benson high school , class of 1974 reaching back and catching up

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Benson High School, Class of 1974

Reaching Back and Catching Up40th Reunion

Saturday, July 26, 2014

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Let's start with the family. Are you currently?:Answered: 82 Skipped: 0

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For those who said they were married:How many times have you been married?

Answered: 62 Skipped: 20

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For those who said they are divorced or widowed:How many times have you been married?


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How old were you when you first married?

Average age: 23.77Youngest: 17Oldest: 56

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For those who are married, how long haveyou been married to your current spouse?

Average: 29.01 years

Shortest: 2 years

Longest: Two were at 39 years

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For those who are divorced or widowed,how long were you married?

Average: 15.58 years

Shortest: 2 years

Longest: 30 years

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Do you have children?Answered: 81 Skipped: 1

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If you have children:How many children have you had, including step-children?


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How old were you when your first child was born?

Average age: 27.08Youngest: 15Oldest: Two at 39

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How old were you when your last child was born?

Average age: 31.39Youngest: Two at 23Oldest: 46

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How many grandchildren do you have?

Average: 2.5Most: 1530 said they had no grandchildren,out of the 63 who have children

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Did you go to college?Answered: 81 Skipped: 1

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Where did you go to college?

UNO: 20UNL: 11Metro Tech: 4Iowa State: 2Washington: 2

29 colleges or universities had 1

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For those who graduated from college:Do you have a postgraduate degree?


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For those who have a postgraduate degree:Do you have a doctorate?


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For those who have a postgraduate degree:Do you have a doctorate?


We have five lawyers and one doctorate in accounting education.(We also have one “all but dissertation” doctorate in art history.)

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Did you serve in the military?Answered: 80 Skipped: 2

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Did you serve in the military?Answered: 80 Skipped: 2

Highest rank: Major

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For those who served in the military:Which branch of service?


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Did you follow the career path you envisioned when you were at Benson?Answered: 79 Skipped: 3

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Are you happy in your career choice(whether you work inside the home or out)?


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We have to ask: How would you characterize your financial situation?Answered: 74 Skipped: 8

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Counting the U.S., how many countries have you lived in?Answered: 79 Skipped: 3

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Counting the U.S., how many countries have you lived in?Answered: 79 Skipped: 3

Foreign countries mentioned:Japan: 2Germany: 2Mexico: 1Scotland: 1South Korea: 1 Spain: 1

England: 1

One classmate listed the “U.S.” Clearly, that person took World Geography at 7:35 a.m.

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Counting Nebraska, how many states have you lived in?Answered: 78 Skipped: 4

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Counting Nebraska, how many states have you lived in?

We’ve lived in 37 states. Most popular:

Illinois 13California 12Texas 11Kansas 10

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How many miles away from Omaha do you now live?

Farthest: 2,824 driving 2,040 flying

(Thanks for coming, Debbie!)

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Think back to your best Benson memory: a proud moment,a singular achievement or some other highlight. Did it involve?


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Best Benson memory: A sampling of comments

Music department with Bob Edson and the gang. I was in the “Babes in Arms” musical. Wrestling team. Stage crew and Studio Singers. Getting caught skipping out of Jeans Club. Interracial parties. Theater program. Receiving a scholarship. Learned ground squirrels were better educated. Dating my future husband. Friends.

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We all had embarrassing moments in high school. Have you?Answered: 62 Skipped: 20

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Embarrassing moments: A sampling of comments

Fell down the stairs on my crutches going to homeroom in the balcony senior year and my skirt went up over my head.

Plan to outlive anyone who remembers the dumb things I did. Dealing with being gay. Speech class. My biggest failures have been turned into my greatest assets. I don’t have embarrassing moments from high school, but I have plenty

from junior high!

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Time to 'fess up. Did you have a crush on anybody in high school?Answered: 77 Skipped: 5

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So you had a crush. Did he or she know that you were interested?Answered: 65 Skipped: 17

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Spill the beans: Your crush?

