Class of 1968
Alumni Liaison
Volume 10 | Number 1
Welcome to Rise, the voice of Grand Island Senior High alumni and friends. We show up every other month in over 9,000 in-boxes bringing you news, views, and memories of GISH. Rise is a publication of the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation.
This is Issue #1 of our tenth year of publishing the only consistent connection for alumni and friends of Grand Island Senior High. That makes this iteration 55 of Rise as we reach a decade of bringing the comings and goings of Islander alums across the globe.
We'll start our roster of what’s inside this Rise in the Galapagos Islands, where Wandering Writer Sarah Kuta found some spectacular and unique animal species on her continued journeys across the face of the Earth. “On the Island” correspondent, Alex Weaver, gives us some inside information about GISH seniors embarking on their own journeys into the college and scholarship application process. Abigayle Frazier-Hansen brings us up to speed on said scholarships, highlighting those connected to former Senior High teachers and the impact they have made on students.
We start things “At the Top,” where we announce a new class inducted into the GISH Athletic Hall of Fame earlier this month. Kari Hooker-Leep’s “Making Your Mark” says goodbye to 2024 and looks to the year ahead. Mike Monk's “Distant Mirror” piece this issue suggests that alums of a certain age need to find the balance between the “olden days” and today’s technology. My “I’ve Been Thinking” column tackles the subject of New Year’s Resolutions, more or less … mostly less.
As usual, in our In Memoriam we have a list of Islanders who have passed, in Reunions we have class gatherings and other class get-togethers, and in Class Notes we have the lives and times of Islanders everywhere. And, once again, you’ll get a chance to test your memory or at least your Google search skills with another edition of Islander Trivia.
Stay in touch, Islanders. And remember: Keep pushing on.
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At the Top
George Ayoub announces a new class inducted into the GISH Athletic Hall of Fame earlier this month.
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Making Your Mark
Kari Hooker-Leep says goodbye to 2024 and looks to the year ahead.
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Foundation Focus
Abigayle Frazier-Hansen highlights scholarships connected to former Senior High teachers and the impact they have made on students.
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I've Been Thinking
George Ayoub tackles the subject of New Year’s Resolutions, more or less … mostly less.
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On the Island
Alex Weaver gives us some inside information about GISH seniors embarking on their journeys into the college and scholarship application process.
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Distant Mirror
Mike Monk suggests that alums of a certain age need to find the balance between the “olden days” and today’s technology.
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A Wandering Writer's World
Sarah Kuta shows us some spectacular and unique animal species from her journey in the Galapagos Islands.
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Class Reunion Updates
Class gatherings in Islander Nation.
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In Memoriam
Remembering Islanders who have recently passed.
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Class Notes
The latest happenings in the lives of GIPS alums.
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Islander Trivia
How well do you know Grand Island Senior High?
At the Top
New class of outstanding GISH athletes honored
Grand Island Senior High’s Athletic Hall of Fame welcomed its 2025 class of inductees earlier this month at halftime of an Islander basketball game. A ceremony honoring the group was held the next day in downtown Grand Island at Balz Reception Hall.
Photo courtesy of GIPS
This year class includes two athletes, a coach, a contributor, and a team.
● Johnna (Jeffries) Austin (2006) - Female Athlete
● Kash Kalkowski (2008) - Male Athlete
● Bill Root - Coach
● 2008 Boys State Championship Baseball Team
● Larry Rutar - Contributor
The Athletic Hall of Fame honors the achievement of both male and female athletes, coaches, contributors, and teams. For more on the Hall of Fame go here.
To read full bios of all the recipients follow this link.
(e) Mail Bag
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Making Your Mark
2024: A year of growth and gratitude
Executive Director
GIPS Foundation
As we bid farewell to 2024, we reflect on a year filled with growth, achievement, and unwavering support for our students. Your generosity has made an extraordinary impact on our schools, and we are eternally grateful for your partnership.
Highlights from 2024:
- Celebrated 86 Academic Aristocrats: We honored 86 exceptional students for their outstanding academic achievements, recognizing their hard work and dedication.
- Successful 3rd annual Harvest Event: Our 3rd annual Harvest Event was a resounding success, bringing together our community to raise vital funds for our schools.
- Record-Breaking Scholarships Awarded: We awarded a record-breaking 190 scholarships to deserving students, helping them pursue their higher education dreams.
- Overwhelming Teacher of the Year nominations: We received an incredible 1,600 plus nominations for Teacher of the Year, showcasing the exceptional dedication of our educators.
