Class of 1968
Alumni Liaison
Volume 10 | Number 5
Welcome to the September 2025 edition of 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 #5 of our tenth year of publishing the only consistent connection for alumni and friends of Grand Island Senior High. That makes this iteration 59 of Rise as we reach a decade of bringing the comings and goings of Islander alums across the globe.
Leading the news this issue is Walnut’s celebration of 100 years as a school. That’s our “At the Top” piece, which includes photos, a slide show, and a list of events to mark the milestone.
Rise welcomes two new members of our little band of publishers: On the Island Correspondent, Reagan Kort, whose first column you can read in this issue and Mandy Sullivan, the Foundation’s new Administration and Development Associate, whose bio can be found in Foundation Focus.
Of course, welcoming Mandy means the Rise family has to say good-bye to the intrepid Abigayle Frazier-Hansen, whose considerable skills have helped bring you the newsletter every other month. Her last piece for Rise can be found inside. Thanks, Abi. We will miss you.
Wandering Writer Sarah Kuta has returned from the frozen north with a great story and spectacular photos to match. Mike Monk’s “Distant Mirror” reminds us of the joy and beauty of memory. My “I’ve Been Thinking” column reminisces about my days as editor of the “Walnut Cracker.” Foundation Executive Director Kari Hooker-Leep keeps us informed on Harvest, one of the social high points for the Foundation and the community.
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, this issue focusing on Walnut’s special celebration.
Stay in touch, Islanders. And remember: Keep pushing on.
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At the Top
George Ayoub highlights Walnut’s celebration of 100 years as a school.
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Milestones
Grand Island Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2025 inductees
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Making Your Mark
Kari Hooker-Leep keeps us informed on Harvest, one of the social high points for the Foundation and the community.
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Foundation Focus
Abigayle Frazier-Hansen tells us about the very beginning of scholarship season and Mandy Sullivan introduces herself.
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I've Been Thinking
George Ayoub reminisces about his days as editor of the “Walnut Cracker.”
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On the Island
Reagan Kort introduces herself and tells us about the recent happenings at GISH.
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Distant Mirror
Mike Monk reminds us of the joy and beauty of memory.
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A Wandering Writer's World
Sarah Kuta shares about her recent trip to the frozen north.
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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?
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Tom Dinsdale -
At the Top
Walnut hits the century mark
The 2025-2026 school year began with a major milestone in the history of Grand Island schools: Walnut Middle School -- formerly a junior high -- marked 100 years of existence. Walnut opened its doors as a junior high in 1925 at its original site, the corner of 10th and Walnut Streets. That’s the northeast corner where Howard Elementary's campus sits today.
The school had two other locations, including 5th and Elm Streets, which opened in 1955, taking over the building that was formerly home to Grand Island Senior High after it moved to its current site on North Lafayette. In 1984, after a district bond issue, Walnut moved to the middle school’s current home on North Custer Avenue.
For more on Walnut’s big celebration, check out the schedule of events for the school year below.
Congratulations, Walnut. Go Wildcats!
Schedule of events:
August 15 - Wildcat Times - Walnut 100 Kickoff with Vikki Deuel
October 4 - Harvest of Harmony
Walnut 100 Float
Walnut Marching Band
October 12 - Community Open House 2:00 - 4:00
October 13-17 - Walnut Homecoming Week
October 16 - Barr v Walnut FB - 5:30
January 29 - 100th Day of School - Walnut 100 Birthday Party
(e) Mail Bag
Milestones
Grand Island Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025
The following were inducted on Saturday, September 13, 2025
Players
- Thomas “Bus” Baker ‘36: A standout on the legendary 1936 State Championship Team. Baker helped lead the team to an undefeated season where they outscored opponents 128-0.
- Bret Baxter ‘78: A top defensive end and tight end, Baxter was a 1977 All-Big 10 and All-State selection. He played in the 1978 Nebraska Shrine Bowl and continued his football career at Kearney State College.
- Steve Frei ‘76: An exceptional defensive back and punt returner in the mid-1970s, Frei earned All-Big 10 and All-State honors in 1975. He was selected for the 1976 Nebraska Shrine Bowl and went on to play for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
- Randy Spiehs ‘66: An All-State offensive guard in 1966, Spiehs played in the 1967 Nebraska Shrine Bowl. A three-sport athlete, he also earned three letters as a member of the Husker baseball team.
