Mooseheart School Hist-o-gram

1914-5Rodney Brandon, First Superintendent (1913-1916)

First Band Organized

Library started with support from Moose Legion (3,200 volumes donated by 1919)

Vocational Education Program begins for 19 boys and 10 girls

1914-5

Mooseheart Army JROTC program begins

1916-7Matthew Adams, Second Superintendent (1916-1927)

Mooseheart High School football team outscores their three opponents 106-0. A high school football dynasty is soon to begin.

1918-9“Mooseheart Weekly” first published student paper

(Grammar School 1918-1937 – home to 1st through 8th grade)Mooseheart Boy Scout Troup startedFirst yearbook published. Called The Senior BookFirst 5 students graduate including first international student – Harold Taylor

1919-1920Portable classrooms needed as population on campus swells to 1,024.1920-1921Mooseheart High School becomes just the 5th charter school of the National Honor Society. As of 2016 we have had 446 members inducted.

1923-1924Mooseheart High School football team goes undefeated and outscores opponents 2,023 to 107. This will force the team to travel further and further from home to find opponents and eventually lead to the schools nickname “Red Ramblers”.

Mooseheart is a member of the Girls’ Athletic Association (GAA). It wouldn’t be until Title IX passing in 1972 that girls would be allowed to compete in head-to-head competition.

1927-28Ernest Roselle, Third Superintendent ( 1927-1935)

1928-1929Knute Rockne, famed Notre Dame University football coach, visits Mooseheart campus.

1935-1936

W. J. Leinweber, Fourth Superintendent (1935-1948)

1936-1937Mooseheart Alumni Association (MAA) sponsors “canning” as a vocation. Over 17,000 #3 cans of fruits and vegetables are processed and then eaten by Mooseheart students.

1939-1940Mooseheart Stadium is built at a cost of about $60,000 (about $350,000 in 2012 dollars). Mooseheart becomes one of the first private schools to join the Illinois High School Association.

Mooseheart's 3,100-seat stadium is shown under construction in the summer of 1940. It was

designed by W. Wayne Wallace, Mooseheart Class of 1919, and renovated extensively in 2010.

1948-1949Mooseheart Football Team travels 2,000 miles (two days by train) to play in Tacoma, Washington.

Halloween Parade in 1948 at Auditorium

1949-1950After over 35 years of fundraising, the House of God is dedicated.

1945-1946Col. Robert Holderby retires (1923-1955). Col. Holderby brought the Army ROTC program to prominence. First to be inducted into “Faculty Hall of Fame”.

1948-1949Richard Aspinall, Fifth Superintendent (1948-1953)Rodney Brandon, Sixth Superintendent (1953)

Graduates then and now: The five members of Mooseheart's first high school graduating class (1919), gathered with their class picture at the 1949 International Moose Convention in San Francisco. From left, in both photographs, are Wayne Wallace, Lawrence Hower, Albert Patterson, Harold Taylor and William Grant. This photo can still be seen in the Mooseheart Library.

1954-1955Walter Ketz , Seventh Superintendent (1954-1974)

A new school is built for $1.1 million dollars (about $9 million on 2012 dollars). The school is

names after former Director General Malcolm Giles.

1955-1956Dave Cohrs (’49) returns to teach and coach. He retires in 1992 and is in the “Faculty Hall of Fame”.

1959-60The Moose Legion begins sponsorship of the annual yearbook. “The Senior Book” discontinued wide publication in 1932 due to the Great Depression. Advertising dollars paid for the book from 1918-1932.

1961-1962Dale Smith, MHS PrincipalArnold Olson, Jr. High PrincipalSenior Ring Ceremony (evening party)Record of Letter Jackets being distributedMooseheart had a 50+ piece Symphony OrchestraJohnny Williams (1923-1962) retires. “Faculty Hall of Fame”

48 graduate

1962-19635 rooms added to the schoolAs a 50th anniversary gift (and the 75th of The Loyal Order of Moose, the field house is added to the existing football stadium. The location is chosen because of the rail line passing through campus and stopping at the current post office.

1963-19649 inducted into NHS62 graduated

1964-1965Robert Zaininger & Basketball/Track coach Dave Klussendorf graduateWisconsin Tree Lighting Ceremony begins. This tradition now includes a luncheon and presentation to seniors of a portrait package during the first weekend in December.

1965-1966Arnold Olson, MHS PrincipalDonald Adkins, Elementary Principal54 graduated

1966-1967Moose Legion adds to Mooseheart School. A 4 lane x 25 yard long indoor pool and locker room facility is built. Due to a high repair bill it is razed in 2009.

1967-1968Mooseheart takes part in accreditation process with North Central Evaluation. We maintain accreditation today.The 50th graduating class had 40 members.