- Impactful Classroom Grants: We provided 13 classroom grants totaling over $17,000, directly benefiting our students and teachers.
- Honored Alum: We honored the amazing support of our alumnus, Lanny Martin, Class of 1964, with the Heart of the Foundation Award. His generosity made a significant impact on our school community.
- Successful Staff Giving Campaign: Our Staff Giving Campaign raised over $91,000, demonstrating the dedication and commitment of our staff to our students' success.
- Welcomed new Hall of Honor Inductees: We added three new distinguished alumni to our Hall of Honor, recognizing their outstanding achievements and contributions to society.
- Honored Legendary Educators: We celebrated three Legendary Educators, honoring their dedication, innovation, and lasting impact on our students.
Your Impact, Their Future:
Because of your support, we were able to …
- Provide essential resources to our classrooms, enhancing the learning experience for all students.
- Support innovative programs that inspire creativity and critical thinking.
- Offer scholarships to talented students, empowering them to dream big and reach their full potential.
- Recognize and reward outstanding teachers who make a difference every day.
- Fund critical classroom projects that directly benefit student learning.
- Honor and celebrate our dedicated alumni who continue to support our mission.
- Foster a culture of giving among our staff, inspiring others to contribute to GIPS and the GIPS Foundation’s success.
- Inspire future generations by honoring our distinguished alumni and legendary educators.
Looking Ahead to 2025:
As we embark on a new year, we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. We have ambitious plans for 2025, including:
- Expanding our scholarship programs to reach even more students.
- Launching new initiatives to address emerging educational needs.
- Strengthening partnerships with our community to create a brighter future for all.
Together, we can continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of our students. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our schools. We look forward to working together to create an even brighter future in 2025.
Happy New Year!
If you're going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can't be erased. - Maya Angelou
Foundation Focus
Scholarships: honoring education champions
Office Coordinator
GIPS Foundation
Winter is Scholarship Season for the GIPS Foundation. It is a time filled with excitement and opportunity for Grand Island Senior High students. This year, our scholarship application opened December 1 and will close on February 5. In February and March, our dedicated team of volunteers will review and score applications. By the end of March, we will distribute scholarship offers to deserving students.
Our students are competing for over 200 scholarships with awards tailored to various interests, fields of study, and accomplishments. Of the scholarships available to our students, over 40 of them are in honor of GIPS teachers, supportive staff, and district leaders who have left a lasting impact on students and the broader school community. For this edition of Rise, I wanted to highlight some of these scholarships. Some were established by the educators themselves, and many others were set up by students, family, or colleagues. By creating these funds, donors ensure that we honor the legacy of these educators.
Douglas Frey, class of 1973, offers eight scholarships in honor of his Grand Island Senior High teachers: Mr. James Cassey, Mr. Allen Covault, Mr. Elmer A. Kral, and Mr. William Smith. Each fund awards 2 annual scholarships. These scholarships are $2,500 each and the requirements reflect Douglas Frey’s values, as they are awarded to students pursuing degrees in engineering or accounting.
The Cari Cobler Memorial Education Scholarship celebrates the life and legacy of Cari Cobler, a beloved Special Education teacher at Wasmer Elementary School. Created by her family, this $1,000 scholarship is awarded to students majoring in Education or Special Education, with preference given to those pursuing a career in Special Education—a fitting tribute to Cari’s passion and commitment to helping students with unique needs.
The Marvin D. Maurer Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship belonging to our Academic Aristocrat scholarships. Marv Maurer, a former GIPS Superintendent, started the GIPS Foundation’s Academic Aristocrat Scholarship Program. This elite scholarship recognizes excellence in academia. Qualifying students are those graduating Summa Cum Laude or Magna Cum Laude from Grand Island Senior High.
The Dr. Joe and Bonnie Watkins Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship in honor of Dr. Joe and Bonnie Watkins, who invested a lifetime educating Grand Island Senior High students. Joe taught classes in the Social Sciences department and Bonnie taught Home Economics and Physical Education. They both began their teaching careers at Grand Island Senior High in 1965 and retired from the same school years later. Their scholarship is awarded to students who have overcome significant challenges to succeed. Qualifications for this scholarship include a GPA of 3.0 or higher, demonstrated leadership, financial need, and a commitment to pursuing a degree in Education or Medicine.
