HIBBING—The Hibbing High School 100th Anniversary Committee has spent the past several months lining up speakers, musicians, and others to make the celebration taking place July 6 through July 13, a truly memorable celebration.
“All members of the public are welcome to join the community of Hibbing and the Hibbing Public Schools in celebrating 100 years of its Hibbing High School and alumni contributions to the Iron Range and beyond,” Kim McLaughlin, Co-Chair of the Hibbing High School Anniversary Celebration wrote in an email earlier this week.
Starting at 7 p.m. each evening, Saturday, July 6 through Friday, July 12, there is a program taking place in the historic Hibbing High School Auditorium with a specific theme tied to the Hibbing High School 100th Anniversary Celebration. There is no cost to attend. There will be a social with refreshments each evening following the program.
The Mesabi Tribune reached out to a few of the featured speakers for the HHS 100th Anniversary celebration. There are countless other speakers, along with musicians, and more taking part in the festivities.
Christine Lucente, a 1969 Hibbing graduate, now of Pengilly is speaking on Monday, July 8 where she is planning to present on Hibbing High School winning the Bellamy Award in October 1968, the fall of her senior year.
“It was presented in in October of 1967, but the Class of 1969 were seniors, so we kind of get the credit for getting it,” Lucente said.
The award is named after Francis Bellamy, author of the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
The Bellamy Award was established in 1942 and its purpose is twofold: “to give recognition to the author, and to perpetuate his memory, and to encourage the teaching of patriotism and good citizenship in the schools, according to information found on the Hibbing High School 100th Anniversary website.
Lucente said the award stands out in her memories of high school as being a “very big event.”
“We knew our school was in contention for it and when it was announced, we were proud that our school was given that honor,” Lucente said.
Bethany McLean, a 1988 Hibbing High School alumnus, is a contributing author at Vanity Fair Magazine, and co-host of a podcast called, Capitalisn’t. She is among the speakers scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, July 8, Celebrating Academics.
McLean said she’s honored to be asked to speak, noting it’ll mark the second time in 25 years that she’s visited her hometown.
“It’ll be fun to see the town and be back in high school,” she said.
“I think Hibbing High School has contributed to any future success that I’ve had and I’m grateful to have grown up there,” McLean said.
In her high school years McLean was a member of the swim team, and captain in her senior year.
After graduation, McLean attended Williams College in Massachusetts, where she majored in English and Math—a double major she credits to her high school teachers Dan and Matt Bergan. From 1992 to 1995 McLean worked as an investment banking analyst at Goldman Sachs, according to her bio.
Her newest book, which she co-authored with Joe Nocera, is entitled, “The Big Fall: What the Pandemic Revealed About Who America Helps and Who it Leaves Behind.”
Mclean’s numerous other credits include a book she co-authored with Peter Elkind of the “Smartest Guys in the Room: The Amazing Rise and Scandalous Fall of Enron” A documentary based on the book was nominated for an Academy Award in 2006.
James Plese Jr., is a 1999 Hibbing graduate and is scheduled to speak at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 7 as part of Celebrating Athletics at HHS.
Plese was the captain of the track and field and cross country teams, and “dabbled” in basketball and many other high school activities. Plese is now a teacher and coach at HHS.
“Looking through the names I’m speaking with, it becomes painfully obvious that I am not up here for my athletic accolades through high school,” Plese joked in a comment on the HHS 100th celebration website.
He’ll be sharing the stage with Scott Sandelin, HHS Class of 1982-NCAA National Champion, UMD Men’s Hockey Coach; Kevin McHale, HHS Class of 1976, NBA Basketball Hall of Fame member and former Boston Celtics player, who is regarded as one of the greatest power forwards of all time, among others.
Plese went on to say that he would give the following advice to an athlete similar to himself, “If you are a two-sport captain and get to compete in college, be proud of those accomplishments.”
“I have been able to work with countless athletes over my years, as the track and cross country coach, with varying degrees and levels of success,” Plese wrote. “I’m excited to share what makes Hibbing, the school and the community, so special.”
Sandelin is now in his 25th year as head coach of the UMD Men’s Hockey team.
During Sandelin’s tenure UMD won three NCAA titles, made eleven NCAA Tournament appearances, advanced to six NCAA Frozen Fours, claimed three conference playoff titles (2 NCHC, 1 WCHA), and put together twelve winning regular seasons, according to information posted on the UMD website.
“The Bulldogs have gone 456-388-101 in the past 24 seasons under Sandelin’s watch, making him the winningest coach in program history,” it’s noted on the website. “Sandelin also boasts a .718 winning percentage off a 22-9 record NCAA Tournament play to go with those three national title trophies.”
A former professional NHL player, Sandelin said he played for Montreal, Philadelphia and Minnesota in his pro career.
“I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything,” Sandelin said of his time growing up and attending school in Hibbing where he was a member of the Hibbing Bluejackets hockey team, listing “great coaches: George Perpich, Bill Olson and Bill Techar.”
Sandelin said the Iron Range Conference (IRC) is so different now, adding that he was fortunate to play when he did.
In his younger years Sandelin said he learned a lot about the sport of hockey while playing outside at the old Brooklyn Rink in Hibbing.
When asked about taking to the stage with McHale, Sandelin said, “Obviously, he’s a legend for sure. It’s pretty cool.”
Sandelin said when they played pro sports he used to see McHale quite often, and he’s looking forward to seeing him again and being part of the HHS 100th Anniversary Celebration with him.
Roy Berg graduated from Hibbing High School in 1966. He is scheduled to speak at 7 p.m. Friday, July 12
“I will be sharing my long history performing on the HHS stage,” Berg told the Mesabi Tribune via email.
“It began 70 years ago as a six-year-old in a dance recital,” Berg recalled. “I am not sure that many others can trace their association back that far.”
“Also, I was in band, choir, orchestra and theater so I had many more opportunities. I also attended concerts by many famous performers in all those years. In 1974 I returned to Hibbing to serve as the high school choir director. It will be great fun for me to share some highlights from all of those years.”
Here is the line up of celebrations for the Hibbing High School 100th Anniversary. More information is available at hibbinghs100.org.
Saturday, July 6 at 7 p.m.—Celebrating the Arts
Sunday, July 7 at 7 p.m.—Celebrating Athletics
Monday, July 8 at 7 p.m.—Celebrating Academics
Tuesday, July 9 at 7 p.m.—Celebrating Alumni
Wednesday, July 10 at 7 p.m.—Celebrating the Auditorium
Thursday, July 11 at 7 p.m.-Celebrating Music at HHS
Friday, July 12 at 7 p.m.—Celebrating 100 Years at HHS and closing ceremony
Saturday, July 13 at 7 p.m.—Celebrating our Hard Work (check the Hibbing Chamber Jubilee schedule at https://www.hibbing.org/hibbing-jubilee/) for Saturday events.
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