1968-1969Meal preparation begins for both lunch and dinner at the Central Kitchen. Meals would be prepared

centrally until 2008. The kitchen was tore down in 2016.

1969-1970Johnny Williams re-retires David Petoskey graduates

1972-1973The Army requests Mooseheart become a military academy. The request is denied and Mooseheart is dropped from the Army program after nearly 60 years.

26 graduates

Mooseheart begins a formal year-round recreation program

1973-4Curt Schlinkmann begins his teaching career at Mooseheart that is in its 5th decade!

Prom theme was “Evening in Paris”

Mooseheart reignites its Marching Band

NJROTC program now under Department of Navy

GAA continues but girls’ are now able to complete in Interscholastic head to head competition due to the passage of Title IX legislation. The Lady Ramblers begin competing in volleyball and bowling in 1973-4. Track in 1975 and basketball in 1978-9.

22 graduates

1974-5Robert Hanke Eighth Superintendent (1974-1980)

Letterman’s Ball begins – a late fall activity for sports letter winners.

18 graduates

1975-6USA celebrates its 200 birthday

Halloween activities held at the field house

30 graduates

1976-7Senior motto: “Look to the Future”Prom theme: “Stairway to Heaven”

Johnny Williams inducted into the IHSA Football Coaches Hall of Fame

26 graduates

1977-1978Donald Adkins, Director of EducationCarmen Freda, Elementary PrincipalSandy Goeke (Bickel) begins teachingSenior Motto: “The Way We Were”Arnold Olson retires

25 graduates

1978-1979Donald Adkins, Director of Education/MHS PrincipalGus Steinhebel retires after 29 yearsGirls’ Bowling team are IHSA District Champions

Movie starring Robert Conrad, “Coach of the Year” (released in 1980) filmed on Mooseheart campus.

25 graduates

1979-1980

Fredick Schwarts retires after 44 years as MHS band directorRay Meyers (DePaul Men’s Basketball Coach) speaks at MHS sports banquet

Prom Theme: “Heaven Tonight”Robert Henke, Superintendent of Mooseheart dies in office

Supt. Robert Henke looks at JJ Davis statue at Campanile

Robert Zaininger (Class of 1965) serves as interim then serves as Assistant Superintendent (1981-1992). Mr. Zaininger provides assistance recalling much of the history of Mooseheart. He retires in 2015 as Moose Museum Curator.

28 graduates

1980-1981Dr. Michael Sestak begins as Mooseheart Superintendent (now called Executive Director) and serves until retiring in 1991.

Lou Henson, University of Illinois Men’s Basketball Coach, speaks at Mooseheart Sports banquet.

Prom Theme: “Rainbow Reflections”Jet’s Team formed

1981-1982First Military Ball & Scholarship Dinners Held

Prom theme: “A night of Paradise”

20 graduates

1983-1984Joanne Kane passes away during school year (employed 1956-1984)

Seniors take trip to Springfield, ILProm theme: “On a Carousel”

22 graduates

1984-1985Senior Trip during spring break – visited Virginia and Washington, D.C. areas. Picked up donated Coach Bus (Virginia Moose Association), a mini-bus, and a 12-person van.

Mae Miller retires as F.A.C.S teacher (1958-1985)

16 graduates

1985-1986First football team to finish undefeated regular season since 1950. Nicknamed, “Red Dawn” the team qualifies for IHSA football playoffs for first time. One of the captains of that team is eventual Executive Director Gary Urwiler.

Senior Ring Ceremony at Lockport Lodge18 graduates

1986-1987First computer class to be offered to Mooseheart students is house at the Supreme Lodge on Saturday mornings.

Football team finishes at 8-1 and qualifies for IHSA playoffs for 2nd straight year. Outscore opponents 242-57 never allowing more than 8

points ain any game until the loss in the playoffs to Walnut (24-17).

Seniors spend 10 days in Kentucky and Tennessee during spring break.

24 graduates (including Executive Director, Gary Urwiler)

1987-1988

Centennial of the Moose Fraternity (1888-1988) celebrated with dedication in May 1988 of bronze moose and plaza near front entrance. 75th year of Mooseheart celebrated with quilt (on display at Campanile (MAA)

Senior trip is to Massachusetts and Connecticut

Rev. Amos (1974-1987) and drafting instructor Ray Luhrsen (1953-1988) retire.

24 graduates

1988-1989Four students visit British Moose (Tina Balay; Steve Kann; Darell Hammond; & Dawn Lewis)

Bowling team rolls to state after 9-1 finish. Shawn Davis finishes 18th in state (school record high game – 257) and Cathy Black 29th (season average of 167.9).

Six qualify for IHSA state track meet (first year of 300 IM hurdles)

Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) sends students and $1 million dollar donation to help restore Yellowstone after devastating fires.

