Jim and I had some crazy times together in high school; I wouldn't say "wild" times because, actually, I don't think any of us Valley High 61ers were considered "wild." We heard some things about the St. Kates and College High kids, but I'm sure they can clarify those rumors (The comments section is available below).
I will say that Jim was a little more "adventerous" than this nerd, but we had some great times and laughs together. Although Jim hasn't sent me his updated information and photo yet, he and his spouse, Dixie, did send along an excellent essay: "Why You Should Attend Your 49th High School Reunion." Click on that link and you can read, download or print it. Thanks, Jim! Incidentally, as you may know, Jim's cousin is Roy Lang, featured elsewhere on this blog. - Larry Gauper, VH61, Blogmeister
4 comments:
I am always curious as to why the term "nerd" got started. I do not remember that term being used when we were in school. It seemed like everyone in our class did their own thing and it did not seem to matter what those things were. Everyone seemed to have an ability and they were respected for it, whatever that ability happened to be. I knew no "nerds" at VCHS just students trying to be successfull! Of course I heard it as a teacher and I know what it means, but I am glad I could look at my students and say I never heard that when I was in school. We just respected each other.
Yo, Dennis, I too wonder where the expression came from because we didn't hear it when we were in high school--you're right. I know there were some guys and gals who were more "serious" than others; some more interested in technical persuits than the general population. As I look through the yearbooks and Hiliner Heralds from those days, I think I may have fit parts of the definition Merriam-Webster gives the term today: "an unstylish, unattractive, or socially inept person; one slavishly devoted to intellectual or academic pursuits, e.g., books, computer interests." Garrison Keillor, about our age, and a graduate of Anoka, MN, high school, fit the M-W description in some respects too. He was a self-admitted "odd ball" who served as reporter for the local and school newspapers during his high school days; in a similar situation, but different medium, yours truly isolated himself from many student activities in a radio station control room. However, going beyond high school, Keillor achieved a national radio program and a good number of books on the shelves of Barnes and Noble. I haven't. Not yet.
Larry,
I always enjoyed listening to you and thought you had one on the best voices for radio I had ever heard. It was great that all our classmates could go after their passions and work hard to achieve them. I do not care what M-W's definition says! All of us were unstylish, unattractive, and socially inept at some point; that is what made growing up a challenge and fun. Keep up the good work!!!!!
Hey, thanks for the compliment on my radio work and encouragement, Dennis! I always envied your athletic ability and that of everyone on the basketball and football teams. I was pretty much focused on the vo-tech training I was receiving at KOVC, while Bob Ingstad, Sr. paid me a buck an hour. I should have actually paid him! What a great town, high school and environment to grow-up in. I was one of those kids that required a "village" to raise me, and, thankfully, Valley City was so supportive of young people. Really appreciate your contributing to the blog with your comments - wish we'd get more folks stopping by with their words of wisdom and memories. Meanwhile, it's super to have your comments on the postings.
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