Elkhart High school history

Once upon a time, there were four Junior High Schools in four quadrants of the Elkhart

Community School Corporation… West Side, North Side, Pierre Moran, and Brookdale.

In those days, Elkhart High School was the ONE melting pot into which students (and families)

of those four Junior High Schools would flow.

Elkhart High School was divided into two buildings. The swimming pool, auditorium,

gymnasium, choir, band, and orchestra rooms, classrooms, cafeteria, labs, art room, football

stadium, softball and baseball fields and tennis courts were along the Elkhart River and

primarily housed the students in their junior and senior years of school (grades 11 and 12).

The OTHER building located in downtown Elkhart was previously Elkhart High School housing all

of Elkhart’s high school students from 1910 to 1972. As Elkhart’s school-age population grew

during what was called the “baby boom” following World War II, additional space for its

student population was needed. And it was in that building that the graduating class of 1974

began its adventure together in THE SOPHOMORE DIVISION of Elkhart High School.

Something magical happened among the classmates of the Sophomore Division in that one

school year… those from the four schools united as one school. Bonds of friendship grew…and

many were tested by “racial unrest” which was sweeping our country and became part of the

history among the students, faculty, and staff. The sophomore class was full of exemplary

leaders and scholar athletes.

In 1972, the 10th , 11th , and 12th grade students were all part of a proud tradition of education

and extracurricular sports and academic competition under the banner of the ELKHART BLUE

BLAZERS…and as people across the community still say, “Once a Blazer always a Blazer.”

The city planners and school administration realized they would need even more space,

facilities, and opportunities for its growing student population. This resulted in a decision to

add a second high school.

When the graduating class of 1974 was divided into two student bodies in its junior year, some

were the very first students to walk the halls and learn in the classrooms of ELKHART

MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL with a new school crest and mascot. The CRIMSON CHARGERS with

school colors of crimson and gold (red and yellow). The other school became ELKHART CENTRAL

HIGH SCHOOL and retained the mascot, etc.

Having two high schools in Elkhart meant more opportunities for many in all areas of endeavor.

And when the two high schools were pitted against each other in any sport, but especially

football and basketball, there were bragging rights to be had. The rivalry across town had

begun. In keeping with a state-wide rivalry between Purdue University and Indiana University

having a special way of keeping score and enhancing the rivalry in the form of THE OLD OAKEN

BUCKET, a special prize was born as a trophy for the school winning the final football game of

the regular season…THE MANGY LION.

As public-school populations began to shift and shrink, and facilities age, there was no longer a

need for two high schools, so in 2022, the two high schools became one again. Rather than

keeping either of the schools’ crests or mascots, from the tradition of the rivalry was born the

symbol of their unity, strength, and noble mission of forming the young adults into amazing

citizens.

THE ELKHART LIONS…blue and gold their proud colors.

OUR CLASS, the “Unity Class of 1974” has come full circle in our allegiance to the core values of

Elkhart High School.

To celebrate the FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR GRADUATION in 1974, we have adapted parts of the new ELKHART HIGH SCHOOL crest as the symbol of our history and legacy. TOGETHER we are Blazing, Charging Lions…Forever Young!

We, the Executive Planning Committee, welcome and encourage everyone to join us for August

2, 3, and 4 to rekindle the bonds of friendship and community among our amazing class of

1974.

Marlene Mast Weatherwax

Liz Naquin Borger

Babette Arbogast Boling

Regina Sanders Allen

Ron Smith

Liz Moore Charbonneau

Marla Kruis Williams

Beth Batten North

Chris Dufour

Take a look back to our last reunion at http://www.ehs1974.com