Guys: Stave Nabity Randy Butler Randy Lecuona ‘73 Terry Prendergast Ralph Jones ‘71 Jerry Schwartz ‘71 Cort Johnson Chris Garrett ‘75 Greg Zellers Gary Klahn George Peters Paul Corbaley Steve Hall Dave Arenz Husband of 37 years John Danielson Chris Hamill Half the class

Girls:• Debbie Pfenninger• Donna Jensen• Tory Brandt• Suzy Hobbs• Corinne Clark• Stephanie McDole• Lynette Nebergall (Yes, it was Steve)• “Current wife”• Nancy Paben (teacher)

Guys were far less likely to identify a girl, even when promised anonymity. So if you wonder why that call for a date didn’t come, you can assume the guys were chicken afraid of rejection.

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Be honest: Do you still have at least alittle twang of interest in that person?


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Be honest: Do you still have at least a little twangof interest in that person?


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What one thing would you tell younger you to do differently?Answered: 62 Skipped: 20

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What one thing would you tell younger you to do differently?

A sampling of comments: Join the Peace Corps Ignore mom’s advice to go to college for an “Mrs.” degree. Get involved in activities. Enjoy, create, maintain and nurture friendships. You weren’t really fat back then. Wait until your are older and you’ll wish

you weighed what you did in high school. Maybe not date the same guy for all three years. Quote from Little Miss Sunshine: “Have lots and lots of sex.”

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As long as we're back in 1974, is there a teacher,counselor or coach you'd like to thank?


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Which teacher, counselor or coach would you like to thank?

More than one vote: Mary Alice Kubovy Bob Edson Lloyd Darrow Jim Elsberry Chuck Davey Janet Anderson Riepe Dave Lewis Paul Oertell Herb Penner Fred Pisasale Mel Masek Mike Kennedy

Also mentioned:• Mrs. Rhode• Rick Ray• Nancy Land• Mrs. Koller• Milt Lorenz• Marlene Gatz• Bruce Dickenson• Carole Jeffrey• Joe Burns• Marty Thonen• Mr. Sergeant• Mr. Powers• Don Knauss• Charles Matthews

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Which teacher, counselor or coach would you like to set straight?

• Miss Barbe• Nancy Land• Mr. Doctor• Mr. Johnson• Dave Lewis• Mrs. Jochim

And this: Tell all of the staff not to overlook the “B” students. I just needed a little encouragement to get “A’s” and to participate in sports and other activities.

(Let’s call it a positive sign that this list is much smaller than the list of teachers we want to thank.)

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Most memorable teacher?

Multiple votes: Elsberry Davey Anderson Edson Kennedy Pisasale Kubovy Horn Oertell

Others:• Rohde• Shelton• Knott• Barbe• Thonen• Boettcher• Matthews• Land• Burns• Davis• Grillo• Fryers• Dubler• Bostic

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Most memorable student?

Vern DanielsLori SmithPaul CorbaleyTavi NelsonDebbie Benson

Allan MaxwellTom TeckmeyerRex SelineRon TaylorTim O’ConnorDebbie PfenningerDiane DahlbergBob AverySteve BaloghDan DarlandAlison Newland

Alvin MorrisonJerry BarrowsSteve NabityShawn AftonomosDemetra DorseyDonald WindbornDave MatthewsRon Johnson Dave Redding“Me”

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Let's talk politics -- briefly. How would youcharacterize your current political persuasion?


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How have your views changed since high school?Answered: 73 Skipped: 9

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And just because we're curious, here's a quirky, nonpolitical topic:How many tattoos do you have?


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We asked about your career path earlier. This is a broader question.Did your life follow the course you expected in high school?


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If it wasn’t what you expected, how did it differ?

A sampling of comments: No white picket fence, two-car garage. Still living in the Midwest. Should have joined the military. Have

not seen enough of the world. I was too shy to ever consider that I could teach. But I made my

living talking in front of a classroom of college students. Jesus invaded my life and I haven't been the same since. Wish I

could go back and be much nicer to many people. I am grateful to be forgiven and living in grace.

I didn't go into research and live in a mountaintop cabin. Unfortunately, I didn't have a planned vision for life after high

school. But the paths I traveled have been interesting and fulfilling, and I am hopeful that more blessings are in my future.

