warsaw was instructed to draw up preliminary plans for the new building. The School Advisory Council and other interested citizens carried petitions to present to Mr. Tucker, trustee. Bonds were sold to cover the cost of the building and contracts let to the Fred Carey Construction Company of South Whitley in the Fall of 1952. Ground was broken in November, 1952. The new addition will include a large gymnasium with ample seating capacity, a farm shop and farm shop classroom, a large music room, and three other classrooms. It will be connected to the main building by a corridor. At present Mentone High School offers five curricula—academic, commercial, voca- tional agriculture, home economics, and fine arts. Art and music are offered in every grade. A pupil may major in mathematics, science, English, social studies, commercial, agriculture, home economics, music, or art. Two years of Latin are offered for those taking a foreign language. In addition to the regular course of study, a number of extra-curricular activities such as speech, dramatics, athletics, and music are avail- able. With a modern school building, a well trained staff, and the cooperation of the community, Mentone school offers the boys and girls of this community advantages not always available in all communities.

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THREE PRESENT PAST FUTURE

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FIVE