The Hopkins High Alumni Association is in transition as far as leadership, but many members still haven’t gotten over a transition that occurred 55 years ago.
Alums gather once again Saturday for the annual reunion, with three new officers recognized:
• Suzanne Walker Blank, Class of 1965, is beginning just her second year as president, succeeding June Krug, who retired in 2016.
• Brooke Brenner, Class of 2001 and current varsity cross-country coach, has taken over
for Lee Dale “Pete” Arnsman, Class of 1955, as secretary.
• Randy Zuidema, Class of 1965, has agreed to serve as association vice president.
• The only longtime holdover is Treasurer Bob Hennip, Class of 1969.
The transition Hopkins hasn’t gotten over apparently goes back to the 1962-63 academic year, when the school’s mascot was quietly changed from Blue Devils to Vikings. More than a few who stood Saturday to introduce themselves proudly declared themselves as Blue Devils. One woman declared she was disappointed with the change then is still is today.
Brenner told members as the new secretary she is starting a new web page for the Hopkins High School Alumni Association, which includes a variety of information, including obituaries.
Arnsman, while welcoming Brenner as his successor, told members, “She is bringing the association into the electronic age.”
Brenner, however, encouraged those who don’t have Internet service to use snail mail to contact her with information.
It was reported the association’s $1,000 scholarships this spring went 2018 graduates Mikayla Bulich and Jack Hewitt Lincoln.
Marjory Vollink Hines won the floral arrangement for being the oldest member present, from the Class of 1941. The youngest was Amber Heintz, Class of 2007.
COVER PHOTO: Marjory Vollink Hines, Hopkins High School Class of 1941, was the annual winner of the floral arrangement donated by Patricia and Carroll Brewer.
