Patty Kennedy McBride Update

In Memory of Dr. Workman

If I had to choose one teacher that made the most impact on me in my younger years, it would be Dr. Workman. I took three classes from him: World History, American Literature & Humanities. If I could have taken more, I would have. He was the most inspiring, and dedicated teacher who was passionionate about teaching. When I took the World History class, it was in the summertime and it was held at City High. His home was not far, and a few times we actually held class at his house. He invited us into his home and taught us in a casual setting and captured our attention with his stories and his knowledge. I felt that he put his heart and soul into teaching and it showed. He was awesome. He loved his family and often talked about them fondly. When he talked about his wife, it was with an incredible respect and love that was impressive. I learned lessons about history and literature, but what I remember is the life lessons he taught us……taught from a man of character, integrity, intelligence, love & passion for learning, a man who was willing to share that with his students. I only wish I could have let him know how much his teaching meant to me prior to his passing on. Perhaps you can pass on these notes to his family.

Thanks,

Patty Kennedy McBride

Keith Gormèzano Update

Sorry to hear about Brooke Workman. He once told me that he didn’t think that I would graduate from college and wouldn’t let me in to his advanced English class in my senior year. So I graduated from college just to prove to him and others like him how wrong they were. I guess you could say that he provided some negative encouragement but it was encouragement anyway. Dr. Workman, I salute you.

Randall Rogers Update

Please keep me informed of your reunion plans. I would be honored to attend. Your class was very special to me.

After this year I will be the last original West High teacher that hasn’t retired. I plan on teaching 5 more years after this, so I should still be here when you have your reunion. Make sure you notify Ed Barker, because he really enjoys attending all the reunions. I’ll be looking forward to hearing from you in the future.

Randall Rogers

(From Dave Gerlits: Special thanks to Keith Gormèzano for getting in touch with Randall!)

Bonnie Tappan Weldon Classmate Updates

Just thought I would let you know a couple of updates on classmates. I got together with Tracy Hirt the other night when he was in town. He is still in SD teaching and coaching. He has three children and is still married to Faye. We had a good time talking about OLD TIMES.

I also got a call from Becky (Irvin) Daniel. She is back in Iowa City after many years. I gave her the web site address also. I also see Karen Villhauer and she is doing good too. Deb Rogers and I survived the graduations and parties of our sons who recently graduated from West.

The sports scene at West has been very good. We came in ninth in the state with boys track. Our son (Matt) won state in the 400 low hurdles. We are very proud of him. He also received the honor of player of the year at West. Coach Gary Hollingsworth (Holly)….remember him????….got coach of the year for track. It has been a good year for West. Well, until later.

Bonnie Tappan Weldon Update

Thought I would let everyone know that there are three teachers retiring next month. They are Dale Dye, Don Leaman, and Rod Lanaghan. Between all three of them, there is 90 years of teaching experience.

I am thankful that they all stayed around and actually taught both of my sons at West. It is neat that Matt and Eric (my sons) were taught drivers ed by Rod and so was I. Oh, well!

Ben Van Zante Snail Mail Post

I am sending, enclosed, what few 1973 WSS (West Side Story) papers I have left and some of our 1996-1997 papers. Hope you enjoy the changes.

We have a web site but right now we are only running jpegs and a few items. We are waiting for Adobe to send PageMaker 6.5 so we can easily make the copy work on the web.As for the class—ask “Who was Dick Duck?” Only the journalism people will be able to answer…

Good Luck,
Ben Van Zante