by Tim Robinson

"The signs they are a changin" as of last week when Lumin-Art Sign company of Tacoma installed a new electronic reader board above the entrance to Evergreen High School ; removing the old sign with the replaceable letters that hung there for many years.

The very first sign was installed in 1958 when Evergreen was not yet a full-fledged high school, serving grades 9-11. T hose kids became the first graduating class in 1959. That sign stood until a new sign was installed just a few years later. If the sign(s) could talk they'd tell you about how the school weathered some tough sports years for the Wolverines. But also some great years. Chuck Brigham had a number of track teams do very well in state meets, including a state record holder Howard Dowdell who ran a 48.3 second quarter mile in 1960. How in 1965, Larry Almberg ran the mile in 4:14 at the state track meet and later ran against Jim Ryun at the famous Cow Palace in San Francisco. There was the 1968 basketball team that finished third in the state tourney that year.

Jack Thompson led the Wolves to a 3rd place in the state football championships in 1973 and a few beautifully talented girls did very well in the state beauty/talent contest including Lynda Kilp in 1966 and Diana Cinderich in 1973. There are too many other success stories to list here. But hey, the sign is up and we have Jim Winquist, (class of '66)  to thank. 

Jim had an idea three years ago to do something for the school. A pure grass roots movement to raise money to help his alma mater. He gathered some friends, prior to their 50-year reunion, raised some cash and went to the three principals of the then divided school. He asked them collectively what the money he raised could be used for to benefit the school. 

It was decided that a new reader board in front of the school would be nice and it would have additional benefits. No students, staff or state employees would need to climb a ladder to change out the message each week. Every message would be controlled remotely from the office. 

Jim was excited about the idea. He went to the county to seek the permit. "No Go", was their response. The county rep explained that no lighted signs were allowed in residential neighborhoods. Evergreen High is on 116th S.W. and is definitely residential. 

But through a technical review it was learned that schools are exempted from the ordinance so the permit was issued. 

Jim's committee was elated too. With help from other 1966 classmates, including Rich Canady, Dr. Sheryl Burgstahler, Pam Ollson, Nancy Burke and Nancy Kloster, their work was paying off. 

This newspaper has a unique association with the high school. Six Robinson family members graduated from Evergreen. Beginning with Mike Robinson in 1960, Tim Robinson in 1964, Patrick Robinson in 1969, Linda McDaniel (Robinson) 1973 with her beau Charles Ganong, Scotty Robinson in 1974 and Mike McDaniel (Robinson) in 1978. Each of them passed under variations of that sign over the course of those years. That does not seem like much of an accomplishment until you consider that stretch of 18 years may make them unique. 

The community and the school should thank them as well. We'll do it here for them. Thanks a lot. The sign looks great.