- Jesse Strinz ‘93: A versatile two-way player in the early 1990s, Strinz was a threat at defensive back, wide receiver, and quarterback. He holds an impressive record of eight interceptions in a single season and played in the 1993 Nebraska Shrine Bowl.
Hall of Fame 2025 Contributors
- Donna and Terry Douglass: Long-time supporters of Islander Athletics, the Douglasses were key members of the Islander Football Touchdown Club. They helped raise over $150,000 for the program and are proud parents of four former Islander football players: Brooks, Broc, Bo, and Brady.
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Making Your Mark
Celebrating growth and community support at the GIPS Foundation Harvest Event
Class of 1983
Executive Director
GIPS Foundation
The Grand Island Public Schools Foundation (GIPSF) is proud to host its fourth annual Harvest event on September 25 at Riverside Golf Club. The night celebrates the remarkable growth of the past year and honors the individuals who were instrumental in that journey. More than just a fundraiser, Harvest is a testament to the power of community, a gathering that showcases how a collective effort creates a lasting legacy in education. This year's event will be a resounding success, filled with inspiring stories, heartfelt recognition, and a good dose of fun.
The evening is a celebration of opportunity, potential, and the bright future of all GIPS students. Guests are treated to an evening of delicious food and both a silent and live auction featuring an array of unique items. The auction and Mission Moment appeal provide a significant boost to the Foundation's grant and scholarship programs, directly impacting the lives of students and educators. The celebratory atmosphere is infectious, and the highlight of the evening's fun is undoubtedly the Dessert Dash, a spirited and fast-paced tradition where tables pool their donations for the chance to be the first to "dash" to a table filled with decadent desserts. It’s a moment of lighthearted competition that brings a roomful of people to their feet, all in the name of a sweet treat and a great cause.
A cornerstone of Harvest is the recognition of those who embody the spirit of the GIPS Foundation. This year, the Heart of the Foundation award is presented to brothers Ron and Dan Eakes. The Eakes family's deep-rooted commitment to the Grand Island community is well known, and their unwavering support for the GIPS Foundation is the heart of its success. Their dedication to the encouragement of educational excellence and their belief in the potential of every student serve as powerful examples of local philanthropy at its best. Recognizing their contributions is a moving moment, reminding everyone of the profound impact that dedicated individuals can have.
The most poignant part of the night is the Mission Moment, delivered by a former student, Brian Levander. Levander, a graduate of Grand Island Senior High, shares his personal journey and speaks about the tangible impact GIPS had on his life. His story is a powerful reminder of why the Foundation's work is so vital. He speaks about the doors that were opened for him through teachers' encouragement and drive to succeed, doors he might not have walked through otherwise. His heartfelt and inspirational words bring the Foundation's mission to life, moving beyond statistics and into the real world of personal triumph and gratitude.
Harvest is more than just a fundraising event; it's a celebration of a community, united by a shared vision. The GIPSF continues to focus on the mission to provide students with all they need to thrive and dream big. Harvest is a powerful demonstration of the amazing things that can be done when a community comes together to invest in its future.
If you're going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can't be erased. - Maya Angelou
Foundation Focus
For the Foundation, Scholarship Season begins now
Office Resource & Data Coordinator
GIPS Foundation
Each fall, the GIPS Foundation completes an important step in our Scholarship Program: donor confirmation packets. These packets provide scholarship donors with details about their fund, including the amount to be awarded next year and the guidelines that shape how their scholarship supports students. They also have the opportunity to make updates.
While it may sound like paperwork (lots of paperwork), these packets represent so much more. They are a reminder of the lives changed because of the generosity of our community. As Lesley Ruiz, who was awarded the Lucile C. Martin Dream Scholarship, shared this past spring, receiving a scholarship was “a fundamental push, to remind myself that I am capable.” That encouragement is as valuable as the dollars awarded. Each scholarship fund tells a story — of a student who dared to dream, of a family who wanted to honor a loved one, or of a donor who believed in the power of education to open doors. Thanks to these funds, hundreds of Grand Island area students, from multiple schools, have access to new opportunities they may not have had otherwise. It makes all the prep work worthwhile.
We are deeply grateful to the donors who make this possible. Whether you’ve been supporting a scholarship for many years, are just beginning one, or donate to the general Academic Aristocrat fund, your gift creates a legacy of impact that lasts far beyond the application deadline or the award ceremony. If you’ve ever thought about creating a scholarship of your own, now is the ideal time — so it can be ready to impact students when applications open in December. Reach out to us if you’re interested.
