High School Graduation Rates Highest in Iowa

Congratulations to the students and teachers at Iowa High Schools.In figures just released, Iowa has a 91 percent graduation rate, the highest in the U.S. See the story HERE. That means 9 out 10 high school students in Iowa finished what they started.  This is a testament not only to the students but to Iowa's teachers.  I don't remember all of my teachers from Cascade High School (it was more than 30 years ago), but I do remember a couple who made learning fun.  One was Ron Roling who taught Math and Social Studies.  Mr Roling always had a smile of his face and some how got us to do things we didn't think we were capable of. I hadn't seen him for several years, then I ran into him last summer.  He went out of his way to stop and say hi to me during a live broadcast on WJOD.  It was nice to see he remembered me as one of his students. He still had a smile on his face, the one I remember from High School.   One of the other teachers I remember is Larry Takes.  He thought Math and physics,  I liked Math, but hated physics.  Somehow Mr. Takes managed to get me to learn more than I thought I could.   He also surprised me the summer after I graduated.  He had just purchased a brand new car...a Ford Mustang convertible.  As a joke I asked him  if I could take it for a test drive.  He tossed me the keys and said "Go for it". I was shocked. Who else would trust an 18 year old kid like that. Of course I took him up on the offer and took the Mustang for a spin with my girlfriend Shari, who is now my wife. Larry passed away in a car accident several years ago. I can still remember his signature shoes, a pair of boots with the toes pointed up.  I still see his wife Linda sometimes when I'm back in Cascade.  I had many great teachers in High School, and I have them to thank for teaching me the skills I needed to succeed.  So thanks to all the teachers that make learning possible.   We can never thank you enough.  Ken.