We love to recognize the accomplishments of fellow Polars! 

If you have info on a former student or graduate e-mail us with the info.

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Aalbu, Loraine, Aileene, Fern and Harriet Classes of mid 20's

Andrews , Maxine, Patti, Laverne 1930's

This photo is of the Andrews sisters, the Alabu sisters and their mothers.

(Left school early to pursue their singing career). Known as the Andrews Sisters, they had 16 movies, 19 gold records, and sales of nearly 100 million copies. Some of their songs included"Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy", "Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree" and "Rum and Coca Cola".

The Andrews Sisters Lived: Laverne, 1915-1967; Maxene, 1918-1995; Patti, 1920-present.

Anderson, William Class of 1907

William became a professor of Political Science at the University of
Minnesota and has Anderson Hall dedicated in his memory on the West Bank of the U. of M. campus.

Arland, Jeanne (Peterson) Class of ?

An accomplished piano player and singer, Jeanne has played shows for notables as Bob Hope, Red Skelton, Ray Bolger, Dianne Carrol, Helen O'Connell and more. Jeanne has been inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame.

B

Barnard, Thomas Class of 1969

Morning DJ at radio station KQRS.

Voice-over specialist for hundreds of radio commercials.

Banks, Walter Class of ?

Better known as "Q - Bear", Q (Walter) is a radio personality on radio station 89.9 KMOJ. Walter joins a list of distinguished Polars through the years, like alum Tom Barnard, KQRS, Class of 1969, who have gone into the radio business.

Benton, Jerome, Class of 1979.

Jerome along with Terry Lewis started the music production business FLYTE TYME. Better known as "Jam and Lewis", they have been subtly building their legend and are currently ranked #5 of all time in producing #1 hit records (tied with Quincy Jones). They have written and/or produced nearly 100 singles and albums that have reached gold, platinum and multi-platinum sales. Jam and Lewis have scored 12 #1 Pop Singles (over 30 Top 10 singles) and 25 #1 R&B singles (65 Top 10 singles) including artists such as Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Boyz II Men, Patti Labelle and Mary J. Blige. They have produced for the likes of Janet Jackson and have a star on the Hollywood Board walk.

Berman, Frank, Class of 1958

Frank is a regent at the University of Minnesota.

Bevard, Bob, Class of 1971

• Internationally renowned motivational speaker.
• Board of Directors, American Mensa: Development Officer.
• President, South Texas Mensa
• 2007 Mensan of the Year, STM
• Poet Fellow

Bevard, Dale A.(AKA Weber, Dale A.) Class of 1973

Chief Master Sergeant, United States Air Force (Retired). Veteran of Vietnam, Desert Storm/Southern Watch and in 1999, served as Command Chief Master Sergeant for Operations NORTHERN WATCH and ALLIED FORCE -- historic first time two separate campaigns were conducted in two separate theaters from one single location.

The first freshman letterman on a varsity team (wrestling) at NHS back in 1970 (Brian Dupay and I came over from Lincoln Junior High every afternoon for practice, which explains how a freshman lettered before freshmen ever attended North).

Brown, Harold, Class of June 1942

Harold was one of many to serve during Word War II from North High School. The distinction Harold had, he was one of the first 60 Tuskegee airmen and flew over 30 combat missions. Harold went on to earn a Master's degree and doctorate from Ohio State.

C

Carlson, Patty Class of 1942

Minneapolis Aquatennial Queen of 1943.

Cassidy, Richard (Dick) Class of 1946

For his outstanding work with Northside baseball through the years and for maintaining what may be the finest field in the Twin Cities at Henry High School, Henry administrators named that field in his honor at a dedication ceremony on May 20, 2000.

Chalfen, Morris Class of 1924

Founder of HOLIDAY ON ICE SHOWS.

Coleman, Benjamin Class of 1979

First basketball player from North High to receive an NCAA Division I scholarship. Played at U.of M. and Maryland. First Polar grad to play in the NBA: Philadelphia 76'rs and the Milwaukee Bucks.