These are just a few of our scholarships that honor our educators, staff, and leaders. To view the entire list please follow this link. To uphold our educator’s legacies, each scholarship has its own unique guidelines, ensuring that the awards reflect the values and passions of the individuals they honor. If you’d like to create a scholarship fund to celebrate the legacy of an educator in your life, we’d love to help you get started. Please contact Kari Hooker-Leep at khookerleep@gips.org or call the office at 308-385-5525. Together, we can preserve the legacies of our educators and support the next generation of learners.
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I've Been Thinking
New Year’s Resolutions … well, kinda
Class of 1968
Alumni Liaison
Welcome to 2025 and the New Year. For some in Islander nation, that may not mean much, but for many of us Purple and Golders, we can honestly say “We made it another calendar year. Oh, and whew!” However you are ringing in the new year or putting up a new calendar, I hope your 2025’s are happy and healthy.
January brings all the joys and wonders of what is possible, the what might be. We reflect, then resolve, and then practice the dubious tradition of announcing the results of such inner searching. These resolutions, these “gonna-bes” and new leaves, serve as powerful motivators for some, but … well … according to research, the numbers are more like weak sauce. Last I checked the data, the average staying power of a New Year’s resolution is less than four months and only about six out of every 100 resolvers make it to a year. I include myself in the other 94 percent.
Rather than a list of resolutions, I prefer to see what worked in the previous year and try to duplicate it during the new one. If you haven’t read GIPS Foundation Executive Director Kari Hooker-Leep's piece in this edition of Rise, I recommend you do. She details the Foundation’s accomplishments from 2024. The list is impressive. And while a few things took place solely in 2024, much of the Foundation’s work continues to sparkle year after year. I think the technical term for that is “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Photo courtesy of George Ayoub
None of which means new ideas and changes - small or significant -- should be ignored. What it does mean is that when I’m reflecting and resolving, I need to consider that whole baby and bathwater calculus.
Which brings me to my resolutions, which I have determined without a number or a goal or even an I’ll-know-it-when-I-get-there in mind. I have shared in earlier dispatches that my life is in transition as I have moved to Lincoln from Grand Island; have a new grandson, our first; and, in December, left Hastings College where I had been gently brow-beating young people into writing good declarative sentences and delineating between a middle-aged podcaster in his PJs opining from his parents’ basement and peer-reviewed research.
To wit: With all that going on I resolve to embrace the new without living in the past nor erasing its joys, frustrations, and lessons. I also resolve that if this is retirement -- I still have two regular writing gigs including this one and a novel to finally finish -- I accept it because three times before it didn’t take. I further resolve that despite a world that seems to be sharpening its corners and losing its sense of humor, I will continue to believe that kindness, generosity, joy, knowledge, and compassion never go out of style … and act accordingly.
After all, I have 2026 to look forward to.
On the Island
Winter break means “go time” for GISH seniors
Class of 2025
Student Correspondent
The long-awaited Winter Break is something that many Islanders look forward to. For most students, Winter Break is a time spent relaxing with family, eating delicious food, or hanging out with friends. But, for many high school seniors, Winter Break also serves as a crucial time to start college applications and scholarship planning. This daunting task, full of essay writing, résumé editing, and fighting with technology, can easily become overwhelming. I had the opportunity to chat with individuals who are familiar with these complicated processes.
Senior Cara Camplin said, “Looking into scholarships and seeing the large number of essays, information questions, and submission deadlines was extremely scary at first.” She said that even the “simple” parts of the process were entirely new to her and her friends, making it even more difficult.
While the entire undertaking has its ups and downs, Camplin said she has learned a lot throughout the last few months. “Having to write all these essays and put together résumés has really taught me how to work wisely,” says Camplin, “and has shown me the best ways to use my strengths and showcase my abilities.” Like most GISH seniors, Camplin is grateful for a break from her activities and schoolwork, giving her an opportunity to get caught up and focus on the future. “When I think about Winter Break, it means ‘go time’ for college and scholarship applications.”
Photo Courtesy of Alex Weaver
This big push to get things done can lead to lots of hard questions and many issues that seniors have never experienced before. To help, Grand Island Public Schools was awarded a federal GEAR UP grant (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) in 2018. This grant funds college and career-readiness opportunities for GISH students, parents, and teachers to ensure all seniors have the best opportunities possible when navigating the college process. College & Career Readiness Coordinator Amber High said that students often experience difficulties with the application process. “It’s easy for students to feel stuck and overwhelmed,” High said.” She said they often have regrets and tend to wish that they had been more involved throughout high school, setting them up for success on the application. “By the time senior year hits, the timeline feels compressed, and the pressure intensifies,” she said.
