Twenty-five years ago last month I graduated from Luverne High School.
It will be five years ago next month that I returned to Luverne High School as a social studies teacher.
Needless to say, it was fun and interesting to return to my alma mater 20 years later in a new role.
So many things had changed obviously.
Yet, somewhat surprisingly, so much had stayed the same.
Sometimes exactly the same.
I remember walking into the school in May 2017 for my interview and several times in the following months.
I was rather amazed at how the building largely looked the same and even smelled the same.
While I had been in the building from time to time over the years, being there every day brought back a lot more memories of and comparisons to the LHS of 20 years earlier.
There’s no doubt many people returning for the Cardinal Pride All School Reunion this weekend will also be eager to return to LHS.
Of course, unlike my experience five years ago, alumni who take advantage of the tours or attend the special events at LHS this weekend may not experience quite the same nostalgia I did a few short years ago.
To say the least, Luverne High School has experienced a tremendous transformation in the last three years.
A $31 million expansion and nearly complete renovation, to be precise.
Former students who visit campus this year will see many changes to the building.
In fact, I predict many alumni who have not been in the building in years may in some places find their old school almost unrecognizable.
And that will really be fun.
From a new entrance with a huge commons space and a 778-seat performing arts center to an impressive weight room/wellness center and new learning spaces, offices and lockers, the LHS of the past has changed a great deal.
No more eating lunch in the basement.
No more Little Theater.
No more institutional, indestructible tan tile everywhere.
So much has changed.
And yet, believe me, so much has stayed the same.
The original terrazzo floor is still in the hallways.
Even with new paint and bleachers, alumni will recognize the old gym, now called the “Classic Gym.”
And yes, the tan tile is still in the basement.
More importantly, though, learning still happens in the updated classrooms.
Relationships are still fostered in the new commons.
Music and theater arts are still showcased in the performing arts center.
Cardinal athletes still compete to the best of their abilities in red-accented modern gyms and fields.
And in all ways, LHS students feel the support of their community in their beautiful, functional school facilities.
Maybe more than ever, students, staff, parents and community truly feel Cardinal pride.
As an LHS alum and teacher, I sure do.
And I can’t wait to share it with all of the alumni and guests who return to LHS this weekend.