PUBLICATION OF THE VAN HORN HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
The Falcon Legacy t
The Falcon Legacy
V O L U M E
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Little Theatre
2
Ghost
3
Hall of Honor
4
Historian’s quip 6
Deaths
6
Homecoming 2011
7
Things to Do
8
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I S S U E
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O C T O B E R
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Hall of Honor inductees receive recognition in half-time ceremony. Story and more pictures on page 4
Van Horn’s Little Theater Re-dedicated Two years ago when Kathy Lusso Mallinson (Class of ‘76) wanted to see her favorite memory from her years at Van Horn High School, nothing but dismay took over her fondest recollection – the ―Little Theatre‖ just off the front hall of the high school was in shambles. The once vibrant classroom for Speech and Drama was being used for non-theatrical storage. The damage to the interior of this favorite classroom was massive. She glanced at her husband, Dr. Matt Mallinson, (Class of ‗76) who could detect immediately that there was going to be a relentless mission—to restore the small theatre. On Thursday, October 6, the completed restoration and renovation was presented to the public. A group of combined alumni, staff, students and parents attended an evening ceremony followed by a reception at the school. (Cont.)
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“Little Theatre” continued from page 1
The ceremony featured opening comments from Vice Principal Patrick Layden who recognized several attendees including Independence Mayor Don Reimal, and the ―President and Vice President‖ of the Van Horn High School Alumni Association Jay Fisher and Nancy Mills Ehrlich. Guests speakers who made brief comments were Mr. Ken Johnston, President of the Independence School District and Board of Education; Dr. Greg Netzer, VH Principal; Senator Victor Callahan, Missouri State Senator; and Kathy and Dr. Matt Mallinson, major underwriters of the Little Theatre renovation project. Recollections from former longtime speech and drama teacher, Mr. Bob Klamm, were both humorous and emotional. He closed saying of his 2000 plus students he ―felt that within each student there (was) an eternal human soul that I had responsiRobert W. Klamm, Speech and bility for.‖ Drama Teacher from 1958-1970‘s
The newly re-dedicated Little Theatre is richly paneled with soft lighting and holds up to eighty persons on removable chairs. The small office and rooms in the back have been completely removed. The restored stage is larger, equipped with a video screen and graced with a soft maroon velvet curtain across the back. Although no future plans are for this to be used as a classroom again, it will be available for conferences, meetings, and school functions as well as being available to the public. (Left: Senator Victor Callahan, Kathy and Matt Mallinson) THE
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HAPPY HALLOWEEN from The Ghost of Van Horn What could be more provocative this time of year than a ghost story. In the front hall in Van Horn High School‘s trophy case is the bust of Colonel Van Horn. Rescued from the basement, the beheaded bust was restored with the help of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. This valuable piece of work of the original
land-owner on which the school resides casts an eerie reflection through the glass of the school office. Late evening after dark and after all the students and staff have left for home, the ―ghost-like‖ figure of the Colonel appears behind the counter. His reflected image was captured on camera as seen in
the photo below. Some describe it as ―creepy‖, but others find stimulation in ―his presence‖. It was suggested that the bust be moved but because of an outcry of those who find pleasure in seeing the image the positioning has remained unaltered.
The VHHSAA meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month in the Alumni Room (or Library) at Van Horn High School (main level). All VHHS graduates are welcome to attend meetings. For membership information, please contact President Jay Fisher at (816-914-6490 or ayjayeff@yahoo.com Captured on camera, the “Ghost” of Colonel Van Horn. VHHSAA Board
Photograph by Marietta Wilson Boenker
Purpose:
President
Jay Fisher ‗75
To help fund selected capital improvement purchases for Van Horn High School (hereafter referred
Vice President
Nancy Mills Ehrlich ‗56
to as VHHS)
Secretary
Glenda Baker Phillips ‗73
To fund scholarships for VHHS graduates
Treasurer
Lisa Hay Renshaw ―76
To establish and maintain a world-wide network of VHHS graduates
At Large Director/Newsletter Editor: Marietta Wilson Boenker ‗60
To establish a Hall of Honor of prominent VHHS graduates, faculty, staff, and ―Friends of Van Horn‖ for the benefit of VHHS
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Alum’s Celebrate at Inaugural Hall of Honor In the halls of the Van Horn High School foyer, a large showcase displays the photographs and bio‘s of the nine selected honorees—seven being graduates with remarkable achievements in their life works beyond high school. By 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 26th, guests began arriving for the reception held in the auditorium foyer. Approximately 43 guests and honorees enjoyed the reunion-like atmosphere, congratulating the honorees and catching first sight of the Hall of Honor showcase.
Above: Honorees in attendance: Jeff Gall, PhD; Richard Piland, PhD; Barbara Atkins Case; Otto Kaifes; and Mayor Don Reimal.
Above: Mayor Reimal, Barbara Case with brother Tom Atkins, and Adam Higgans at the reception.
Pictured right: Richard Piland reunites with classmate Carrol Langford Carson who came to congratulate him.
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Following a half-time performance by the school band, Honorees and guests were escorted to the sidelines by Van Horn cheerleaders as VHHSAA President Jay Fisher read aloud the achievements of each honoree. Then, an engraved Falcon statuette from VHHSAA was presented to each by Principal Dr. Greg Netzer. Pictured on right: Cheerleader Brittney Eidson; Dr. Jeff Gall and wife Susie; and cheerleader Griyana Miller. Below left: Cheerleader Britney Sharp, Mrs. Jo Marie Bennett Reimal and Mayor Don Reimal; Cheerleader Mayra Torres. Lower right: Retired math teacher, Otto Kaifes, delighted with his Falcon statuette, proudly holds it out to the stands with daughter Carrie Kaifes Lally standing by his side.
