Remembering Mr. Gibbons

Now that we have your attention, Mr. Gibbons has not left us.  He is still alive and doing well.  Recently, the class of 1979 had their reunion, and Mr. Gibbons, along with some of that class's teachers, were recognized and honored for their influence, guidance, and inspiration that they had on that class.  About half of those teachers were also our instructors, such as Mr. and Mrs. Jostad (she was a student teacher in German for Fraulein Huwe our sophomore year, the last year that building was a high school), Mr. Walder, Mr. Tlustos, Mr. Klavetter, and Mrs. Edwards. 

However, a couple of weeks before that, Mr. Gibbons received a special honor.  The Project Adventure course at the high school was rededicated in his honor.  Project Adventure is part of the P. E. curriculum, and was started in 1978. The idea for the course came after he participated in a workshop in the Black Hills.  Consequently, the course does take on some of the same challenges as mountain climbing or rock climbing.

The course in many ways is  intimidating, yet challenging, for the students.  According to one of the present teachers, "The class spends two weeks doing team-building and leadership skills before they step foot onto the sprawling course outside.  Another two weeks allows the student to get their fill of the adventure course, with features that offer both physical and mental tests.  Balance, fear of heights, courage and trust are tested on a climbing wall, zipline, a catwalk, wire bridge, swing, a rope ladder with rungs increasingly farther apart, and a giant, unsteady pole that tapers at the top.  Students climb to the top and then jump from the pole to a trapeze bar."

The course is just south of the high school.  When we were students, there was a little gravel road that connected the south parking lot to 8th St. South.  A few years later, that road was removed when a new building called the "Multi" was built.  It was a joint venture with some of the local high schools, such as Soux Valley (Volga),  and Deubrook (White and Toronto), hence the "Multi", short for "Multi-District".  Classes such as auto mechanics, building trades, health occupations, and business were taught there.  Because these classes were "hands-on",  they were scheduled for two-hour blocks rather than the traditional one hour.  The building trades class, for example, would actually build a house that would be auctioned off at the end of the school year, while those in health occupations might spend some time in a clinic, hospital, nursing home, or assisted living complex.  These classes were often the inspiration for students to choose careers in related fields.

One reason for the dedication is that the old sign was hardly legible, and it seemed fitting to honor Mr. Gibbons for what he had done for the school and the community.  Secondly, his whole family would be in town that weekend for the wedding of his grandson.  Additionally, Mrs. Gibbons was able to invite past students and teachers to come and be a part of the celebration.  What was amazing is that Mr. Gibbons did not know of this honor until he showed up at the high school on June 20.  His wife was able to organize this  gathering without him even suspecting anything. 

Mrs. Gibbons received a phone call on June 20th, and was told that she and her husband were to meet someone at the high school.  She was in on the ploy, but acted as if she knew nothing (shades of Sergeant Schultz of "Hogan's Heroes"?) .  Once inside the school, one of the PE teachers began by telling stories and expressing thanks for Mr. Gibbons' work and impact on the school.  Others then did the same.  Mr. Gibbons spoke and expressed his gratitude and appreciation.  The group then walked to the adventure course and unveiled the new sign.  Mr. Gibbons was so surprised, and had a difficult time believing that they had planned such a wonderful tribute for him.  "I said, 'Why didn't you tell me something?'  I was so happy, I think I cried.  It's pretty hard to believe that people care that much."

Mr. Gibbons was quick to pass the credit around.  "I've had a lot of  other help.  I haven't done everything myself.  People help me.  I've had administrators back up some idea I had.  And I had family help.  I feel pretty fortunate."  He also had high praise for the present P.E. teachers.  "They've really got it worked out...they really handle it good."

Just as Brookings was once the only South Dakota high school to have its own swimming pool, Brookings is still the only high school in the state to have it own adventure course.  The course has also changed over the years.  Weather has taken its toll; a severe windstorm a few years flattened part of the course, resulting in changes to the heights of the towers, and the actual location of the course itself.  Equipment has also improved in the 36 years since the course was first offered. 

Mr. Gibbons is representative of the many fine teachers who have in some way shaped our lives.  We all have our favorites, and probably our not-so-favorites.  They have likely helped us in ways that we may never realize, and we thank them for that.   To paraphrase Mr. Gibbons, we really do care for all that they have done for us. 

A brief introduction to the original article can be found at http://www.brookingsregister.com/v2_news_articles.php?heading=0&story_id=21670&page=76