Cowl, Richard Class of 1941

Appeared in about 12 feature films such as:

• Gunsmoke
• Have Gun Will Travel
• The Ann Southern Show
• The Wrangler
• Wanted Dead Or Alive,
• Palladin
• Wagon Train
• Wyatt Earp
• Death Valley Days
• The Untouchables

His latest work in 1985: Johnny Bull with Jason Robards, Coleen Dewhurst and Cathy Bates. Also: Last Dance with Sharon Stone, The Specialist with Jeff Speakman, Attica,

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D

Davis, Harry, Class of 1942

school board member, mayoral candidate and Urban Coalition official, Davis' true love was boxing. He started in 1943 as coach at Phyllis Wheatley Community Center and went on to become the leader, fundraiser and organizer of the Upper Midwest Golden Gloves championships for 50 years. He was the manager of the 1984 U.S. Olympic boxing team. In 1971 he unsuccessfully ran for Mayor of Minneaoplis. Voted as one of Minnesota's 100 Most Important Sports Figures of The Century; (#96) by a poll at the Minneapolis Star tribune, and voted again by the Star tribune as one of the most influential educators of the century in their poll of the 100 Most Influential Minnesotans of the Century.

Dee, Ruby, Class of?

Actress of stage and screen.

Derek, Anthony Reuben Class of 1988

Minnesota's Mr. Basketball of 1988.

El-Amin, Khalid; Class of 1997

Khalid helped lead North High to three Consecutive state boys basketball championships 1995-1997. Instrumental in the Connecticut Huskies NCAA men's basketball championship in 1999. "Arguably the finest point guard Minnesota has ever produced". Voted as one of Minnesota's 100 Most Important Sports Figures of The Century (#94) by a poll at the Tribune. Drafted by the Bulls in the second round July 2000, with knee problems, was released by the Bulls and resigned with Texas and was cut again. He opened Elamin's Fish Shop in North Minneapolis in 2001. He's now playing in Europe.

F

Fatze, Michele (Hodgson) Class of 1972

Former managing editor of MPLS ST PAUL magazine.

Fischer, Dwayne Class of 2005

Wins Presidential Award
Dwayne Fisher, a senior at North High School, has been honored for his exemplary volunteer service with a President’s Volunteer Service Award. The award, which recognized Americans of all ages who have volunteered amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country, was presented by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program on behalf of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. Dwayne participated in the Spirit of Community program this year as a representative of North Community High School Sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program recognizes young people across for outstanding community service activities. More than 170,000 young people across have been considered for these awards since the program began in 1995

 Fisher, Robert Class of 1965

*  President and CEO of the Nevada Broadcasters Association

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Gabbert, Donald Class of ?

Founder of Gabbert's Furniture.

Gallos, John Class of 1940

WCCO-TV personality, was "CLANCY the COP" in Mpls children's tv show in the 1960's until the show ended in 1978. John was the master of ceremonies for the alumni's 100th ALL-CLASS reunion in 1988 held at International Market Place.

Garcia, Albert Class of 1978

Leading lawyer in the local area as recognized by Mpls/St. Paul magazine, Mn Journal of Law and Politics, Twin Cities Business. Albert is also one of the leading political campaign strategists and advisors to elected officials across the state of Minnesota.

Gaylord, Russell Class of 1911

The Russell Gaylord VFW named in his honor. Russell, W.W.I, killed in action.

Gaudel, Marcella Class of 1926

Starred on Broadway with Bela Lugosi in the original production of DRACULA. Mother of Robert Vaughn, Class of 1950.

Gilbert, James Class of June 1947

Retired as President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Minneapolis.

Gillman, Sid Class of 1930

Former head coach of the San Diego Chargers.

Green, Richard Class of 1954

Former principal of North (1975-1976) went on to become the Chancellor of New York Schools.

Groth, Chad Class of 1988

VP of basketball operations and director of scouting and assistant coach for the HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS.

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H

Hartfiel, Susan Class of 1972

Susan has been teaching and coaching since graduating from the University of Minnesota in 1976.

A head coach for volleyball her teams have won 9 conference championships and for track, her teams have won 11 conference championships.

She has coached 13 individual state track champions, 10 individual statetrack runner-ups, 3 time track team state runner ups, and 2 times coach of the year.

She has also been a collegiate head volleyball coach.

She has been a clinician at athlete camps and coaches clinics as well as publishing articles in coaching journals.

Susan is currently a high school athletic director while retaining her head coaching positions in volleyball and track at a high school in Wisconsin.