As we look ahead to this winter, when a new class of students will apply with hope and determination, we celebrate the generosity that makes these scholarships possible. Because of you, GIPS students can step into the future with confidence, ready to thrive and dream big.
Introducing Mandy Sullivan
Administration & Development Associate
GIPS Foundation
Greetings, GIPS Family! Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Mandy Sullivan and I’m the new Administrative Development Associate for GIPS Foundation.
“Where did this new girl come from?” You ask… Well, I was born and raised in the rural Grand Island area. I graduated from Creighton University with my RN, BSN and several years ago I worked for GIPS as a nurse. I started out at Newell Elementary then as my husband and I started our family I dropped down to a part-time sub nurse role. Eventually life led me in other directions as our family grew. I transitioned into a full-time stay-at-home mom role, raising our kids, Carson (son) and Drew (daughter). While working at home, I had an opportunity to do freelance writing for local and state publications. Naptime and school hours allowed me to put pen to paper and let my creative ideas flow.
As my kids grew and needed me less, I stepped back into the workforce gaining experience in the hospitality and events industry. My most recent career venture was receiving my real estate license and joining my husband with Farmers National Company.
All these experiences have prepared me for my new position with the GIPS Foundation. I’m excited to dive into my role as support staff for fund raising, marketing, social media and website management. I have found a wonderful work family here and am energized by their dedication. I’m truly inspired by the work we do to secure resources and help open doors for students, educators and families so they can attain their dreams.
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I've Been Thinking
The Walnut Cracker and directions to the future
Class of 1968
Alumni Liaison
I’m currently in my fourth decade as a professional journalist, but my first real gig as an ink-stained wretch was as editor of the Walnut Cracker in my ninth-grade year as a Wildcat in good standing. Those were the days of Walnut Junior High, alive and well on Elm Street, three brick stories of Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth graders whose school colors then were brown and gold, whose crackerbox gym usually assured victory, and whose legacy and history have now reached exactly 100 years. Congratulations to Wildcats everywhere.
As Walnut -- now a middle school with new colors and a newer building -- marks a century of “northside” schooling, I fondly remember both the Walnut Cracker and those “tweeny” years with one foot seemingly on a grade school playground and the other in the halls of Grand Island Senior High. Junior high -- middle school -- can be tricky terrain.
We put together the Cracker in the journalism room, which, as I recall, was on the second floor. The advisor was the indomitable Mrs. Ursula Klatt, who ran a tight ship but always with a smile. Later, when my professional byline would appear, she would often get word to my mother Agnes -- who herself spent nearly 35 years running Walnut’s main office from her secretary's desk -- how happy she was that a former Cracker editor went on to be a journalist. I was also able to connect with her before she left us.
Mom’s stint at Walnut began the year I left, 1965. Over the years, she helped nervous Seventh graders navigate the first few days of school, provided lunch money to kids who forgot theirs or just didn’t have it, and alternately and metaphorically held hands or kicked behinds of those who either needed or deserved one of the two -- and much, much more. Her speciality was building relationships, and she came to know the names of thousands of Wildcats. It was not unusual for a former one of them to flag her down in Skag-Way or at church or even once in the mountains of Colorado at a roadside convenience store.
Mrs. Klatt was a stickler for details, and when spring rolled around and we planned our fourth and last edition of the Cracker, we also knew we were about to publish the photos of all the graduating Ninth graders. Getting it wrong was not an option. I learned then that sometimes journalism was neither for the faint of heart nor the nonchalant. Close wasn’t good enough. As I’ve told the story in this space before, I broke that rule the next year, which led to me being left off the Islander staff, a heartbreak but a life lesson which I often remember as I still sometimes scramble to meet deadlines.
If memory serves, we did fine, and the Walnut Cracker of May 1965 was added to Mrs. Klatt’s successes. And for at least one journalist, it was only a beginning.
I used to have a gold “W” somewhere. I never bought the sweater on which it should have been sewn, a cardigan in those days, often sported at pep rallies and on game days. Junior high, and now middle school, can send “early teens” careening from the terrifyingly tumultuous to the wonderfully wacky and joyous. I know my mother could be a bright spot on a gloomy day for some Wildcats. As for me, I’ll always be grateful to Mrs. Ursula Klatt for the details of and directions to a fulfilling career.
On the Island
Welcome to the new school year
Class of 2026
Student Correspondent
Hello there, readers of Rise. My name is Reagan Kort, and I am a senior at Grand Island Senior High School. I am thrilled to be serving as your “On The Island” correspondent for the 2025-2026 school year. There are so many wonderful experiences and perspectives at GISH that I am excited to share with you throughout the next academic year. My friend, Alex Weaver, has done such a great job in this position, and I am honored to be following in his footsteps.
