Book that Found Its Way Home
Earlier this week, our School Librarian, Tracy Nathan, received a special package. Inside, was the hardcover book, “Handbook of Mathematical Tables and Formulas”, complete with the official Property of Tekamah High School stamp inside the front cover. The book finding its way back to Tekamah-Herman comes with a great story.
The sender is Tekamah-Herman School’s Alumni Luanne Thorndyke, Class of 1975. In the note enclosed, she explains how she recently attended her 45th College Reunion at Duke University. Her roommate from her freshman year of college presented her with the book which Thorndyke decided she must have brought with her to college back in 1975. Enclosed with the book was a check to cover the cost of a new book from Amazon, plus “a little” extra. Thorndyke sends her sincere apologies and plenty of money to cover the 50-year-old fine.
Everyone at Tekamah-Herman Schools thoroughly enjoyed reading over the note from Luanne. She writes, “I am a graduate of the Class of ’75, Tekamah-Herman High School. I was the Valedictorian and gave a speech at commencement. I went on to attend and graduate from Duke University, Durham, North Carolina. I returned to Nebraska to attend College of Medicine. I completed Internal Medicine residency at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. As a board-certified internist/geriatrician I created and directed clinical practices in Philadelphia (8 years), Hershey, PA (17 years) and then moved to Massachusetts as the Vice Provost for faculty at the UMASS Medical School.”
“I received excellent preparation at THHS. Thank You!”
After passing around the book and note for all to see, we decided to do a little research of our own. It turns out Thorndyke was more than just the valedictorian, she was also involved in a slew of extra-curricular activities. She was ranked 1 of a total class of 71 students in 1975. She was also a member of the Pep Club (Vice President), Drama Club, Thespians, National Honor Society (Vice President), Concert Choir, Pep Band, Stage Band, Woodwind Quintet, Clarinet Quartet, Girls Glee, Mixed Octette, a cast member of the musical Madrigal, Girls Ensemble, Girls Octette, Vocal Officer, and received 1st place in the Voice of Democracy. Those accolades are from Thorndyke’s Senior Year. In her earlier high school years, she also participated in FHA, Cheerleading, Basketball, and served as the class Vice President.
It was an absolute treat to hear from one of Tekamah-Herman’s finest, Luanne Thorndyke. Her accomplishments in life are a true inspiration to everyone here. Mrs. Nathan proudly has the new book on order, where she plans to set up a display for all students to enjoy Thorndyke’s story.
Once a tiger, always a tiger.
