Knutson, who has spent 38 years in radio and is a self-employed house
painter, shared how he got his start in radio. Known as the voice of the Spuds,
Knutson has covered Spud athletics on the radio for the last 34 years. He has
been the radio voice for Concordia College athletics since 1983, and he
frequently serves as master of ceremonies for civic and school organizations,
including the Hall of Honor induction ceremony.
Ann Mathison accepted the plaque for her mother, Marion Eldridge
Gillespie, a 1926 Moorhead High School graduate.
“Mother would have been very touched to be honored,” Mathison
said. She described Gillespie as an adventurer and a bit of a daredevil. “That
woman loved life,” Mathison said.
Gillespie
taught typing, shorthand and business English at Interstate Business College
for 26 years and worked at Gillespie Studio with her husband. She was active in
the community and operated Gillespie Tours as a hobby, organizing trips every
summer to places within the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Gillespie
died April 14, 2006, at the age of 98.
Mathison
said that Gillespie’s nickname “Happy,” as listed in her high school yearbook,
was appropriate.
“She
loved to make other people happy,” Mathison said.
Gillespie
loved entertaining others and was involved in many activities through which she
helped others to have happy lives, Mathison said.
“Teaching
was one of her great loves and talents,” Mathison said. “Teaching didn’t end
when she walked out the doors. Her greatest teaching was done by example. Somehow
she was always able to see the good in a person.”
During
his remarks, retired teacher Ken Tangen said, “I’m proud to have been a teacher
in Moorhead. Moorhead was good to me.”
Tangen
taught English at Moorhead High School for 30 years of his 50-year career in
education and served as the Student Council advisor for 20 years. Tangen said
he was fortunate to found and be the Knowledge Bowl coach for 14 years.
“The
students really wanted to excel,” he said.
Tangen
spoke about helping implement the students’ ideas for an elective curriculum
and for changes to the national honor society admission requirements. He acknowledged
three former teachers, and he also spoke of three former students who have gone
on to success — Superintendent Lynne Kovash, Mayor Mark Voxland and Pastor Matt
Valan.
About
the Hall of Honor
The
Moorhead High School Hall of Honor recognizes alumni, faculty, staff and other
community members who have demonstrated notable accomplishments or provided
significant contributions to their school, community or society. The
nominations committee is now considering candidates for 2014. Nominations are
continuously accepted for the Hall of Honor. Nomination forms are available at
Moorhead High School or nominations may be submitted online at
www.moorheadschools.org.
Photo Caption
A
retired teacher, one graduate and the voice of the Spuds were
inducted into the Moorhead High School Hall of Honor — Ken Tangen, Ann Mathison
accepting for Marion Eldridge Gillespie, and Larry Knutson.