The GEAR UP staff at Grand Island Senior High aims to limit these hardships for all students by providing a multitude of experiences, workshops, and presentations to set students up for success. GEAR UP has provided the class of 2025 with events and resources to guide students step-by-step through the process. Specifically, “Senior Launch” is a unique event hosted by GEAR UP. Once a month, seniors meet during their English class for an assembly. High said, “Senior Launch is a key initiative where we focus specifically on empowering students to tackle applications, scholarships, and post-secondary planning head-on.” At these monthly events, representatives from various colleges and scholarship programs speak to seniors about the importance of setting yourself up for future success. GIPS Foundation’s very own Kari Hooker-Leep and Candi Wiemers met with seniors in November to discuss the Foundation scholarships available to the class of 2025 as well. I have thoroughly enjoyed these presentations as they have made me dive deeper into the application process, challenging myself to look into new opportunities. I have been able to ask questions and work through problems with experienced presenters guiding me along the way.
Photo courtesy of Alex Weaver
GEAR UP also hosts one-time events such as the Volunteer Fair in September. Here, students were able to meet with many local organizations that provide volunteering opportunities. As I visited the Volunteer Fair, I even found myself bringing back these opportunities to clubs that I am a part of, hopefully giving opportunities to my younger peers and setting them up for success in their senior year. High said that the event not only allowed students to build their résumés, but also served as an opportunity for students to explore their interests.
Financial aid application appointments, college campus visits, and academic support are all other resources that GEAR UP prioritizes to aid students in the college process. High explains that these experiences can ensure that students have the tools and guidance they need, allow students to envision their future and make informed decisions, and provide access to expert tools for planning and preparation. “We work to ease the overwhelming nature of the process, equipping students and families with the confidence, tools, and opportunities they need to succeed,” said High.
I, too, have observed many of the hardships that Cara Camplin and the GEAR UP team discuss. College is a complicated process, but its importance is what keeps students moving forward. Throughout Winter Break, I found myself in the same boat as many seniors: applying for scholarships, losing motivation, and simply getting overwhelmed by the huge process. But the support that GISH provides makes it much less daunting. I know I will be able to thank myself in the future when it all comes to fruition. I am thankful for the much-needed Winter Break for serving as an opportunity to jump-start the future. GISH seniors are ready to take on these difficult challenges and take huge steps for their future education.
A Distant Mirror
The olden days January of 2025
Class of 1967
Rise Contributor
Gazing into today’s Distant Mirror, we look back to 1955, when I was six years old. I was playing with my two best friends, George Ayoub and Bob McFarland in Bob’s backyard on 11th and Kimball in Grand Island. At six years of age, I was a huge fan of Western TV shows, and especially Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. I also had just seen my first movie, “Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier.” I loved Davy Crockett. I mentioned to George and Bob that sometimes I wished I lived in the “olden days.” Then, in a moment of brilliance, Bob said, “These are the olden days.” It struck me like a thunderbolt.
I see a fairly common tendency for every generation, as people age, to come to the conclusion that the world is going to hell. We rail on about how the younger generation has lost its way, and that the principles of kindness, generosity, hard work, respect for others, and integrity have been abandoned. My late father-in-law, Jim Bogle, had some of these feelings later in life. He and my late mother-in-law, Jean, bemoaned the passage of the Big Band and New Orleans Jazz era. They considered the Beatles and the other 1960’s music to be greatly wanting. Late in his life, Jim went with us to the iconic musical “Showboat” in Los Angeles. Having spent most of his life farming in Missouri near the Mississippi River, he adored “Showboat.” After the musical, he exclaimed, “Well, maybe the world isn’t going to hell after all.”
Photo courtesy of Mike Monk
Cole Porter’s 1934 musical “Anything Goes” touches upon this theme:
“In olden days a glimpse of stocking
Was looked on as something shocking,
But now, God knows,
Anything Goes”
When I consider the changes that have occurred in my lifetime, I also have a sense of loss. Were people happier in the 1950’s than they are now?
The world has, in many ways, benefited from the vast array of technological advances that have occurred: more reliable cars, appliances, television, the internet, smart phones, and air travel. There is 24-hour news from hundreds (thousands?) of sources. Our tools, lawn mowers, plumbing, modern kitchens, heating and air conditioning, and bathrooms are of a better quality and more reliable.
