Otto W. Meyers Fieldhouse Entrance and Foyer Receives Makeover

> The renovation projects from the Illinois and California-Nevada Moose Associations for the window, door and floor renovations of the Otto W. Meyers Foyer in Fieldhouse were formally dedicated prior to graduation Saturday, May 27.

Plaques recognizing funders of the project were placed on the wall of the Foyer (the concourse connecting the Fieldhouse with Mooseheart’s football stadium).

Director General William B. Airey, Chief Operating Officer Len Solfa, Otto Meyers’ son Thomas, grandson Gregory and Mooseheart Executive Director Scott Hart were all on hand to help dedicate the renovations.

‘If it Weren’t for You, Moments Like These Would Not be Possible’

4,000 Jam Fieldhouse for 2006 Commencement Ceremony

> The 22 members of the Mooseheart High School Class of 2006 saw, through a standing-room only crowd, the love and support of men and women of the Moose from across North America and Great Britain in the packed Fieldhouse at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 27 as they gathered to watch the students receive their high school diplomas and officially leave their home, Mooseheart, to enter into the adult world.

Salutatorian Mary Muns (left) and Valedictorian Cecilia Tobias approached the Fieldhouse stage arm-in-arm during the procession of the Mooseheart Class of 2006.

Supreme Governor Ronald Sweetman’s address to the graduates reminded them how special they are because 4,000 men and women from three nations thought it important enough to come be here with them for this occasion. And, he added, Superintendent Gary Urwiler communicates how special it is to be a graduate of Mooseheart (Class of 1987) every day simply by his actions.

“Gary Urwiler is truly a highly successful young man, not because of his position or income, but because he is doing what he wants to do and is enjoying it,” Sweetman said. “Graduates, that is the definition of achieving success; putting yourself in a situation, by getting yourself the education and credentials necessary, where you can do what you want to do.”

Sweetman eloquently related how the graduates need to take advantage of the opportunities they have right now. He recalled that he had the opportunity to go to college, but decided as a “grown up” 18-year-old that he had enough money in his pocket. By the time he had a chance to go back to school, he had a young family to support and his benefits from the GI bill had run out.

“You graduates are at that moment of greatest opportunity, right now--with scholarships available--and without the responsibilities of parenthood yet,” Sweetman said. “Don’t do as I did--please do as I say. Seize that opportunity now; don’t wait-- and take charge of your life!

Also speaking were Salutatorian Mary Muns and Valedictorian Cecilia Tobias. Muns said her life would have been very different, had it not been for the Moose.

“On behalf of my classmates, we want to say thank you to the Moose members and our families (both Mooseheart and away) for supporting us and making this day possible,” Muns said. “We are proud to have grown up under your wings.”

Tobias thanked all the men and women of the Moose and on-campus staff who helped shape their lives--and offered them opportunities they would not have received otherwise, such as the chance to meet celebrities such as former NBA player Manute Bol and ’80s singing star Cyndi Lauper--both of whom visited campus. “If it weren’t for you, moments like these would not be possible,” Tobias said. She also recalled how the class grew to love each other through living life together the last four or more years.

“To my beloved classmates: please realize that we walked into those Fieldhouse doors as Mooseheart students; we have seen many classes before us leave those same doors as Mooseheart alumni,” Tobias concluded. “Today is our turn--ready or not, here we come.”

Hats Off to the Class of 2006!

Ecstatic graduates took advantage of the opportunity to toss their mortarboards into the air at the close of the ceremony.

Brandon Bouck proudly received his diploma from 1984 Mooseheart graduate Mark Penzkover (now serving on the Mooseheart Board of Directors).