Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana

Ledger Looking Back 25 Years: June 4, 1997

June 4, 1997

An overflow crowd of approximately 1,100 people watched 49 Whitehall High School seniors graduate during a ceremony held Sunday, June 1, in the varsity gym. The audience heard brief speeches from the valedictorians Keli Mabbott, Shaunda Glaus, Andy Sorensen, salutatorian Ben Sorensen, and WHS Principal Barbara Thronson before commencement speaker and outgoing music instructor, Bobbie Robertson, gave her remarks. Speeches were followed by a performance by the Whitehall Choir, the announcement of scholarships, and a presentation of the diplomas. The slide show was postponed and presented at the reception which followed the ceremony.

A group of parents concerned about high school students' use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs hoped to forge ties with other Whitehall groups and sought cooperation from the Whitehall school board at the board’s June meeting. The group did not request to close the school grounds, instead, they opted to plan collaborative action with the Whitehall Board of Trustees together with the new school superintendent and new high school principal.

The Jefferson Valley Grain and Implement Company grain elevator, a Whitehall landmark since 1916, was being torn down. Paul Babcock, Larry Skogen, and Will Scott demolished the building and planned to reuse the timber to construct a home, sheds, and garages. The grain elevator - which operated until 1947 as the Whitehall Elevator - was six stories high and was located behind Whitehall Stockman Supply along the railroad tracks. The building was torn down for tax and fire hazard liability considerations.

Events to Remember, a local business located at 210 N. Division, specialized in making social and personal occasions memorable. Janet Webster opened Events to Remember to help commemorate special events and planned to celebrate the first anniversary of her business in August. Webster also offered catering and had a large range of rentals for events, did balloon decorating, could order invitations, and much more.

Trojan Student of the Week was Robin Dean, a junior at Whitehall High School. Robin was nominated by Mrs. Gallagher for her hard work improving her writing skills this year in English class. Robin is the daughter of Judy and Howard Dean and enjoys playing the flute. Robin’s plans after WHS are to go to college.

Trojan Athletes of the Week were three Whitehall High School athletes who had outstanding results at the state track meet: Travis Handle, 1st place high jump; Kietra Mabbott, 1st place long jump; and Andy Sorensen, 1st place discus.

Trojan Employees of the Week were Ann Newman and Carolyn Jones, both Whitehall High School custodians. Ann was being recognized for her outstanding job in maintaining the high school. Ann enjoys horsemanship, raising dogs, rodeos, and gardening. She has two children - Jessie and Jamie. Carolyn was also recognized for providing a nice environment for the students of WHS. Carolyn enjoys gardening, piano, and quilting. She and her husband, Leonard, have five grown children.

 

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