But we are so well-informed that we hear daily of fighting, wars, natural disasters, terrorist atrocities, school shootings, airplane crashes, weather catastrophes, genocides, family tragedies, and other sobering news from everywhere in the world: from Sudan, Mexico, and our own United States, to Croatia, Sweden, Nigeria, and virtually every country in the world. If there is a heartbreaking loss of life or horrific tragedy anywhere in the world, we learn of it immediately and in depressing detail. I think the ubiquitous nature of this information weighs on our happiness.
Another downside of modern technology is the nightmare of passcodes. I have a list of my 40 or 50 passcodes. It is becoming more and more common that to do anything on the computer, let alone purchase a ticket to any event, you need to download an app and create a password. How many readers have felt like throwing the phone through a window when asked for a password you don’t recall, and then receiving 59 texts to confirm things even when you know the password?
In the 1950’s, most of our news, our concerns, and our information was local. We knew far more about Grand Island and Lincoln than we did about events in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, or Australia. I think that relative isolation was in many ways a positive thing. We were not psychologically burdened with far away troubles. Without our smartphones, iPads, texting, and cable news, we talked to people. Today, even in a gathering of friends, some cannot ditch the darn phone. Back then we read. We read not only the Grand Island Daily Independent and the Omaha World Herald, but real books. In the summer after my fifth-grade year at Howard, the public library had a reading promotion where many grade schoolers read dozens of books over the summer.
The modern technology and instantaneous news flashes from every corner of the earth seem to consume us. We less frequently interact with other people, whether at the band concerts in the parks of small towns, local high school sporting events and plays, or at social clubs like the Eagles Club. There always have been, and always will be, tragic and horrifying events occurring in the world. But somehow in the “olden days” they preoccupied far less of our time and emotional energy.
I also regret changes in the way people dress. If you look back at pictures of major league baseball games from the 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s, people went to the ballpark wearing suits and ties, and formal hats. And these were common working-class citizens. Over the holidays, I have watched many of the wonderful Christmas movies of the 1940’s: “The Bishop’s Wife,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Christmas in Connecticut,” “A Holiday Affair,” “Miracle on 34th Street”, and "Remember the Night.” The people in these movies often wore coats and ties, even when lounging at home. In the iconic movie “A Christmas Story,” after the dogs eat the Christmas turkey, the whole family goes out to eat at a Chinese restaurant with the father and both boys wearing coats and ties. In recent years, I have gone to funerals and weddings where I am either the only one, or one of the very few, wearing a coat and tie. Don’t misunderstand, I still love my 501 Levi’s and a cool T-shirt, but dressing to look nice at appropriate times has value.
Photo courtesy of Mike Monk
I also acknowledge that I appreciate, use, and love many of the wonders of the modern world. The internet can give immediate answers to any factual question. What is the capital of Tanzania? How old is Robert Redford? How long is the drive from Grand Island to Denver? I also appreciate that mass quantities of sporting events can be seen live. My baseball, soccer, and football fantasy leagues can be followed in real time.
For decades, my Christmas shopping was a task of great drudgery. I would hike down to the mall, try to find presents to delight friends and family, and of course my lovely bride. I would then lug them back to the car and drag them into the house to be wrapped. I recall one Christmas Eve going to the perfume section of a large store and being viewed as helpless by the lady who assisted me. I routinely did not finish shopping until Christmas Eve. I would then spend half the day, often into the night, wrapping presents. This year, with the help of Amazon, a true Christmas angel, I did a large part of my Christmas shopping while waiting two hours for my wife to finish her dental appointment. With relative ease, I found presents particularly apt for different people. I discovered presents I would likely never have found at the mall. And then “presto,” the packages arrived in a couple of days. This year, I had most presents bought and wrapped a week in advance.
Phones are also fabulous for GPS routes while traveling and for quick communications with texts and emails. The camera functions permit videos and pictures to be taken, retained, and shared with ease. But despite the barrage of news from screens and television, my happiest times are quietly reading the newspapers (yes, the print versions) I still have delivered to my door both in Santa Monica and Lake Okoboji.
I suppose the solution is to seek to have the best of both worlds. We can use our technology as needed, but still reduce our screen time, make the effort to schedule social events, have lunch with friends, exercise, take long walks, and curl up in front of a roaring fireplace with a great book. All this is still possible. It just takes a bit of discipline. Yes, I do think in many ways people were less troubled and more in tune with nature and friends in my “olden days.” But there is no denying the value, if used wisely, of the technology and conveniences of the modern world.
I can be reached at michaelmonk47@yahoo.com
A Wandering Writer's World
The incredible creatures of the Galápagos Islands
Class of 2008
Rise Contributor
I’m snorkeling along the rugged shoreline of Santa Fe Island when a swirling school of sardines appears in the water beneath me.
