You who are graduating in the Class of ’56 have reason to be proud of the new high school you helped create and establish. As Charter Members of Rich High, you have set high standards for those who follow. Your educational program has been designed to fit you for life in a world of increased production, greater purchasing power, automation, air and space travel, longer life expectancy, more leisure time, and higher standards of living. May your dedication to high ideals, service to your fellow man, personal achievement and love of knowledge be constant and rewarding. Godspeed.

Eric R. Baber
(Dr. Baber was the first Superintendent of Rich Township High School, beginning in 1952.)

A letter from Dr. Eric Baber, of Newton, Kansas, written April 5, 1986, to Michele Kearney Eisner, of Manhattan Beach, CA, Class of 1956 vice-president, on the occasion of the 30th 1986 Reunion. This was published in “The Best of Times” booklet Michele edited and copyrighted for that reunion.

Dear Michele,

Thanks for-notifying me of the October 4, 1986 reunion of the RTHS class of '56. Although Mrs. Baber and I cannot be with you for the get-together in Matteson, IL, we hope you will give our greetings and very best wishes to each one there.

You are a very special group, and I am delighted to learn that some of you have kept in contact with each other these past 30 years. Reading the list of names, I can still see a number of you in my mind's eye, as you looked then. I remember the enthusiasm you had, and what a privilege it was to be associated with you and your teachers in establishing the new school - starting with the 9th grade in the U.P. Church building. That was real pioneer stuff, and you all took part in laying the foundation for what was later to become one of the fine secondary school systems in the nation.

We were lucky in those early days to have such excellent support from the community, and to enjoy the leadership of a Board of Education that wanted the very best of educational facilities and programs for you. There was a great deal of discussion during the year before the 9th grade school was started. Not every parent agreed 100%, but a pretty good concensus emerged favoring the philosophy upon which Rich High was founded. In brief, they wanted you (1) to acquire the knowledge, intellectual skills, and attitudes toward continuing learning that would stand you in good stead in the years ahead; (2) to develop an appreciation of your cultural heritage and to give consideration to the common good; and (3) to achieve your own individual potential through study and a variety of educational experiences that would enrich the quality of your lives.

To all this, you responded magnificently. You worked hard and heaped success upon success, not only in academics, but in so many school activities. Who, for example, can forget the National Science Scholarship awards, or the "Singing Rockets" on national network TV in New York City, or going to the basketball "Sweet Sixteen" the very first year we had a four-year high school? There are so many good memories.

That first group of teachers was special too, and since you are honoring Ray Janota at your reunion, I must say that "Mr. Biology" epitomized the dedication to academic excellence and the concern for each student as a person, that characterized Rich High. He was and is a good friend of us all, and I add my tribute to the honor you pay him.

After leaving Rich, I had several other interesting jobs. One was to help establish a Southern Illinois University branch which later became the Edwardsville campus. Another was to serve our country as United States Assistant Commissioner for Elementary and Secondary Education. And finally I became a university professor and Director of Research Services at Illinois State University. I have been retired from professional work for some time now, and as I look back over my career, the Rich years are perhaps closest to my heart. I felt an esprit-de-corps there and a sense of cooperative accomplishment that made me believe we were all a part of something going on that was very much worthwhile. I know you must feel so too. .

Good luck, and have fun on your 30th.  May you all meet again on your 40th and 50th and . . . . . ?

Sincerely,
Eric R. Baber

All World Rights Reserved. Copyright ©1986 by Michele Eisner, and by the Rich Township High School Class of 1956, ©2001.

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