Minnetonka High School - Voyageur Yearbook (Excelsior, MN)

Page 34 text:

In the fall of 1952, 85 students from Deephaven and 91 from Excelsior merged into the first sophomore class of Minne- tonka. Ahead lay a path that would often be difficult but not impossible to travel. With Bob Parsonage, Tom Reifenberger, Karen Erickson, Albert Zakariason, and Pat Maher as class officers, the sophomores were ready to start with the initial project of every class-that of raising money. Candy sales, class dues, and canteens proved most effective. With the ex- perience of one successful year behind them, the class shed their sophomore skin and got ready to assume the higher title of iuniors. Like all iunior classes the big problem was of raising money for the prom to be held in early spring. However, the first LEFT TO RIGHT: Casey Parker, secretary,- Nan Kendrick, historian; Jack Ballentine, president; Marlow Peterson, treasurer; and Pat Maher, vice-president. order of business as the doors of Minnetonka opened again was to elect class officers. Bob Parsonage returned as president for a second year. Marlow Peterson was elected as vice-president and Truman Reinking, secretary; Don Leaf, treasurer; and Sis Shattuck, historian. The prom looming large but rather dim in everyone's mind, was planned for by selling magazine sub- scriptions. Top salesmen were Julius Trick and Sandra Johnson. Although we didn't reach our goal in the sale, the class play The Night of January 16 , nearly made up the difference. Karen Erickson, Karen Anderson, and Bob Parsonage were chosen to attend girl's and boy's state respectively. As in the previous year, athletic events played a big part in our lives. The foot- ball team showed many iuniors taking part and AI Zakaria- son, Don Goettleman, and Marlow Peterson graduated to be- come members of the A squad basketball team. They were cheered on by four members of their class who also gradu- ated to the A team cheerleading squad. Hockey, wrestling, and baseball all began to gain popularity at Tonka and the iuniors were active in all. May brought the prom so long awaited. The banquet featured a buffet-style dinner served in a rainbow-like atmos- phere, the theme being Over the Rainbow. Although no one found the pot of gold, it was successful and added to the ex. citement of the night yet to come. Who can forget the fun of pinning up your formal, taking a large tuck in your father's tux and riding off to the dance at the Automobile Club, with your corsage stabbing you in the side. Despite the rain, prom- goers started out for Taylors Falls and the annual ,picnic the next day. Watching the senior class of '54 graduate brought dreams of the year ahead. In the following fall, the dreams came true as we became fulI-fledged seniors. Jack Ballentine, Pat Maher, Casey Parker, Marlow Peterson, and Nan Kendrick took over on the class officer posts. Homecoming, the first big feature of the year got under way by electing committees, choosing a theme, and selecting the queen and attendants. The dance entitled Mood Indigo was held October 1, after the homecoming game with Robbinsdale. The night before, a parade complete with floats which passed through the Excelsior business district and a bon- fire at the school, were held. Over these festivities, Homecom- ing Queen Barb Huntington reigned with her six attendants Rigmore Anden, Margaret Johnson, Janet Hallberg, Pam Haakin- son, Pat Thompson, and Nan Kendrick. The coronation in the gym was one of the highlights of the evening. Homecoming added another feature our class won't forget. The football team was paced by a maiority of men from our class with Lowell Vetter and Vince Favorite being selected for the all-conference team. Vince was also awarded the most valuable player trophy. Basketball although not as success- ful as in previous years provided excitement for all of us and hockey claimed a large share of Tonka attention by placing third in the Lake Conference. At a class meeting after the semester the class chose ice blue and navy blue as our colors and Within ourselves out future lies as class motto. We also selected the white rose for our flower. Carol Martinson carried off the honor of val- edictorian and Don Leaf was our salutatorian. Karen Anderson represented us at the D.A.R. convention. With the coming of graduation, memories of the past years came to mind and certainly there were regrets at leaving. We'll never forget you, Minnetonka.