Unlike my peers, I attended a school outside of the district from kindergarten through eighth grade, so my Islander experience began my freshman year. Making the decision to switch districts and attend GISH was the greatest decision of my life, and I am so grateful for all of the experiences and opportunities that have come to me because of the wonderful people at GISH. In my high school career thus far, I have been heavily involved in extracurricular activities, both in and outside of school. Currently, I am a part of Varsity Show Choir, Hope Squad, Hulagans, National Honor Society, Academy Ambassadors, and Advanced Choir, and have served as an officer for Future Business Leaders of America for the past three years. Outside of school, I serve on the Youth Philanthropy Board, MENTOR Nebraska’s Inaugural Youth Mentorship Advisory Board, volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and am a part-time barista at Daily Dose Coffee. I have also danced competitively and recreationally at The Dance Company for 14 years.
Photo Courtesy of Katie Lofing
As a dance captain for Ultimate Image, our varsity show choir, I have been devoting time this summer to prepare our ensemble for the upcoming season! In July, we held our annual choreography camp, where choreographers Ben Eklund and Matt Watson taught us our entire show. Former members Avery Rogers and Aiden Kluender joined us to assist with choreography and stage blocking. For the rest of the summer, my fellow dance captains and I focus on getting that choreography looking clean and put-together. Each year, our choirs get a new theme for their shows, and I am very excited about the three themes throughout our groups for the 2026 season. Ultimate Image’s show this year is sure to be exciting, fierce, and entertaining. I believe that it is the perfect end to my time with GISH’s vocal music program. Even though we do not begin competing until January, students in both the Varsity and Junior Varsity choirs have been working throughout the summer to prepare for those performances. With the beginning of the school year, all three show choirs at GISH will begin heavy rehearsals during the school day and one evening a week. We are so excited for January to come so that we can showcase our hard work at Premiere Night.
Photo courtesy of Cael Wiegert
Also in the performing arts wing of our halls, the marching band recently wrapped up their annual marching band camp. Students work diligently during these long days to master marching fundamentals, but also get to participate in fun dress-up days, which helps build excitement. Cael Wiegert, senior and head drum major, expressed lots of anticipation and excitement for the season ahead. “We had a lot of new freshmen, so getting to watch and teach them the basics of marching and playing at a high school level was an amazing experience that I wish others could have,” he said. Wiegert said he is “really excited for football games this year because it will allow us to premiere our show, ‘Imagine,’ which brings us back to our childhood times where we were carefree playing at recess with no stress.”
Recently, the GISH band got to perform at the Nebraska State Fair, which was a very fun experience for its members, regardless of the excruciatingly hot temperatures. It is always a gift when the students of Grand Island Senior High get to share their talents and art with the community.
Photo courtesy of Brian Rauda
Of course, you will be able to catch our GISH band playing in the stands and on the field throughout football season. This summer, the football team has put in lots of work to prepare for those exciting Friday night lights. Senior Dax Kirkland, a member of the varsity football team, is one among many of his teammates who are anticipating the season ahead. “We are all really looking forward to our schedule. It's been a grind this summer with all the 6 a.m. lifts and conditioning, but it’s helped build that excitement for the season,” he said. “We're all just ready to get back into the swing of things, and it’s finally here.” Islanders had a sneak peek of the team at the Gatorade Scrimmage on August 21. It’s clear that students throughout the school are enthusiastic about the upcoming home games, and our Hulagan spirit team has some fun student section themes in the works. (Readers can find all the fall sports scores and schedules here.)
Football, Band, and Show Choir, however, are not the only activities that began long before school was in session. Student athletes have been putting in their vacation time towards volleyball, cross country, and tennis throughout the summer. Our dance team and cheer team attended their annual UDA and UCA camps to prepare for their season. Across these programs, many took advantage of our summer weights program to set themselves up for success in their seasons ahead. What many don’t realize is just how much preparation comes before my fellow Islanders and I embark on successful years within our chosen extracurriculars. All of those extra workouts, rehearsals, and practices are worth it when we get to represent Grand Island Senior High to the best of our abilities. I am so excited to see where this year takes us.