Floating face-down at the surface, I peer through my snorkeling mask and watch in amazement as birds and animals spring into action to take advantage of the sudden abundance of food. Sea lions glide gracefully through the churning mass, picking off individual sardines as they go. Meanwhile, blue-footed boobies dart into the waves from above, nabbing fish as they bob back to the surface and take flight to do it all over again. Blacktip reef sharks lurking on the seafloor lash out without warning to grab a mouthful.
I observed this opportunistic feeding frenzy during a recent trip to the Galápagos Islands, the rugged volcanic archipelago that famously inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Here, in this harsh, remote environment situated some 600 miles from mainland Ecuador in the vast Pacific Ocean, plants and animals had to adapt if they wanted to survive. Their adaptations are still on display today for visitors who, like me, are lucky enough to visit this special place.
It was a bucket-list trip I won’t soon forget—I’m still processing all the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures I encountered during a whirlwind expedition cruise at the beginning of December. But I can already tell you what I’ll remember most from this trip: the animals. Here are a few of my favorites.
Photo by Russell Hinkle
Frigatebirds
Two species of frigatebirds inhabit the Galápagos Islands: magnificent and great frigatebirds. These large, black seabirds are known as the pirates of the sky—except, instead of looting gold from ships, they steal fish from other birds. Rather than diving into the water themselves to catch a meal, they let other birds do the dirty work. Then, once another bird has successfully nabbed a fish, frigates swoop in and bully their target into giving up his catch. Scientists call this behavior “kleptoparasitism.”
Females typically have white chest feathers, while males are almost entirely black, except for a small patch of red near their throats. This is what’s known as a gular sac. During the breeding season, males inflate this sac—literally, like a heart-shaped balloon—and wave it around for all nearby females to see. They also clack their beaks, which creates a thrumming, drum-like sound in the sac. The bigger and redder the pouch, the more likely a male is to lure a mate—and pass along his genes. Survival of the fittest, indeed.
Photo by Russell Hinkle
Waved Albatrosses
These goofy-looking birds won me over during a visit to Española, the southernmost island in the Galápagos archipelago. Their large wingspans—which can reach up to eight feet long—help them glide over the open ocean for months at a time, without ever setting foot on land or touching the water. When it’s time to breed, though, they must eventually make their way to solid ground.
Waved albatrosses mate for life—or, at least as long as their partner returns to their nesting grounds year after year. To strengthen their bonds, mated pairs perform elaborately choreographed courtship dances that involve crossing their bills like swords, bowing their bulky bodies, flailing their necks from side to side, and other comical maneuvers.
Photo by Sarah Kuta
Giant Tortoises
Giant tortoises are undoubtedly the most iconic creatures in the Galápagos. The islands are even named after them, as “galápago” is the Spanish word for tortoise. I had several opportunities to admire these gentle giants, including during stops at the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve on San Cristobal Island and at the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island.
These large reptiles were once abundant across the archipelago. But, from the 17th through the 19th centuries, they were hunted mercilessly by whalers, pirates, and traders for meat and oil. Some species—like the Pinta Island tortoise, made famous by “Lonesome George,” the last surviving member of his species who died in 2012—have already gone extinct. But conservationists are hard at work ensuring that doesn’t happen to the remaining tortoises.
Photo by Sarah Kuta
Galápagos Sea Lions
At nearly every island I visited, Galápagos sea lions were there waiting to welcome me ashore. These charismatic marine mammals spend their days lounging lazily on the beach, torpedoing through the water in search of small fish and squid, playing, nursing, and galloping awkwardly across the sand.
But, although they seem abundant, their population has actually dropped by more than 60 percent over the last four decades. Scientists don’t fully understand why, but they suspect climate change, plastic pollution, the introduction of diseases from domestic dogs, and human activities may be to blame. They’ve been listed as “endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature since 2008.
Photo by Andres Mesias_HX
Marine Iguanas
They look like something straight out of a science fiction novel, but I can assure you marine iguanas are very real (and very ugly). Attractiveness aside, they’re one of the best examples of Darwin’s theory of evolution across the entire planet.
Scientists think they evolved from land iguanas, which may have accidentally floated across the ocean from mainland South America on rafts of logs, twigs, and leaves millions of years ago. When these unwitting pioneers arrived in the archipelago, they found themselves stuck in an otherworldly habitat made up of barren volcanic rock. With few plants to eat on land, they had no choice but to look to the sea, where they found nutritious green algae growing abundantly on coastal rocks.