Hartman, Sid Class of 1939

Sid has been the venerable sports columnist and news breaker for the Star Tribune for 55+ years.

In the days when newspaper reporters did such things, Hartman ran the Minneapolis Lakers with Max Winter from 1946 through 1957 and then served as the behind-the-scenes general manager for Baltimore Bullets in the early '60s.

Voted as one of Minnesota's Top 100 Sports figures of the Century (#31) by a poll at the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

  Sid can be emailed at shartman@startribune.com

Hazelnus, Paul Class of ?

Went by the name of Paul Allen and sang with many fine bands in Broadway for several seasons in the late '40's.

Helm, Andrea (Hricko) Class of 1961

NHS homecoming queen, 1960.

U. of M. homecoming queen 1964.

Owner of MOORE AGENCY.

Henderson, Ron Class of 1972

Ron is better known as the "Fitness King".

Hoag, Peter Class of 1972

• 1976 Biathlon Biathlon Did Not Place.
• 1980 Biathlon 45th Place.
• 1980 Biathlon 4x7.5-kilometer Relay 8th Place.
• 1976 1980 Winter Olympics Biathalon team member.
• 1977 1978 National Biathalon Champion.
• 1988 1992 Olympic Biathalon team coach.

Holmberg, David Class of 1956

Newspaper reporter, editor. Was a reporter for New York Newsday and a senior editor of the Village Voice.

Covered the AIDS crisis in New York for Newsday.

Covered the civil rights movement and the anti-war movement for The Washington Star and The Washington Daily News.

For the Philadelphia Daily News, covered the war in El Salvador and the Mumia Jahmal case.

Served as press secretary to Congressman Allard K. Lowenstein, who was assassinated, and Sen. John Heinz, who died in a plane crash.

 

Horton, Mauri Class of 1999

An outstanding student/athlete. What more can be said about good sportsmanship!

Mauri was selected 1999 Minnesota Ms. Basketball, making North honored to have back to back recipients of such an honor.

Also selected by her classmates as the "most athletic" girl, Mauri has committed to playing college hoops at Rutgers.

Voted the 1998-1999:

• METRO PLAYER OF THE YEAR,

• The GATORADE PLAYER of the year

• ASSOCIATED PRESS STATE PLAYER of the year.

Hreha, Kenneth S. Class of 1938

Co-inventor of the continuous puffing gun.

WWII veteran.

Retired board member of the North High Alumni.

Hughes, Derek Class of 1980

Derek played bass guitar for the likes of Whitney Houston and Chaka Khan.

Hughes, John Patrick Class of 1972

Varsity wrestler for the Minnesota Gophers. Two time National champion in Greco-Roman wrestling. (In 1980 at 136 lbs. and in 1982 at 149 lbs.)

Placed third at the 1979 PAN AM games on San Juan Puerto Rico. Placed second in trials and just missed making the 1980 Olympic team.

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J
Jacobs, Irwin Class of 1959

Once a 1980s-vintage takeover guy, Irwin has built Genmar into the nation's second-largest boat manufacturer.

Mr. Jacobs is Chairman of Genmar Holdings, Inc., the largest owned manufacturer of power boats and yachts in the world.

Once a part owner of the: MINNESOTA VIKINGS football team and Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer.

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K
Kaufman, Sam, Class of 1933

Publisher, SKYWAY NEWS.

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L
Lebedoff, David Class of 1956

Graduate of Harvard Law School, wrote three books: 21ST BALLOT, WARD NUMBER SIX, THE NEW ELITE and has written articles for many national magazines. Served on the Guthrie Theater Board and was Chairman of the board of Regents at the University of Minnesota

Lebedoff, John Class of 1956

Became a Hennepin County Munincipal Judge in 1971; Hennepin District Judge in 1974.

Lebedoff, Judy Class of 1956

Former Producer for WCCO Radio and Market Director for the Minnesota Opera.

Lewis, Terry Class of 1987

(See his credits under: Jerome Benton)

Lippman, Sid Class of ?

Sid wrote the Official Centennial Song titled "They Named it Minnesota" A lyricist and composer, He wrote: A, YOUR ADORABLE and TOO YOUNG.

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M

Macon, Peter  Class of 1988

Kevin has been acting since graduation and is currently (2005) starring at the Guthrie Theater.

