The "evolution of Lincoln." Not a very inventive phrase; we are constantly being
confronted by an analysis of some situation that "evolved" into its present state. In this
case, though, "evolution" is a word that perfectly fits a school that has always been
vital, growing, everchanging—and one that, in its 74-year growth, has come 180
degrees from its origins.
In 1907, students were very nearly forced to come to Lincoln. They were less than
thrilled about attending a school they considered remote, unestablished and
unknown. Now, screams of protest are going up at the idea of having to leave such a
centrally-located, historical and familiar institution.
Such a reversal is not unique in Lincoln's history. As this section has tried to convey,
our school has never been stagnant or boring. Programs have been added and dropped,
then renewed; awards and championships were won while dropping enrollment
forced the loss of crowded stands. All these changes in Lincoln life make this an
exciting place to be.
As with anything, naturally, we've had many things that stayed the same to help us
steady our course as we plunge through the complexities of changes.
Mr. Scheele—no, "Ernie", as he always has been and will be known to the hundreds
of lives he has touched—guides, prods, dispenses change and wisdom and is universally
recognized as the final authority on school activities. There are some teachers
who have been here 20 years or more, others who were once students at Lincoln
themselves. In earlier eras, Carl Pitzer was the cornerstone of the music department;
choral director Peter Bardon followed him to build a music program that was known
throughout the state. Bill Nollan coached his way onto a dozen championship
trophies; Jessie Orrell spent 40 years as math teacher and, later, head counselor. All
have given us a sense of past triumphs and future victories. Traditions are built upon
such people as these.
We've looked back through the confusion and delight that could not help but surround
the doings of the 50-odd thousand students that have slammed lockers shut,
gone to assemblies, been late to class, complained about lunchroom food, and struggled
with all the problems of high school life. Graduates have been eager to leave, yet
sorry to have left. The changes, the "evolution," continue, making Lincoln an
unpredictable . . . home for us. Our school's history is a vibrant one; we hope we are
allowed a future that is just as exciting.