Ended up in Omaha. It was a whole lot better. Initial plans involved getting a degree in accounting and I ended up

in education. I did not expect to study the areas I studied or to become a

lawyer. Never expected to end up in the military and then a professor.

I thought I would have a family and spend my time taking my kids to ballet classes and Little League. Never had kids, but lived vicariously through my nieces and nephews.

I wanted to teach and coach wrestling, but I changed and work for airlines.

In 1974 there wasn't a lot of emphasis on women in positions of influence. I fully expected to make my life's work as a secretary. After awhile in the work force, I figured out that I was just as smart as the people I was doing typing for and decided to finish college and beyond.

Didn't expect to wait so long for things I wanted to achieve. I actually got married, had kids, and ended practicing law like

my father always said I should. Didn't expect anything except a white picket fence scenario ...

and it has been far from that. Did not finish college. It's better and more exciting than I could have ever imagined. Didn't end up in the field I expected. It's been much more random. I've learned that there is very

little I am able to control.

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It went as expected. How would you change it if you could?

Go to nursing school instead of forestry. Seriously pursue degree in medical field. I wouldn't have owned so much Enron stock. (My

employer made me do it!) Would have pursued work based on my interests

instead of based on earning potential. Take more risks. Would have pursued a career in aviation. Get/finish college degree. Quit drinking sooner. I would have made the jump from sophomore-JV

baseball to the major leagues at the age of 16. Have more children. If you're afraid to explore your sexuality, get over

the fear of what other people think. BE YOURSELF. Stay in shape. Be less selfish.

Wouldn't. Love my life It is a blessing each and every day to wake up

and embrace what we have rather than what we do not.

Less self-doubt. Realize that everyone has the same fears and anxieties. Believe in myself and my abilities. Do what I am best at, and follow that path.

Be 10 years younger. Work even harder. Marry someone else but have the same kids.

Seems easy enough. Moved out of state when I had the chance. Date more before marriage. I don't think I'd want to change anything.

Various versions with the same message: Better choice of spouse.

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Setting aside expectations, how satisfied are youwith how your life has gone so far?

Not very. It’s been a tough road.

Modestly. There have been some bumps.

I’m satisfied. More ups than downs.

Very. I’ve been blessed.

Total

1 15 14 45 75

1.3% 20% 18.6% 60% 100%

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The Mighty Benson Bunny has granted you one wish.What one thing from the past 40 years would you change?

More financially secure. More courage and confidence. I would have joined the marching band. That my dad would have lived longer, so I

could share more of my adult life with him. The experiences (positive and negative) on

my journey have contributed to who I am today and I am AWESOME.

Get a degree. Not to drink alcohol. You can have just as

much fun without it Have more kids.

Various versions with the same message: Better choice of spouse.

Winning one of those ginormous lotteries would have been good; then I could finally pay off those student loans.

Walk across the stage with my graduating class

I could have been taller. I keep thinking about that prior question

about buying Berkshire Hathaway stock. I wished someone had pushed me to do that in high school!

Honestly not too sure what I would change. Life is as it is, and you can't go back so you need to keep looking forward.

Not a stinkin' thing. Every step has gotten me to exactly where I am.

Wished I had gone on to higher education.

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Think about your proudest moment since high school. Did it involve:

Work Family Adventure Sports Faith0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

Think about your proudest moment since high school. Did it involve:

Options Responses

Work 10

Family 48

Adventure 9

Sports 0

Faith 9

More than one response acceptable

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We've seen a lot ofhistory. Rank theseevents from the most significantto the least.

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We've seen a lot of history. Rank these events from the most significant to least.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Avg.