Quoted from the Star and Tribune article of 2/13/05 Macon started on a high. While a senior at North, he landed a part with the Children's Theatre Company and went on tour.

That was followed by years of study at the College of Art and Design (he's a painter as well as an actor), the University of Minnesota and the Yale School of Drama.

Now a New Yorker, he's performed in all sorts of venues. But he's also sold sheets at Bed Bath and Beyond and served as a host at restaurants".

McKinney, Karen Class of 1972

Karen is Associate Minister of Pilgrim Baptist Church, St. Paul.

She is the director of Youth Ministry Program and Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies at Bethel College in Roseville, Mn.

Karen has a BA in English from the U of M, a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary and an MS in Experiential Education from Mankato State University.

Mcneal, Brett Class of 1985

Minnesota's Mr. Basketball in 1985.

Became the boys head basketball coach at North High School beginning the 2001-2002 season.

 

Mengelkoch, Alice Class of June 1921

A graduate of the commercial department, won the highest honor in shorthand that can be paid to an amateur writer. Alice was invited to National Shorthand Convention held at Niagara Falls New York two months after she graduated from North High. Alice competed and broke the worlds record for an amateur by writing 175 words per minute.

Mesbesher, Ron Class of 1951

A well known lawyer around the Twin Cities.

Moore, Tamara Class of 1998

Recipient of Minnesota's 1998 Ms. Basketball.

Tamara committed to the University of Wisconsin Women's basketball program.

1998-99: Tamara was named to the WNIT all-tournament team and was the only U.W. freshman ever to lead the team in three statistical categories:

• Tied for 1st in assists (3.3)
• First in steals (2.5)
• First in freethrow percentage (.811)
• Tamara set a freshman steals record with 80. in 1999-2000:
• MVP Championship. WNIT 2000.
• MVP of the Wisconsin Women's Basketball team.
• Was named all-Big Ten Honorable mention by the coaches and the media in 2000-01
• Led the Big Ten in steals averaging 3.6 per game.
• Voted the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Year.
• Named first team all-Big Ten by the media and AP All-American Honorable Mention.
• Named All-Defensive team All-American by the Women's Basketball Journal.
• Ranked first in the Big Ten in steals (3.56/game)
• Third in assists (5.56/game).
• Scored her 1,000th point on January 16, 2001.

***In her senior year at Wisconsin, Tamara was picked as a pre-season First Team all-Big Ten.

 

Munn, Clarence "Biggie" Class of 1928

• All State track-relay team, set a national record.
• All Big Ten & All American guard, 1931, U of Minnesota
• 1958; coached Michigan to National Football Championship.
• Athletic director, Michigan

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O

Ohman, Melvin Class of Jan. 1943

Mel is a veteran of WW II. He served with the heavy artillery during the Battle of the Ardennes, better known as the Battle of the Bulge.

Mel is a member of the American Legion Post 230, rising to the rank of Vice Commander in 1997 and he has been active board member of the North High Alumni since 1986, serving as the alumni treasurer from 1988 to 1997.

Olson, Floyd B. Class of 1909

Governor of Minnesota from 1931 - 1936. In 1930, the firebrand was elected to the first of three terms as governor.

As a leader of the Farmer-Labor Party, Olson got the Legislature to adopt:

• A state income tax, a state employee pension plan
• A moratorium on farm foreclosures.

Floyd died of pancreatic cancer at age 44.

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P

Page, Cora Class of 1891

One of the first sixteen graduates of North High in 1891 and North's first Class Validictorian.

Pettifore, Oscar Class of(unknown)

Great Bassist who played with many of the great black bands.

Price, Shane Class of 1972

Shane is the founder of the African American Men Project

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S

Sandler, Martin Class of June 1935

Martin was chosen Industrialist of the year in Chicago City in 1985.

Martin was credited with bringing the first U.S. Hotel chain to Israel

Salisbury Harrison E. Class of June 1925

1955 Pulitzer prize winning author publisher.

Satterwaith, Ann Koster Class of 1906

The great great granddaughter of Betsy Ross.

Schaper, Herbert Class of 1931

Herb created the game "COOTIE", which has sold over 50 million games since 1948.

He started out by carving 200 wooden versions on his mothers front porch.