Over time, their bodies adapted to their new diet and environment. Their snouts became shorter and blunter (to make it easier to scrape algae from the rocks), their teeth became sharper (for the same reason), their claws grew longer and sharper (to help them grab onto rocks while feeding underwater), their tails flattened out (to make them more efficient swimmers), and their skin got darker (to help them better absorb sunlight and stay warm). They also developed special glands that allow them to sneeze out salt, as well as the ability to hold their breath for long periods of time, among other adjustments.
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Alumni Reunions
Alumni Coordinator
kprice@gips.org
308.385.5525
Planning a class reunion?
We can help get you started!
Contact us for your class list and send us information about your reunion.
We will post it to our website.
NOTE: Reunion information in this newsletter is current as of the publication date. To see Reunion updates and additions go to our Alumni Reunions page.
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1956The Class of 1956 wishes to extend an invitation to fellow classmates to join them at their monthly gathering. They meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Ramada Midtown at 6:00 pm.
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Decades of the 60'sThe Decades of the 60’s breakfast continues to be held the second Saturday of each month at Tommy’s, 8:30 a.m. This is a great opportunity to reconnect over a cup of coffee and/or breakfast. We would love to have you join us!
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1960The Class of 1960 meets the first Wednesday of each month at Tommy's Restaurant at 11 a.m. Join us for lively conversation and a good time. Send your email address to Donna Weaver Smith for monthly communications at: dowesm@yahoo.com
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1966The class of ‘66 meets for lunch the third Wednesday of each month at the Platt Duetsche, 12 noon. Please join us!
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1967The class of 1967 meets monthly on the 4th Wednesday from 2:00-5:00 at Tommy's for chit-chat, pie, and coffee.
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1969The class of 1969 invites all classmates to our Monthly Luncheons. We meet the second Monday of each month at NOON, at The Finish Line at Fonner Park in Grand Island. Good Friends, Good Food, Good Times.
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1980The Class of 1980 will hold a reunion June 20-21, 2025. More details to follow.
In Memoriam
November and December memorial list of GISH Alumni
Sandy (Schwieger) Kemper, Class of 1963, died November 2, 2024 at the age of 79.
Vera (Ehlers) Grudzinski, Class of 1951, died November 4, 2024 in Norfolk, NE at the age of 91.
Randy Johnson, Class of 1975, died November 10, 2024 in Grand Island, NE at the age of 67.
Nathan Omel, Class of 2000, died November 11, 2024 at the age of 42.
Cindy Omel, Class of 1977, died November 11, 2024 at the age of 66.
Robyn Pullins, Class of 1980, died November 14, 2024 in Lincoln, NE at the age of 62.
Chelsie Brittain, Class of 2010, died November 16, 2024 in Omaha, NE at the age of 32.
Brenda (Sims) Wommer, Class of 1984, died November 18, 2024 in Gibbon, NE at the age of 58.
Janice (Philson) Rodysill, Class of 1953, died November 24, 2024 in Grand Island, NE at the age of 89.
Paul Hayes Lee, Class of 1984, died November 29, 2024 in Grand Island, NE at the age of 58.
Bruce Patterson, Class of 1970, died November 30, 2024 in Grand Island, NE.
Helen (Volkl) Greenwalt, Class of 1956, died December 1, 2024 in St. Libory, NE at the age of 87.
Rebecca (Roenfeldt) Freelend, Class of 1974, died December 2, 2024 in Omaha, NE at the age of 68.
K.C. Kelly, Class of 1972, died December 2, 2024 in Omaha, NE at the age of 70.
Anthony Schuyler, Class of 2014, died December 9, 2024 in Grand Island, NE at the age of 30.
Gary Schricker, Class of 1969, died December 12, 2024 in Olympia, WA at the age of 73.
Thomas Carney, Class of 1986, died December 16, 2024 at the age of 56.
Matthew States, Class of 1983, died December 19, 2024 at the age of 59.
Mike Phillips, Class of 1967, died December 19, 2024 at the age of 75.
Susan (Hecht) O'Nele, Class of 1968, died December 20, 2024 in Grand Island, NE at the age of 74.
Myrna (Anderson) Petzoldt, Class of 1954, died December 20, 2024 in Grand Island, NE at the age of 88.
Thomas Villa Estrada, Class of 2023, died December 25, 2024 in Grand Island, NE at the age of 19.