Man/moon 12.7%8

25.4%16

12.7%8

9.52%6

9.52%6

6.35%4

7.94%5

4.76%3

1.59%1

3.17%2

3.17%2

3.17%2

8.62

JFK assassinated

6.35%4

11.11%7

17.46%11

11.11%7

14.29%9

12.7%8

3.17%2

3.17%2

7.94%5

6.35%4

4.76%3

1.59%1

7.73

Rights movement

11.11%7

19.05%12

22.22%14

17.46%11

11.11%7

7.94%5

4.76%3

1.59%1

0%0

1.59%1

0%0

3.17%2

9.11

Vietnam 3.17%2

1.59%1

7.94%5

17.46%11

19.05%12

19.05%12

12.7%8

17.46%11

1.59%1

)%0

0%0

0%0

7.48

Nixon resigns 1.59%1

0%0

3.17%2

3.17%2

11.11%7

14.29%9

9.52%6

14.29%9

7.94%5

11.11%7

12.7%8

11.11%7

4.98

9/11 26.98%17

11.11%7

9.52%6

22.22%14

9.52%6

7.94%5

4.76%3

1.59%1

4.76%3

0%0

0%0

1.59%1

9.30

Great Recession

3.17%2

1.59%1

1.59%1

1.59%1

4.76%3

7.94%5

20.63%13

12.7%8

23.81%15

14.29%9

4.76%9

3.17%2

5.17

Computers, internet

28.57%18

19.05%12

15.87%10

6.35%4

6.35%4

3.17%2

4,76%3

12.7%8

1.59%1

0%0

1.59%1

0%0

9.43

DNA, genetic code

4.76%3

3.17%2

6.35%4

6.35%4

4.76%3

1.59%1

9.52%6

15.87%10

22.22%14

14.29%9

6.35%4

4.76%3

5.48

Birth control, sex revolution

1.59%1

6.35%4

1.59%1

1.59%1

6.35%4

11.11%7

1.59%1

4.76%3

11.11%7

34.42%22

14.29%9

4.76%3

4.63

AIDS 0%0

1.59%1

1.59%1

3.17%2

3.17%2

6.35%4

19.05%12

3.17%2

11.11%7

7.94%5

33.33%21

9.52%6

4.06

Arab oil embargo

0%0

0%0

0%0

0%0

0%0

1.61%1

1.61%1

8.06%5

6.45%4

6.45%4

19.35%12

56.45%35

2.02

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Comparing 1974 and 2014:Fun Fads


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Fun FadsAnswered: 69 Skipped: 13

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Comparing 1974 and 2014:TV Comedies


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TV ComediesAnswered: 70 Skipped: 12

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Comparing 1974 and 2014:TV News


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TV NewsAnswered: 66 Skipped: 16

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Comparing 1974 and 2014:TV Dramas


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TV DramasAnswered: 65 Skipped: 17

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Comparing 1974 and 2014:TV News Anchors


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TV News AnchorsAnswered: 69 Skipped: 13

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Comparing 1974 and 2014:"Tonight Show" Hosts


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"Tonight Show" HostsAnswered: 68 Skipped: 14

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Comparing 1974 and 2014:Husker Coaches


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Husker CoachesAnswered: 63 Skipped: 19

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Comparing 1974 and 2014:Super Bowl Champions


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Super Bowl ChampionsAnswered: 53 Skipped: 29

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Comparing 1974 and 2014:Newspapers


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NewspapersAnswered: 62 Skipped: 20

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Comparing 1974 and 2014:Baseball Stadiums


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Baseball StadiumsAnswered: 63 Skipped: 19

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Comparing 1974 and 2014:Oscar-winning Actresses


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Oscar-winning ActressesAnswered: 53 Skipped: 29

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Comparing 1974 and 2014:Oscar-winning Actors


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Oscar-winning ActorsAnswered: 61 Skipped: 21

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Comparing 1974 and 2014:Action Movies


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Action MoviesAnswered: 59 Skipped: 23

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Comparing 1974 and 2014:Pop Songs


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Pop SongsAnswered: 56 Skipped: 26

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Comparing 1974 and 2014:Omaha Singers


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Omaha SingersAnswered: 49 Skipped: 33

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Comparing 1974 and 2014:Destinations


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DestinationsAnswered: 64 Skipped: 18

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Comparing 1974 and 2014:Personalities


1974

2014

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PersonalitiesAnswered: 62 Skipped: 20

1974

2014

benson high school , class of 1974 reaching back and catching up

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