The start of the school year comes with a lot of firsts. Students are starting new classes, teachers are adjusting to new groups of students, and many extracurricular activities are beginning their seasons. For myself and my classmates, the beginning of this school year comes with lots of lasts. Senior year is going to be full of bittersweet moments, but my peers and I are approaching new changes and some goodbyes with a welcoming attitude, planning to savor every moment. As I walk through my last year on the island, I am so excited to take you with me. Let’s begin.
A Distant Mirror
Thanks for the memory
Class of 1967
Rise Contributor
In “Hamlet,” Shakespeare writes, “What a piece of work is a man.” When one muses upon the miracle of human existence and the miracle of our minds and bodies, we observe our many mental and physical gifts. We have mobility, strength, sight, speech, hearing, touch, feeling, smell, taste, the ability to reason, and memory.
Which of these gifts is most precious? We all want to be nimble physically, to see and hear the world around us, to be able to express ourselves with speech, to be able to eat and thrive. But I have come to believe the most precious gift we have is memory. Without memory, our lives have little joy or meaning. We live by and for memories of our youth, our passions, our human bonds, and our most meaningful moments in life, as these create the persons we are.
It is, of course, tragic to lose one’s sight, but many humans thrive despite blindness. To lose the ability to speak is crushing and debilitating, but there are other ways to communicate. To hear is a blessing, and without it the joys of language, music, and birds chirping are lost. But recall that Ludwig van Beethoven wrote some great music after he became deaf.
As Rabbi John L. Rosove wrote, “Memory defines who we are, and our collective memories are the essence of the culture we’ve inherited and carried forward, and so losing our memory is not only a catastrophe for us individually but for our community as well.”
We all live with the memories of the high jinks of grade school, the first romance, the first job, the career paths we have taken, the human bonds we have fashioned, endless recollections of friends and events, the birth of children and grandchildren. We recall both the pleasing and sad moments of life. Many people vividly recall the high points and joys of life, but somehow forget or submerge the more painful memories. Others recall all too vividly past difficulties.
For those with severe dementia or Alzheimer’s, who cannot remember even who they are, life is essentially over. Even one who can see, hear, speak, eat, and walk is but a hollow shell of a human without memory. Rosove also wrote, “Being afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease is like walking into one’s office, going to a file cabinet, opening a drawer and discovering that it’s empty.”
The 2015 film “Inside Out” brilliantly takes us inside the mind to see the personification of our feelings of joy, fear, anger, disgust, and even sadness. The film also shows that the memories of our bonds with parents and friends, and the memories of past satisfactions, create our core values. Those core values give us a security, a solace, and a meaning to life.
Photo courtesy of Mike Monk
Our life is also blessed when others remember us. The movie “Coco” is a fabulous examination of memories of those living and dead. In “Coco,” the deceased live on in the afterworld and can visit the living world upon occasion. But they cease to exist even in the afterworld if no living person has a memory of them. In Bill Murray’s classic “Groundhog Day,” he suffers the daily pain of those around him not remembering anything about the day before. Each day he must establish new connections and interactions.
We have memories of those who have brought us joy in life, both living and dead. And when we pass, we want to be remembered in the most positive light possible. The nostalgic memories of our parents, family members, friends, and others provide comfort and meaning for us. I often wonder what my mother would think if she could see the wonderful family with which I have been blessed, my children, grandchildren, and all their glories, triumphs, and even failures.
Many of us who write do so to capture the past, to record one’s history, to create a memoir that will live after we are gone. The family stories I have related over the last decade in “A Distant Mirror” are in large part for this purpose. We want to leave something behind that people will remember. We want to leave a positive legacy that captures our finest thoughts and finest moments.
In the movie “Citizen Kane,” one of the characters muses about a woman he saw, just for a moment, decades earlier, and says he has thought of her every day of his life since. Mark Twain wrote that “…memory is a curious machine and strangely capricious. It has no order, it has no system, it is always throwing away gold and hoarding rubbish.”
Memories are the subject of some of our greatest literature and music. Composer Jerome Kern, in “The Way You Look Tonight,” wrote:
Some day, when I’m awfully low,
When the world is cold.
I will feel a glow just thinking of you,
And the way you look tonight.
The Bing Crosby movie, “Thanks for the Memory” also has touching lyrics:
Thanks for the memory
Of candlelight and wine, castles on the Rhine
The Parthenon and moments on the Hudson River Line
How lovely it was!
Thanks for the memory
Of rainy afternoons, swingy Harlem tunes
And motor trips and burning lips and
Burning toast and prunes
How lovely it was!
