Donor: Mr. Rosel's Class (Brayden Taft), 2024, 3D printing
Author: Jackie Nulsen Thompson, HHS Class of 1947
Web Page Designer: Brayden Moeves, Class of 2024
The terra cotta "HIGHLANDS HIGH SCHOOL" tiles rest above the front doors of the original HIghlands building, as shown in this 1942 annual photo.
Here is a little known "feel good" story following the Highlands High School fire in 1962...a story I must share before it is lost. The evidence, though not touted, is on display at the school entrance every day.
When the blaze lit up the night sky on January 6, 1962, the community was in shock with disbelief! Highlands High School was on fire!!! The community responded "l,000 percent." Principal Harold Miller and faculty proceeded with the business of planning how to best keep the kids safe and get on with the mission of education. The clearing of the outside debris was delegated to others. HARRY LUKENS, Class of 1947, was volunteering there. As the debris-filled trucks were rolling out, he watched. He could not allow the terra cotta letters (from above the front doors of the school) to be destroyed. Since the building's construction in 1914, the engraved letters had told the name of the school, above its entrance. Harry put them in his own truck, took them to his home, cleaned them, and stored them on his garage floor. He waited for an opportunity to return them to usefulness at their proper home.
Those of us from the Class of '47, knew this and were proud of him. We saw the blocks stored in his garage and we appreciated his thoughtfulness.
Ten years later, 1972, the Highlands PTA wanted to provide a large outdoor marquee at the entrance of the present high school. Marge Luecke Fuldner (HHS Class of '42) contacted the LION'S CLUB for financial assistance with this project, and spoke with the Lion's Club president, Harry Lukens. This is the point of the story where history meets destiny! This was the one man who had salvaged the letters and was waiting for an opportunity such as this. Lukens enthusiastically donated the letters to support the base of the marquee and thus ended their ten-year residence in his garage...as well as fulfilling his dream that they would, some day, again welcome all to our beloved HIGHLANDS HIGH SCHOOL! THANKS, HARRY... your dedication to your alma mater has blessed us all.
The "HIGHLANDS HIGH SCHOOL" letters are proudly displayed in their new home (since 1972) reminiscent of the original HHS building.