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From the Vice President and Historian
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When Van Horn High School was born in the fall of 1955, it was welcomed with open arms by the community and students. Within weeks after the first students entered the building, the falcon from the Van Horn family coat of arms was chosen as its mascot and red and grey its colors. When Van Horn High School was reborn in the Independence School District it was en-
dorsed by a microburst of community effort to clean, paint, and polish the falcon‟s nest as well as support the faculty and students. Within weeks, the falcon awoke to a flurry of red and grey surrounding its nest and an “I can fly attitude.”
Graduate Falcons gathered into the Alumni flock. It, too, is a fledgling flock experiencing the joys of new birth, not clinging to the things that were but aspiring with faculty and students to the best of things to be.
Enthusiastic faculty greeted somewhat apprehensive students who soon learned that these halls were changed and change is still taking place. The refurbished nest is nice.
The new Van Horn Falcons are flying! Nancy Mills Ehrlich „56
How to get the Most from your VHHSAA Membership
Assure that you don’t miss a single issue of The Falcon Legacy newsletter by notifying us of your address and email changes.
You sent a check to become a member of the VHHSAA. So now what?
attending functions, ga me s , a n d w h o knows?
Attend as many meetings as you can. These informal gatherings are brain-storming sessions for the most part. Be eligible to vote at any annual or special called meeting of the membership. Find out our budge and what our next missions will be.
Become a LIFE member and receive a neat shirt showing your support of the VHHSAA.
Meet lots of alums by
Join a Task Force or committee. We need people to select the scholarship recipients, and Hall of Honor inductee selection. Members only can nominate someone to
our annual Hall of Honor. Receive every issue of the Falcon Legacy. The newsletter is expanding as our membership grows. You will get all the news and announcements. Your dues (and donations) are taxdeductable. We are a 501(c)(3) organization.
In Memoriam
Annual dues are due June 30 each year. Are you paid up?
17 Feb 2011 Sandy (Gypins) Kelley
‗60
09 Jul 2011 Carl Woodall
‗62
20 Feb 2011 Robert Irwin
‗60
22 Jul 2011 Paul McClain
‗60
19 Apr 2011 Sharon (Darby) Brown
‗62
23 Aug 2011 George Whitehurst
‗58
27 May 2011 John Kelling
‗62
16 Sep 2011 Edna Mae Lewis
‗60
14 Jun 2011 Harold Phelps
‗61
19 Sep 2011 Ricky Dale Forbes
‗69
29 Jun 2011 John Winslow
‗58
08 Oct 2011 Edward L. Mercer
‗62
10 Oct 2011 Pete Nelson
‗58
02 Jul 2011 Sue Ellen Mosbauer Baker ‗71? THE
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VHHSAA Represented at Class of „61 Reunion Picnic President Jay Fisher and Secretary Glenda Baker Phillips of the Van Horn High School Alumni Association visit with Georgia Charles Hill ‗61 at the ―open‖ picnic sponsored in conjunction with the 50th Reunion of the Class of ‗61. The event of Sunday, September 26 was held at Bass Pro‘s Waterfall Park off Lee‘s Summit Road in Independence.
VAN HORN HOMECOMING 2011 A beautiful weekend for a Homecoming . A Friday Parade led the festivities west on Winner Road through historic Englewood cheered on by Falcons from several graduating classes, students, parents and faculty. In an autumn-like setting, the field was primed for Saturday‘s game. It was a rout! Spectators and players alike boasted of the Falcon‘s season‘s 5 –2 record.
Consider giving a taxdeductable donation to the VHHSAA before the end of 2011.
As Jay Fisher ‗75, President of the VHHS Alumni Association, puts it, ―Van Horn is becoming great again. We have the support of Independence tax payers, community, great faculty, parents and an ever-growing number of alums behind its returning success.‖
Carolyn “Ginny” Turk, Helen May Gaylon, and Jane Williamson Pierce cut up with Freddie Falcon at halftime.
The Van Horn High School Alumni Association P. O. Box 520752 Independence, MO 64052 Phone: 816-914-6490 E-mail: ayjayeff@yahoo.com
Next meeting Wednesday October 19 7:00 P.M.
Photograph of the new front entrance on Van Horn High School by Glenda Baker Phillips, Class of ‗73
MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW
Things to do... From Days of Yore Website Hey! Are you on FACEBOOK? We are! Come join the fun. ―Van Horn Friends‖ is a private group formed in February 2011 for Van Horn alumni, staff and students. As of October the site boasts of 320 members! To join, you will need to be on FACEBOOK. Some people are nervous about joining FACEBOOK but I have been in it for 4 years with no problems. All you need to do is ―friend‖ Jane Williamson Pierce or Carey Landon. Add a message of interest in joining the Van Horn Friends group. We will send back a verification of your membership. Then, just enjoy the photos and stories from fellow Van Horn people. (P.S. The Falcon Legacy will be posted on this site) (Submitted by Jane Pierce)
go to vanhornalumni.org for the latest information provided by The Van Horn High School Alumni Association
Send your submissions to Marietta Wilson Boenker
kboenker@att.net
The Indian Warrior outside a small auto repair shop and gas station carrying a football—do you know where this was? Send your reply to Editor: kboenker@att.net