I am always interested in a person’s earliest memories. For me, I have vague memories of playing with a toy train at about four years of age. But I have a vivid memory of when I was age five in the little hamlet of Amherst, Neb. I saw a group of teenagers playing baseball in the vacant lot across from our house and ran over to watch, fascinated by the game.
I have certain distinct memories of times and events involving friends and family that, upon occasion, those people do not recall. I have certain vivid memories of events with friends and family in which the person I was with has a totally different memory of the identical event.
Twain also famously quipped, “The older I get, the more clearly I remember things that never happened.” He also is reputed to have said, “Memories are the little threads that hold life’s patches of meaning together.”
There are seminal moments in life I have experienced, like my daughter’s wedding, my wife and my 50th wedding anniversary celebration, and countless others, where that night I linger in bed recalling every moment that brought me joy. I indeed often, years later, return to the memories of such events and again feel the pleasure. Writer James Lendall Basford said, “The next thing to the enjoyment of a good time is the recollection of it.”
What is the moral to this story? I guess one moral is to record life with pictures, stories, and writings. Leave a legacy. Another lesson is to ride the wave of pleasure memories provide for as long as we can, and to embrace and enjoy them. We enforce and cement memories when we share them with others. Another wise choice is to engage with those older friends and family and have them relate their memories, which are lost once they are gone.
Yes, thanks for the memory!
A Wandering Writer's World
Highlights from a trip to east Greenland
Class of 2008
Rise Contributor
Did you know that icebergs crackle as they melt, emitting a sound that’s eerily similar to Rice Krispies floating in a bowl of milk? Or that mirages can also occur in the Arctic, creating ghostly shapes where the North Atlantic meets the sky? What about the fact that polar bear fur isn’t actually white but, rather, transparent?
I did not know these things, either, until I visited Iceland and east Greenland for a recent assignment. The Arctic is full of surprises, and if you’re at all interested in animals, plants, rocks, history, and culture, I highly recommend planning a visit to this part of the world. These were some of the highlights of my trip, an expedition cruise with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.
Photo Courtesy of Sarah Kuta
Watching Polar Bears Walk Across the Sea Ice
We had just finished listening to a lecture about scientific research being conducted on the Greenland Ice Sheet when an excited voice came over the public address system of our ship, the National Geographic Endurance. “Ladies and gentleman, the bridge team has spotted a polar bear on the sea ice. Please be as quiet as possible as you make your way to the outer decks, so as not to disturb the bear.”
I speedwalked to the front of the ship, joining dozens of other passengers in breathless silence as we marveled at the furry, four-legged creature skillfully making its way across the floes off the eastern coast of Greenland. Through binoculars and spotting scopes, we all held our breath as the massive, off-white animal gracefully ambled across the ice, stopping every few yards or so to lift its nose and sniff the air, hoping to pick up the scent of a seal.
It was the first polar bear we encountered during the voyage in mid-August. But it was far from the last. Over the course of 12 days, we saw more than a dozen of the iconic shaggy creatures, as well as musk oxen, Arctic hares, and countless birds and whales—including a pod of elusive, rarely seen narwhals.
Photo Courtesy of Sarah Kuta
Hiking Among Arctic Plants and Animals
Most of Greenland is covered in ice. (The Greenland Ice Sheet, for reference, is the second largest body of ice in the world, accounting for 7 percent of the planet’s fresh water.) But not all of it. During the short-lived Arctic summer, some parts of the coastline are accessible to visitors like me.
My trip started in Reykjavík, Iceland, but we spent most of our time exploring the rugged, remote eastern coast of Greenland. More specifically, we adventured around Northeast Greenland National Park, a 375,000-square-mile protected area that wears the crown for being the largest national park in the world. We only saw a tiny fraction, of course, but it was incredible all the same.
We hiked nearly every single day, taking a short ride from the ship to the shore aboard rigged, inflatable, open-topped Zodiac boats. One of my favorite treks took place on Clavering Island, where artifacts from a World War II-era German weather station are still strewn across the beach. Beyond, we spotted a family of musk oxen perched high on a hill, silhouetted against the sky. The ground was speckled with tiny, colorful flowers, including the fluffy white seed heads of mountain avens, the cheery blooms of yellow saxifrage, and the vibrant purple petals of dwarf fireweed. As we hiked, we came across numerous animal bones, including the skull of an Arctic fox—a stark reminder that even the most well-adapted creatures still have a tough time surviving in the Arctic.