Schultz, Dr. Alvin L. Class of 1939

Dr. Schultz was a Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota Medical School where he was made Professor Emeritus.

Short, Bob Class of 1936

Business man who owned the Leamington Hotel in Minneapolis and was instrumental in bringing professional baseball to Minnesota

Was owner of the:

• WASHINGTON SENATORS
• TEXAS RANGERS.

Recognized by President Johnson, who named him "Promoter of U.S. Tourism.

Smith, Bert Class of 1941

Better known as pro wrestler Stan (The Krusher) Kowalski from 1955

to 1976.

Stan has been very supportive of community and civic duties in his

neighborhood since he retired from wrestling and is still going strong.

Another polar alum committed to civic duties, for 30 years Stan has

promoted the United Way

In 1999 he unsuccessfully tried his hand at entering politics.

Before wrestling, Stan went to the GREEN BAY PACKERS training

camp in 1950, but switched to pro wrestling because it paid better than

pro football.

Snodgrass, Vincent Class of June 1940

He received a purple heart for the Korean war and is buried at Ft. Snelling National Cemetary.

Stephenson, Jeff Class of 1984

Jeff played for the Super Bowl Champions NEW YORK GIANTS.

Stewart, Ellen Class of 1985

Ellen was MISS BLACK MINNESOTA 1988-1989,

MINNESOTA STARS Professional Basketball Team Captain; 1996.

and former athletic director at Minneapolis Henry High School.

Former assistant principal at Cooper High School in the Robbinsdale school district.

Became the principal at Minneapolis North High in 2007.

Sudduth, Gary Class of 1971

Former president of the Minneapolis Urban league and nominated by President Clinton in 1994 as a member of the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS).

The Glover-Sudduth Urban League building in Minneapolis is named in his honor.

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T

Teener, Jerome Class of 1935

Founder of TEENERS THEATRICAL COSTUME store.

Former president of the North High School Alumni.

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V

Vaughn, Robert; Class of 1950

TV and Movie

personality. In 1959, received an Oscar nomination for best supporting

actor as a disabled veteran accused of murder in the movie THE YOUNG PHILADELPHIANS.

Best known for his role as Napoleon Solo in the 1964-1968 television show MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.

Some movies include;

• THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN.
• 1969: THE BRIDGE AT REMAGEN.
• 1974: THE MAN FROM INDEPENDENCE.
• 1976: WASHINGTON: BEHIND CLOSED DOORS.
• 1979: BACKSTAIRS AT THE WHITE HOUSE.
• 1980: BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS.

Some television credits include: LOVE BOAT, LAW & ORDER, THE NANNY and WALKER TEXAS RANGER.

Robert's mother, Marcella Gaudel was from the class of 1926.

Viken, Howard Class of 1942

WCCO radio personality.

Vilas, Ernest Class of 1942

North High band director, musician, band leader and a Greek Orthodox Priest. In 1959, his school band was ranked in the top 20 in the state and they recorded a "vinyl" record for all to enjoy.

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W

Washington, John Class of 1964

District wide athletic director for Mpls Public Schools.

Winter, Max Class of 1922

Former President, MINNESOTA VIKINGS. WINTER, an Austrian immigrant and the son of a street-corner apple salesman, managed boxers before World War II. In 1946, he became the general manager of the Lakers. In 1959, Winter landed a franchise in the new American Football League, only to switch his allegiance to the NFL when it agreed to make Minnesota its 14th franchise.

Winter was part of the original five-person ownership group of the Minnesota Vikings, eventually becoming the biggest single shareholder and team president.

He was the No.1 advocate for the construction of the Metrodome.

Winter died at the age of 93 in 1996.

Voted as one of Minnesota's 100 Most Important Sports Figures of The Century (#16) by a poll at the Minneapolis Startribune.

Witherspoon, Shirley Class of 1960

Sang at the Nixon inauguration and toured with Duke Ellington's Band.

Named to the Minnesota Jazz Awards Hall of Fame in 1987.

Wolfeson, Marvin Class of 1944

Partnered in commerce with Harvey Ratner.

Together, Harvey and Marvin brought basketball back to Minnesota with the the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1988.

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Y

Yurick, Margaret Class of 1972

A former forest ranger, Margaret has a trail named after her in the Danali National Park