June 2021 will recognize the 50-year anniversary of the 13th graduating class from William M. Kelley High School. Not to sound cliché, but where has that time gone and how is that possible? Seems like yesterday. I have to laugh because every morning when I wake up and stand in front of the bathroom mirror I say to myself, “Hey Big Thunder” (my dad Bob Carlson’s nick name from his crews at Reserve Mining), when did you get here? I look like him in many ways, probably have many of his mannerisms (although I will deny it), and practice many of the civic and community values I learned from him and from so many other role models in Silver Bay whom I had the pleasure of connecting with over my school years. Why couldn’t he have just looked more like Hugh Jackman!
It’s crazy how I don’t feel 68, don’t think I look 68 or even act 68 (but I probably do). I still often see myself as that kid growing up in Silver Bay, active in many school activities, succeeding at some and performing mediocre at others (but thinking I was good), being supported by great teachers and adult mentors, never feeling deprived or prevented from chasing my dreams. We had a close knit class of 162 students, diverse in interest and talents, but in general, a close knit group, tolerant of each other, encouraging to all and a lot of fun. It wasn’t all sunshine and roses, but most of us experienced similar socio-economic status, a multitude of opportunities and demonstrated small town values that made us who we are today. Some things we had to unlearn, relearn or reinvent. But it made us who we are today. We had the finest of sports, theater, music and industrial arts facilities (thanks to Reserve Mining) and the financial resources to provide meaningful experiences for all students who wanted to take advantage of them.
While my experiences at Kelley High were wide and varied, as were my various groups of friends, the one experience that really changed my life was the kind benefactor who provided annual tickets to the live performances of the Metropolitan Opera in Minneapolis. Those trips in my junior and senior year cemented my love of singing and music. I became a music teacher for a few years before turning to business as a career, sang with choirs in the Twin Cities, directed a church choir for a few years and now conduct my college alumni choir. I consider myself blessed and fortunate to have had those development opportunities in Silver Bay.
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on others” … Jackie Robinson
Thank you to all the lives that made an impact on the class of 1971 so that we could have an impact on the lives of others and they on others … pass it on. Aren’t we fortunate!