Lynne (Mcmillan) Olivigni, Class of 1970, died December 25, 2024 in St. Louis, MO at the age of 72.
Joann (Runge) Jerabek, Class of 1957, died December 26, 2024 in Grand Island, NE at the age of 85.
Shirley (Linnemann) Buhrman, Class of 1953, died December 27, 2024 in Topeka, KS at the age of 89.
Dave Pokorney, Class of 1965, died December 30, 2024 at the age of 79.
To report an alumni death since December 2024, please send an email with the first name, last name, class year and maiden name if applicable to alumni@gips.org
Class Notes
Rise wants to help you celebrate your successes with other Grand Island Senior High alumni and friends. “Class Notes” is the place to highlight a birth, an anniversary, a promotion, a college degree, an award, or other notable personal accomplishments and triumphs. Tell us about that new business. That perfect baby … or grandbaby. That Masters degree you earned after years of hard work. That recognition from your company, your cohorts, your community.
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GISH Alumni Classes, as proud alumni, you have a unique opportunity to leave a lasting legacy and make a significant impact on future GISH graduates. Following in the footsteps of the Class of 1964 and 1973, who have established scholarships, the GIPS Foundation encourages you to create your own Class scholarship fund. By doing so, alumni can provide a chance for students to pursue their dreams. Together, you can make a difference in the lives of GISH graduates and leave a legacy that will be celebrated for years to come. Please contact Kari Hooker-Leep (khookerleep@gips.org) at the GIPS Foundation to discuss how to get started.
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Amber O'Hara (GISH Class of 2000), sits down with "The GIPS Cast" along with Beki Piel to share about the fun taking place in their classrooms, but more importantly, how they empower 4 year old students to be ready for Kindergarten. What you’ll hear in the conversation is a window into the science of teaching that goes into helping a child learn how to learn. Because in order to be successful [and have fun] in school, students need to know how to learn. https://www.spreaker.com/episode/learning-how-to-learn-the-science-of-pre-school-w-amber-o-hara-beki-piel--63490608
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"Educators change the world, because they're kind of the like the architects of the future... we play a pivotal role in shaping the values and morals, kind of of just what we want our future generations to be." Mr. Jacob Morrow (GISH Class of 2009) is more than a Middle School Counselor — he is fostering resilience and well-being for students every day. https://youtu.be/DnbrzJHwEIk
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"I am so thankful to be in a position where I can help students dream and push them towards those dreams and help them achieve those dreams, to make it a reality." Miss Joana Reyes (GISH Class of 2019) is more than just a College Counselor at Grand Island Senior High. As a dreamer herself, she empowers students to see [and realize] their potential. https://youtu.be/Yrta3tibUvk
Islander Trivia
How well do you know Grand Island Senior High?
Rise is starting a new feature each edition called “Islander Trivia,” questions designed to send you to the deep recesses of your memory … or at least to your yearbooks, Facebook friends from high school or even Google.
Here are the answers for this edition:
Match the Grand Island Senior High Hall of Honor member or one of the Foundation’s Legendary Educators to their accomplishment:
Sharon Mullin; Larry Maupin; Jan Gradwohl; Grace Abbott; Grant Reynard; Roberta Lawrey; Donald Noel; Jerry Lee
- Championed the rights of women, children, and the oppressed.
- Was crowned Miss America in 1956.
- Was instrumental in catching the Unabomber.
- This famous artist began his career at Redbook Magazine.
- Founded the Nebraska Tri-City Youth Symphony.
- Coached in Nebraska’s very first Shrine Bowl.
- Was a founding member of the International Association of Women Judges.
- Was a driving force in the construction of the Edith Abbott Memorial Library.
Answers:
- Grace Abbott - Championed the rights of women, children, and the oppressed.
- Sharon Mullin - Was crowned Miss America in 1956.
- Donald Noel - Was instrumental in catching the Unabomber.
- Grant Reynard - This famous artist began his career at Redbook Magazine.
- Larry Maupin - Founded the Nebraska Tri-City Youth Symphony.
- Jerry Lee - Coached in Nebraska’s very first Shrine Bowl.
- Jan Gradwohl - Was a founding member of the International Association of Women Judges.
- Roberta Lawrey - Was a driving force in the construction of the Edith Abbott Memorial Library.
Do you have a trivia suggestions for our next edition? We would love to hear from you!
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Donation Refund Policy
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Ongoing support is important to enabling projects to continue their work, so we encourage donors to continue to contribute to projects over time. But if you must cancel your recurring donation, please notify us.Powered by Firespring
