The Class of '57 Hall of Fame

By Cecil Houk

This is the 6th in a series about The Class of '57. This project would be incomplete if I didn't mention the outstanding students and the stand out students. Some may question the selection of Barbara Dishaw as Valedictorian because of her father's position in the school. I spent several years in school with her, and I can assure you that she earned the honor. This episode is mostly pictures from the 1957 Timber Echo.

To see and read more of my articles about Sweet Home see my I remember ... series.

Valedictorian Barbara Dishaw - Salutitorian Jackie Fisher

The TOP TEN of the Class of '57 were all girls. I have no idea what the boys were doing because, as mentioned before, I spent my senior year at US Grant Hi in Portland. The rest of the top 10 are:

For one reason or another I did not see this list of honor students until this year (June, 1998). Although I did not share classes with all of these fine young ladies; I am not surprized to see their names on the top 10 list. I wonder if Barbara remembers that she could not pronounce tarantula in Jr. Hi? Does Nancy remember the time she smuggled a gift for the teacher into the classroom? Under her hoop skirt! Does Loretta know that she made the classroom more pleasant just by being there? Does Sue recall how cheap bread and milk were in her parents store in the 1950's?

Betty Co-ed and Joe High School Sue Gilbert and John Bickford

Most Athletic Lou Vee Davenport and Royce McDaniel

No surprize here. I first met Royce in the 4th grade, and even then there was no question that he could play sports.

Friendliest Girl Joyce Perry

Most Likely to Succeed Jackie Fisher and Don Huskey

I wonder? Did they?

Best Dressed Peggy Stokes and Mark Musgrave

I have been informed that Mark is no longer with us (as of about 5 years ago). I do remember him as always very well dressed. Peggy was a pleasure to be with, and was always "in style".

Best Build Carol Davidson and Wes Marchbanks

Talk about Mr. Square Shoulders! However I think I would have put Pat Thometz in this picture. No argument about Carol though.

Bigget Flirt Jackie Lynn and David Holley

Prettiest Hair Carolene Burks and Dale Beck

This photo really doesn't do them justice. I now have hair almost as long as Carolene's. Unfortunately I also have more forehead.

I hope that you have enjoyed this look into the past at the students that made an impression (one way or another), while in The Class of '57. There's one more chapter.

November 21, 1999: It is with great sorrow that I must add a few more pictures to this episode. I had not seen Dale or Dorene since 1957. A few days ago they were on their way to Egypt for a vacation. A half hour out of JFK International Airport their plane, Egypt Air Flight 990, plunged into the Atlantic Ocean; killing all 217 people onboard. The Class of '57 is getting smaller.

Dale and Dorene in the spring of 1957

From The Register-Guard November 2, 1999

From the Register-Guard November 4, 1999 Memorial Services upbeat for victims of plane crash
Egypt Air: Family and friends remember the love Dorene and Raymond Beck had for each other.
by the Associated Press

SWEET HOME - Dorene Beck told family and friends that "when we die, don't fuss, just have a party," family and friends recalled Wednesday at a memorial service for her and husband, Raymond "Dale" Beck, who were killed in Sunday's crash of an Egypt Air airliner.

The focus of the service, attended by about 400 people at the Hillside Fellowship Church, stayed upbeat, focusing on the love the couple, both 60, had for each other and their families.

"They were not just our parents, they were our best friemds," said Bob Beck, their son.

Son-in-law David Lutes, who delivered the eulogy, said that "next to lawyer jokes, in-law jokes are probably the most used. But I could never relate to that."

Those who knew the Becks talked of how Raymond Beck loved playing with his grandchildren in the hot tub and would serve as their raft and diving board, and how they loved playing and riding on his red log truck.

"Remember that this couple who started out as high school sweethearts will be together forever," Pastor Dick Hill said.

Dorene Beck was awarded the Distinguished Teacher award in the 1990-91 school year by the Sweet Home School District. She retired two years ago.

They were headed for a two week trip to Egypt, according to Lutes, of Newberg.

"This was kind of a dream vacation for them," Lutes said earlier of his in-laws. "They'd been studying Eqypt excessively - - every book you could imagine on Egypt - - but they didn't get to go there."

The Story

The Class of '57 Hall of Fame

part 1

part 2

part 3

part 4

part 5

part 7

The Pictures