May 19, 1966 Commencement. Program: Processional - High School Band; Invocation; "Canzonetta" - High School Band; Introduction of speaker, T. J. Reith, Supt.; Address - David Stanley, State Senator; "The Ash Grove" - Mixed Chorus; Presentation of Valedictorian and Salutatorian - James W. Altwegg, Princ.; Presentation of Class - T. J. Reith, Supt. Class Roll: Ed Carver, Linda Clemons, John Crabb, Gary Dickel, Sheila Johnson, David Kimberley, John Kloppenborg, Kenneth Krausman, Mary Susan Lingeling, Pamela Luing, Gerald Maxwell, Mary Lou McQuiston, Carla Rhoads, Vicki Robinett, Gregory Robinson, Raymond Sheibley, Richard Rassmusson. Presentation of Diplomas - John Kingman, Pres. Board of Education; "The Gallant Men" - High School Band; Benediction - Rev. Ronald Dakin; Recessional - High School Band. Class Motto - - Happiness Is - Building a Better World; Class Flower - Red Rose; Class Colors - - Scarlet and White.
The graduating class is 17 members. Ten originally started in kindergarten together: John Crabb, Carla Rhoads, Pam Luing, Greg Robinson, Sue Lingeling, Ken Krausman, Gerald Maxwell, Dave Kimberley, and John Kloppenborg. In first grade we gained Ed Carver, Vicki Robinett, Mary Lou McQuiston. Gary Dickel joined us in the 5th grade and the freshman year we gained Linda Clemons and Ray Sheibley with Dick Rassmusson joining in the junior year.
Sunday was Senior Day at the Collins Methodist Church. The seniors were dressed in their caps and gowns and each one was presented a Bible.
Senior Trip - The Collins H. S. seniors left the morning of May 11 by airplane for Chicago and returned May 13 by train, arriving at 3:15 a.m. They were met by a band and brave parents and relatives in the rain. They were escorted to the bowling alley where breakfast was served to everyone. The seniors enjoyed their visit in Chicago. Graduating seniors: Ed Carver, Linda Clemons, John Crabb, Gary Dickel, Sheila Johnson, David Kimberley, John Kloppenborg, Kenneth Krausman, Susan Lengeling, Pamela Luing, Gerald Maxwell, Mary Lou McQuiston, Dick Rasmussen, Carla Rhoads, Vicki Robinett, Greg Robinson, Ray Sheibly, Daylis Smith.
On May 10th the second graders, accompanied by their teacher, Mrs. Berle Robinson, bus driver - Dick Keagle, and several mothers traveled to Perry, Iowa to visit Happy Hollow. It is a wild-flower park and children's fairy-land, owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Fagen for the pleasure of all who care to enjoy nature. The children were guided on an hour-long tour along the trails of animals, flowers, and make-believe friends. After leaving Happy Hollow, the group enjoyed a picnic dinner and play time in Pattee Park within Perry city limits.
May 26, 1966 The Collins Alumni Banquet was held May 21 with approximately 300 in attendance. Four members of the 50-year class attended - Maude Robinson and Dewey Kern of Collins, Virgil Randall of Bradenton, Florida, Truman Stanton of Center Junction, Iowa. The 25th year graduates were also recognized.