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Saturday, October 17, 2009
The Classes of 75 – 79 at
$30 Admission For advance ticket purchases, please contact: |
We cannot thank everyone enough for their support of this fundraising event for the students at Thornton Township High School.
The weather was perfect for golf, and the course at Calumet Country Club was in it’s usual pristine condition. The staff — Randy Wexter, the golf pro; Linda Falkenthal, the catering manger; Clifton Paul, the head chef; and all of the other wonderful people — were helpful, kind and professional as always. It would be hard to overstate how much holding the event at Calumet adds for us.
Dan Ustian, and his most able assistant Janell McCann, were beyond helpful in this event, as Dan has been in every aspect of his support for TTHS and TALF. Please watch for information about the dedication the Thornton Township Academy of Truck and Diesel Technology program, to be scheduled in October. This opportunity for the students would not be possible without Dan and Navistar. Thanks so much, Dan.
Tom Dreesen had everyone in stitches just before dinner. His ongoing support of Thornton and the whole community is unmatched anywhere. Not only was he gracious on the golf course and wonderful at dinner, he also spent extra time talking with people and signing his book Tim and Tom: An American Comedy in Black and White. Thanks a million, Tom.
What can we say about Fred Furth, who always adds his personal style and joy to our events? Thanks for taking the time to come all the way from Chalk Hill to help in our efforts, Fred.
It was very special to see and spend time with our former teachers and coaches, as well as with their guests: Bob Anderson, Joyce Broo Upton, Willie Brown, Bill Burleson, Frank Eccles, Joan Greenwood, Tom Hanrahan, Toby Hightower, Don O’Brien, and (represented by his daughter Debbie Purden) Bill Purden. We hope they enjoyed the evening as much as we enjoyed having them with us.
Kay Bush, as the chair of our event committee, earns special thanks from all of us for her tireless work in organizing every detail of the event. Linnetta Taylor and Dick Condon, with support from Janell McCann at Navistar, did a wonderful job handling the silent and live auctions, both online and at the event itself, as well as the raffle baskets. Harry Oryhon was the perfect auctioneer, as he always is. Jeanne Franks, as the “stage manager,” did an amazing job in keeping everyone on time (we have some talkers!!) so that everyone could be on their way at a reasonable hour. Lorna Propes and members of her staff, especially Jean Casserly and Jennifer Casey, helped in too many ways to count. Many more on the committee contributed in ways too numerous to list.
Our deepest thanks goes to you, the people who care about the students at Thornton and their futures. Your efforts in supporting TALF are, indeed, priceless!!!
Tirus Hill has been awarded the 2009 Marv Austin scholarship. The presentation was made to Tirus by Dale Mize at the Thornton commencement exercises on May 30. Tirus and Nathan Harris, the 2008 scholarship winner, will receive $3000 per year for each of their four years of college, as a result of the generous support of a Thornton alum who wishes to remain anonymous. Tirus will be attending Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Nathan will start his second year at Northern Illinois University in the fall.
Through the efforts of Dan Ustian, CEO of Navistar International and graduate of TTHS class of ‘68, as well as members of TALF and the administration at Thornton, the Thornton Township Academy of Truck and Diesel Technology, sponsored by Navistar will begin this fall. Details can be found on the Thornton website at:
http://www.district205.net/sd205users/lib/sd205users/3_fold_Navistar_brochure.pdf
Heartiest congratulations to Brittany Jackson and Leni Glenn, who are among the winners of 2009 Gates Millennium Scholarships!! In their own words (written before the selection process was complete), a little about each winner.
Brittany Jackson
Intended major, English literature
Future Career Aspirations:
My career path is not set in stone. My dream is to be a writer and to have my work published. I have always loved to write and I would love to be able to do that for the rest of my life. I also enjoy teaching youth. If my writing career does not take off, I have no problem with spending my life educating our youth. I feel that many young people have lost sight of the importance of education.
Interests:
Art, Photography, reading, writing, History
Thornton Township High school honors:
Top ten List of Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors
Perfect attendance freshman year (2006)
Distinguished scholar, Certificate of excellence
Various Speech awards
Zeta Phi Beta Scholarship
Gates Millennium semi-finalist
Leni Glenn
The activities I have participated over my four years of high school include Marching, Concert, Jazz, and Pep Bands, National Honor Society, Students Against Violence Everywhere, and Varsity Girls Soccer. Outside of school, I have been a member of Positive Youth Development, a teen and youth outreach program, and a significant member of a Jazz Quintet known as Simplicit Soundz, and three soccer teams from the Chicago and Suburban areas. Within these organizations, I have been master drill sargent of the marching band, Section Leader of the saxophones and low brass in multiple bands, secretary of S.A.V.E., teen leader in PYD and Captain of the Girl’s Varsity Soccer team.
College and Career Goals:
I have not made a final decision on my college choice. But, I have narrowed my choices down to two: Michigan State University and Northern Illinois University. My choice is pending on Michigan State’s decision on canceling Music Therapy as a major or not. I have been accepted to both universities and schools of music with scholarship offerings that have not been approximated yet. With this said, my first career choice is to be a music therapist and my second is to be a music educator. In what ever way I can promote positive actions, music, and knowledge, through any career, I will do so with my best efforts.
Please let us know if you have suggestions or news items to be posted on this site. Our e-mail address is talf@district205.net.