Senior class trip to FloridaProm theme: “Puttin’ on the Ritz”

The Package (released August 1989) starring Gene Hackman is filed on campus. He poses with Girls’ basketball team – see 1989 yearbook p. 25)

29 graduates

1990-1991Two students visit Soviet Union with People to People Ambassador program (Jon Watkins & Sonny Usher)

Judson West (’27) major contributor to new Horticultural Center (west of Texas building)

Volleyball Team completes undefeated JV season

Legendary coach Johnny Williams dies Sept. 9, 1990. Football team honors him by wearing black bar accoss white “M” on helmet. Coach Williams retired in 1962 with 287 wins.

Foreign Exchange students from Wales (Mark Williams, Ross Bury, Jason Mowforth & Lisa Smith)

Senior trip is to West Virginia and New York.Prom theme: “Marty Gras”

Coach, teacher, assistant principal Dave Cohrs (’49) retires (1955-1992).

1991-1992Principal Don Adkins (1951-1991) and 10th Mooseheart Superintendent Dr. Michael Sestak (1981-1991) retire.

Mooseheart students vote on new athletic mascot

22 graduates

1992-1993Carmen Freda (1992-1998) 11th Superintendent of MooseheartRon Helms principalShirley Benson, Director of Education

Senior Ring Ceremony at Aurora Lodge #4005 students inducted into NHS

Andrew Palochko retires as Director of Business after 36 years

Letterman’s Ball held at Medieval Times

30 graduates

1993-4Dick Anderson, Principal MS/HSWalt Duy, Elementary PrincipalDirector of Education position eliminated

Football joins Indian Trail ConferenceTrack Resurfaced

Prom theme: “The Sound of the Future”Chess club started

17 graduates

1994-1995Bruce Viernow, HS/MS PrincipalDale Jones, Assistant Superintendent

Calming room added

First African American student graduates from Mooseheart HS (Rodney Jamal Allen)

Football team returns to the IHSA playoffs for first time since 1986.Senior Ring Ceremony at Downers Grove Lodge

Prom held on The Spirit of Chicago cruise ship. “A River of Dreams”

21 graduates

1995-1996Richard Luger, Assistant Superintendent

5 students spend summer in Europe (Joey Truitt; Jason Wilson; James Markley; Joey Moore; and Stacy LaMoine)

Prom theme: “Far Far Away”Military Ball theme: Beneath the Ocean Blue”

16 graduates

1996-1997Learning Resource Rooms (LLR) established with an aide (K-8)

First training in “Boys Town Model” begins6th grade moved to middle school model

Ahed Hussein becomes U.S. Citizen

2nd Dean position addedSenior Retreat at LaSalle ManorSenior Ring Ceremony held Elgin Lodge

10 graduated

1997-1998Elden Stockey, MS/HS Principal

Cultural Week heldUniforms for students in grades K-8 include plaid skirts for girls

Senior Ring Ceremony at Aurora Lodge #400Field Day on final day of schoolGunny Sgt. Dave Turner (1976-1998) and Art teacher Rosmary Jobe (1966-1998) retire.

Bonfire resurrected following Homecoming Pep Rally

26 graduates

1998-1999David Coughlin, 12th Superintendent (1998-1999)Mooseheart Model of Care beginsMilitary Ball theme: “Oriental Night”Prom theme: “Celebrate the Night”

Kay Goldenstein retires PE/Dean (1958-1999)

Scholastic Bowl team started

21 graduated

1999-2000Dale Jones, 13th Superintendent (1999-2000)Class of 2000 is the 50th to class received senior rings

Larry Peterson printing instructor retires (1884-2000)

16 graduated

2000-2001Bobby Gilliam, 14th Director of Operations/Superintendent (2000-2003)Pool closesProm theme: “Save the Last Dance”Last year students return to homes for lunch & 90-minute lunch period

60th volume of yearbook publishedProm theme: “Midnight Masquerade”

Phyllis Christensen retires as preK teacher (1966-2001)

29 graduates

2001-2002

Scholastic Bowl discontinuedAddition of band room, gym, and cafeteria dedicated 9/11/2001

23 graduated

2002-2003Walt Duy, Elementary Principal/Superintendent

Prom theme: Starry, Starry Night”Cheerleading discontinued

12 graduated

2003-2004

Gary Urwiler, Superintendent/PrincipalScott Hart, Director of Mooseheart Operations (2003-2012) Mock accident held as part of “Operation Prom”

CRISS Training required of all staff

Prom theme: “Dance the Night Away”Chess club discontinued

18 graduated

2004-2005School Nurse in buildingDale Stallman small engines instructor retires (1982-2005)