Photo Courtesy of Sarah Kuta
Sleeping Under the Stars in an Igloo
When we weren’t out exploring, we were onboard the National Geographic Endurance. This isn’t the ginormous, Caribbean cruise ship you’re imagining. No, it’s a cozy, comfortable vessel that can accommodate up to 138 passengers at a time. Built in 2021, the ship is an ice-class Polar Code PC5 (Category A) vessel with a patented X-bow that helps it glide seamlessly through sea ice.
It’s named after the Endurance, the three-masted wooden ship 20th-century British explorer Ernest Shackleton and his crew of 27 men sailed during the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, a bid to reach the South Pole by traveling across Antarctica on land. Famously, of course, the Endurance became trapped in sea ice in 1915 and eventually sank, leading to one of the greatest survival stories of all time.
Fortunately for today’s travelers, the similarities stop at the name. The National Geographic Endurance has all the creature comforts you could ever want—and then some—including a spa with two saunas, two infinity-style hot tubs, a light-filled library, two restaurants, and a high-tech lounge for listening to lectures and presentations.
Photo Courtesy of Sarah Kuta
Beyond these “basics,” the National Geographic Endurance also has a super unique feature: a pair of geodesic glass igloos on the top deck that guests can reserve for a unique, glamping-style overnight stay. I had the opportunity to spend the night in one during my trip, and it was a bucket list-worthy experience in every way.
We didn’t see the northern lights because it wasn’t the right time of year. Instead, we experienced nearly 24 hours of sunlight as we sailed to 75 degrees north latitude, well above the Arctic Circle. But I know guests on other voyages have seen the aurora borealis dancing in the night sky from the igloos. Even so, my view from inside the igloo was incredible. Tucked into the plush bed with a hot water bottle, I gazed out the triangular windows as the ship sailed out of Storefjord, one of the many jaw-droppingly beautiful fjords along the eastern coast of Greenland. I kept my eyes open as long as I could, but eventually, I donned the provided eye mask (essential when it never gets dark!) and drifted off to sleep. In the morning, a waiter knocked on the door and delivered a steaming mug.
Photo Courtesy of Sarah Kuta
Kayaking Among Brilliantly Blue Icebergs
The National Geographic Endurance has a fleet of sturdy, inflatable yellow kayaks onboard. We took advantage of them one afternoon near Nordenskiöld Glacier, paddling among bobbing bits of brilliantly blue ice. Every once in a while, we’d stop paddling and sit silently, so we could hear the enormous icebergs crackle and pop in the sunlight. The crackling occurs as icebergs start to melt, a process that releases the air bubbles trapped inside the ice.
Icebergs are pieces of glaciers that have calved off into the water below. (Not to be confused with sea ice, which is typically flat and forms atop the ocean when temperatures drop low enough.) Glaciers form layer by layer over the course of tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of years. As a result, glaciers—and icebergs—are like time capsules, offering insights into what Earth’s climate was like at the time each layer formed, similar to the rings of a tree. By studying the air bubbles trapped inside, scientists can glean lots of information about the past, including greenhouse gas concentrations.
Thinking about all of this as I paddled was totally mind-blowing. Every iceberg has a story.
Feeling the Power of a Calving Glacier
And speaking of glaciers. When going ashore wasn’t an option, we often took scenic Zodiac cruises, with the onboard naturalists providing informative commentary on what we were seeing.
One night after dinner, we headed out in the Zodiacs for an hour-long outing near Waltershausen Glacier. Our group was just getting ready to head back to the ship when, suddenly, the hulking whitish-blue mass emitted a deep, thunderous rumble. We turned our heads just in time to see a massive section of the glacier’s face calve off, sending a shower of ice into the water below. (Don’t worry, we were a safe distance away.)
I’d seen plenty of videos, but I’d never experienced a glacier calving in real life. It was even more impressive in person than I had anticipated—a moment I’ll never forget.
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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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1965The GISH Class of 1965 Reunion is being held September 19 and 20, 2025. All Reunion activities are free (except for your beverages of choice). Pre-game Meet and Greet with free pizza at Wave Pizza and Bonsai Beach Club from 2:30 to 5:30 pm. Grand Island vs Elkhorn South tickets handed out during this time. On Saturday join a Third St. Sculpture walk at 10:00 am. Everyone will meet at 3rd & Walnut in front of the Tourism Office. Then the Class of ‘65 will gather at 1:00 pm at Fonner Park Executive Suites for Husker Football, food and the fun of catching up with classmates. At 8:00 pm we continue the day with more food and NE vs AZ Volleyball.