NBA star Manute Bol visits campus

7 NJROTC students chosen for National Youth Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C.

Prom theme: “Enchanted Gardens”

24 graduates

2005-2006Scott Hart, Director of Operations (now called Executive Director of Mooseheart)

Tollway Athletic Conference disbands

Bowling discontinued

22 graduates

2006-2007James John Davis anniversary of signing up as a Moose member 100 years ago

Prom theme: “A Night in Paris”Automobile Repair begins as a vocation

19 graduates

2007-2008The Ernie Davis autobiographical movie The Express is partially filmed on Mooseheart campus and receives the ESPY Award for Best Sport Movie of the Year (released 9/12/2008)

Book and movie series “Twilight” banned on campusReading Specialist position addedLibrary begins using computerized check out system

Wrestling Team wins Conference Title

Holly Erickson, math instructor (1985-2008) and sandy Hatcher (1992-2008) retire.

22 graduates

2008-2009

Business/Computer class are linked as vocationMooseheart closes Central Kitchen facility

Mooseheart leaves Indian Trail Conference after 15 years.

Prom theme: “Romance in Rome”

Helena Kies, F.A.C.S. instructor and NCA chair retires (1987-2009)

25 graduates

2009-2010Laura Zefo – Assistant PrincipalPool was demolished due to repair costAcademic Center were created for struggling students

Air Rifle competition introduced

Mooseheart begins play in the Northeastern Athletic Conference

Measure of Academic Progress (M.A.P.) testing begins

Prom theme: “Midnight Affair”

24 graduates

2010-2011

Steve Schmidt honored was Mr. Holland Opus RAward

2011-2012Math Centers created

25 graduates

2012-2013Gary Urwiler (’87), Superintendent/Principal then becomes Executive Director of Mooseheart in January 2013.

Ohio Moose renovates Fieldhouse – Rededicated May 25, 2013

English Language Learner instructor position addedMooseheart sues IHSA over eligibility ruling concerning Sudanese boys and wins

Omuru Abdulahi (’13) wins IHSA state high jump (6’10”)

Faculty packs material in spring 2013 in anticipation of renovation construction

Centennial Logo

2013-2014Jeff Szymczak – Superintendent/PrincipalMooseheart celebrates its centennial on July 27, 2013

Carnival in south parking lot of field houseRibbon cutting ceremony at schoolConcert featuring The Beatles tribute band

American English30-minute firework presentation from Fox

RiverPJO and Campanile used for in-service to start year

Curt Schlinkmann begins his 40th year of teaching at Mooseheart

Renovation Project Phase 1 concludes ($6 million)Removal of AsbestosUpgrade of mechanical system (Heat

pump/AC added)17 camerasElevatorWindows in cafeteriaThermo pane windows

Experienced 100 degree heat index in August 2013 and -40 below wind chills in January 2014

Discontinued using Stanford Assessment

Zero based budgeting introduced

Wal Khat finished 4th in IHSA Cross Country

Joe Feemorlu qualifies for state wrestling

Boys’ Basketball team wins State IHSA Title (1A) finishes with 29-3 record

“Final” Schedule eliminated

Boys’ 4x400 relay wins state title(Jeremy Kalicum, Brandon Gadson, Wal Khat, and Josh Gordon)

Mooseheart Alumni Association under goes major reorganization

21 graduates

2014-2015New mascot unveiled

Phase2 of construction includes $3 million in rebuilding technology infrastructure. 200 touch screen computers placed in classrooms, labs, and homes. Fiber Optic network created on campus that increases speed of internet access by over 100 times.

Gradual elimination of Percentages in favor of A, B,C,D, F begins.

Online grading begins in January 2014

Josh Gordon wins for 400m as junior

24 graduates

2015-2016

School year opens with Barn Bash theme for Back to School Bash

Dodie Whitmer, Cosmetology instructor (1998-2016) and Susan O’Donnell, Art instructor (2003-2016) retire.

Final phase of renovation of school begins in July 2015. New entrance and office area and new WOTM contest gym and ROTC facility added. Completion occurs in April 2016.

Prom theme: “Masquerade in Paris”

Band Concert, Change of Command, Honors & Awards, and Promotion Ceremonies held in WOTM gym.

Josh Gordon places 8th but sets school record in 400m in semi-finals

Online attendance piloted from 6-12 teachers

Honor Roll recipients earn privilege of field trip and dressing down Thursdays.

30 graduates

2016-17

School year opens with Block Party theme for Back to School Bash

Online attendance required from 6-12 teachers

+/- eliminated from report cards

25 Service Learning Hours required from every HS student every year.

I.U.E.C. Partnership begins?

Indian Lakes OH Lodge #1533 begins sponsoring Letter Jackets to 4th year band students (4 distributed 10/29/16)