For football tickets and Saturday actives please RSVP to: Paul Schneider, gobigred69@gmail.com or 1-847-638-8792 -
1966Class of '66 meets for lunch on the third Wednesday of the month at noon with the place updated each month on our class Facebook page. Hope to see many friends attend!!
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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 at noon of each month at The Finish Line at Fonner Park in Grand Island. Good Friends, Good Food, Good Times.
In Memoriam
July and August memorial list of GISH Alumni
Bryce Fox, Class of 1968, died October 8, 2021.
Thomas "Tom" Ballain, Class of 1959, died May 24, 2025 in Fort Collins, CO.
Liz (Kellogg) Williams, Class of 1970, died July 4, 2025 in Omaha, NE at the age of 72.
Floyd Schwanz, Class of 1958, died July 4, 2025 in Milwaukie, OR at the age of 84.
Dianna (Chapman) Alberts, Class of 1971, died July 6, 2025 in Grand Island, NE at the age of 75.
Ella (Meyer) Hoag, Class of 1943, died July 7, 2025 in Grand Island, NE at the age of 101.
Judy (Miner) Goodman, Class of 1956, died July 8, 2025 at the age of 87.
Lyle "Ed" Richards, Class of 1959, died July 16, 2025 in Omaha, NE at the age of 84.
Don Brym, Class of 1951, died July 19, 2025.
Delavon (John) Herrold, Class of 1948, died July 27, 2025 in Grand Island, NE at the age of 94.
Marvin Keller, Class of 1964, died July 30, 2025 at the age of 79.
Doug Ward, Class of 1974, died August 1, 2025 at the age of 68.
Shirley (Teng) Suchanek, Class of 1950, died August 1, 2025 in Grand Island, NE at the age of 92.
Pat (Larsen) Mader, Class of 1968, died August 9, 2025 in Lincoln, NE at the age of 75.
Judy (Ruschy) Mingus, Class of 1957, died August 11, 2025 in Dannebrog at the age of 85.
Phyllis (Kruse) Long, Class of 1956, died August 16, 2025 in Grand Island, NE at the age of 86.
Donna Dee (Stahlnecker) Cole, Class of 1949, died August 17, 2025 in Grand Island, NE at the age of 93.
Andrew McVicker, Class of 2012, died August 20, 2025 at the age of 31.
Susan (Beilke) Hilgenkamp, Class of 1969, died August 23, 2025 at the age of 74.
Elizabeth Davis, Class of 1997, died August 28, 2025 in Lincoln, NE at the age of 46.
Max Boersen, Class of 1964, died August 28, 2025 in Grand Island, NE at the age of 79.
Marnell (Shors) Van Hoosen, Class of 1958, died August 28, 2025 in Grand Island, NE at the age of 85.
To report an alumni death since August 2025, 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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1960Ken Aldridge, GISH Class of 1960, has just released his latest book, "The Bonus Daughter." This is Ken’s 15th and final book in a crime series about a small Texas town's Chief of Police, Jim Travis. All Ken’s books are available from him KAldridge@aol.com, Amazon Books, or Kindle.
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2008Chris Beaty (GISH Class of 2008) is publishing a memoir about his high school years and growing up in Grand Island. The book will be available on Amazon in November 2025. For updates and to read the first chapter, you can subscribe to Chris's newsletter on www.chrisbeaty.com.
Islander Trivia
How well do you know Grand Island Senior High?
Welcome to “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 is the trivia for this "Walnut's 100th celebration" edition:
1. Walnut has had nine principles in its 100 years as a junior high and middle school. One of them held the position for 33 years, the longest tenure of this august group. Who among the following was that?
a. Howard J. Finley
b. Frank Haack
c. Dwaine Ehrlich
d. George Bailey
e. Burt Alfrey
f. Philip Harvey
g. Bill Bucher
h. Vikki Deuel
i. Rod Foley
2. What was the name of Walnut’s school paper? (Hint: It’s inside this edition.)
a. The Brown and Gold
b. The Walnut Cracker
c. The Wildcat Times
d. The Walnut Caller
e. The Walnut Wildcat
3. When Walnut moved into its second building iteration on Elm and Fifth Streets in 1955, it took over the building from Grand Island Senior High who moved to North Lafayette. Walnut then moved to its current location on North Custer in 1984. What is in the “old” Walnut building now?
a. Storage for the GIPS
b. A retail mall
c. Apartments
d. Condos
e. Nothing
Answers
- a
- b
- c
Do you have a trivia suggestions for our next edition? We would love to hear from you!
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