Deseret News | Reader comments: Alumni, graduates alike bid fond farewell to Granite High

Reader comments
A fond farewell to Granite High

LG | 6:34 a.m. June 5, 2009

Any idea on how we can snag a "Forever Farmer" T-shirt? As a graduate of Granite High I would love to have one....

Flo Wineriter | 7:07 a.m. June 5, 2009

I wish there had been a Public Ceremony inviting all former Granitians to render a final singing of "The Song of the G". Graduates have made generous contributions to our community for more than 100 years. Flo Wineriter, class of 1943.

Its about time | 7:34 a.m. June 5, 2009

The building was unsafe, its about time..

Comments continue below

Forever a Farmer! | 7:46 a.m. June 5, 2009

I graduated from Granite in 1995, my brother in 1991 and my sister in 2004. My grandfather graduated in 1945 and my wife's grandfather graduated as a Farmer in 1919. Granite runs deep in my family and it is a sad day to see it go. One of the disappointing things about things about western states is that they have very little respect for history and historical sites. I know that the school is old and it is hard to keep up, but today our state loses a flood of history and memories.

Anonymous | 7:46 a.m. June 5, 2009

I too wish I had know of the ceremony. I would have attended with pride. Lance Ashton class of '79

Farmer out in NYC | 7:57 a.m. June 5, 2009

Just called the school and they are not selling any shirts. Real shame! I would have loved one and they could have made some extra cash. A dollar is something these days. Also according to the woman I spoke to, apparently there will be no open house in June. Another shame, I would have flown in just for that :(

Lissette Aliaga, class of 1997

Anonymous | 8:01 a.m. June 5, 2009

I am a former Granitian from a time in its glory days when Granite's studentbody of 2500+ boasted one of the best Concert Choirs and school musicals around, thanks to Ralph G. Rodgers, Jr., a great sports program, a precision Pep Club (with famous red petipants), thanks to "Nellie" Nellestein, an impressive creative dance program, thanks to "Chris" Christensen, and excellent academics. We proudly wore red and blue on game days and my heart still skips a beat remembering "The Song of the G"

I recently learned there is a museum there. What will become of it? Similar others disappeared along with the school. I hope the June commemoration will allow us to view it and we will be assured there will be permanent placement for these valuable mementos. Granite IS history - the real kind - and holds a prominent place in Salt Lake Valley/Utah history.

I loved Granite, hated to see it "die" a slow, painful death, with the inevitable population shift. I hate seeing these historic buildings be lost forever like the corner L building did, and hope a community center can be created so it can live on in our eyes, like South High.

Lloyd Neeley '75 | 8:05 a.m. June 5, 2009

When sights and sounds of the campus
Fade in the long, busy years,
Yet will return in our memories
Echos of old songs and cheers!
You of the field, track, and diamond,
Fighters for clean victory,
You who love the fair, square sport;
You'll hear the Song of the G!
Go it, Granite, Go it Granite!
Hear the battle cry!
Go it, Granite, Go it, Granite!
Yours 'til we die.
She will remember, you'll not forget her,
Though you are far away.
She is calling, calling, to you ever,
Honor the Grand Old G!

The school may be closing, but this will definitely not be the last time the "Song of the G" is heard. While alumni of other schools would barely recognize their school songs if they heard them, any Granitian can sing theirs proudly and loudly, and by heart.

Congratulations to the graduates of this final class! And welcome to our honored society of proud alumni. And always, always, honor the Grand Old G!

disillusioned | 8:20 a.m. June 5, 2009

It's about freaking time!!! Granite High was a "hole"!!! Totally discriminatory that this school was the school providing public school to all those diverse students in South Salt Lake!!! It should have been knocked down 40 years ago when Cottonwood High was built!!! Cottonwood High should have been it's replacement. I guess one of the GOOD side-effects of the economy is that it has finally forced Granite School District to come to grips with the reality their district should have been facing decades ago!!!! Their stupid, biased and prejudiced school board has forced buildings to stay open when half full, have forced new buildings be built when they should have been built elsewhere to replace old, aging, falling a part buildings. This district has WASTED money for decades--and been discriminatory to the MAJORITY populations of diverse students by forcing them into horrible school buildings for decades. So it's about FREAKING time they close this school!!! The only thing I'm sad about is that they weren't forced to wise-up earlier and name the elitist Cottonwood High Granite High to keep some ounce of pride for the district!!! What a bunch of waste!

B Y High Allumni | 8:28 a.m. June 5, 2009

I know the feeling. I was part of the last group
to attend B Y High in Provo, along with its last graduating class of 1968. Brigham Young High was
accually part of the original Brigham Young Accademy began in 1875. It went on to Unversity status. B Y High consisted of grades 7 through 12, all mixed together in a student body of 300 plus students. They held there own in academics and sports. The restored Education building, now part of the Provo Public Library is the remaining memory
and monument to this institution.

Russ Sturges (1974) | 8:32 a.m. June 5, 2009

Although miles and years have seperated me from the mighty "G", I'm still a FARMER through and through. Three cheers for the Red and Blue.

Valeen | 8:39 a.m. June 5, 2009

We should all go to the graduation tonight. And all of us call the school and district and demand we have one last goodbye. We were denied a celebration of Granite turning 100 yrs old because that was the first year it was changed to a "non traditional school". Granite was a GRAND school and we deserve to have some sort of open house our something where we can all gather and say goodbye and take pictures. I to would have loved to get a shirt. We need to have the last say!

Beetdigger, class of '91 | 8:46 a.m. June 5, 2009

Deepest sympathy to all who are sad about Granite's closing. There is strength in being part of the tradition of a Grand Old High School. The Farmers' retirement is a loss to the entire Old Guard: Beetdiggers, Miners, Smelterites. There are many meloncholy hearts, today.

Honor to the Grand old G!

Nancis | 8:48 a.m. June 5, 2009

I didn't go to Granite, but remember how cool I thought it was when there Student Body officers came to my school, Highland High, and backed us when we were heading to the state playoffs. The got up in an assembly we were having, and told us of their support for us. I mean, how often does that happen?? It gave me a new perspective of them. Both my elementary and junior high schools were closed while I was attending them, and it never is easy to see that happen. High schools are even more dear to the hearts of those who attended them. Granite your school may be gone, but won't be forgotten!! You've left a great legacy behind!!

Sorry dislilluioned | 8:48 a.m. June 5, 2009

Cottonwood was the school that should have never been built. That money could have gone a long way to making a newer and better Granite High School as well as helping Olympus and other schools. Instead Granite District put 3 schools so close to each other that the only way for them to sustain each other was to priate students from Granite to sustain the "high ego" progams of Skyline and Cottonwood. Olympus has tasted that sour pill also. Priate buses travel from their boundaries also. Last week there were 2 poor step-sisters to Skyline and Cottonwood, now there is only one. Watch out Oly, as the population base diminishes and the district can no longer find enough students to bus from other schools, Olympus may be next to die.

Reader | 9:06 a.m. June 5, 2009

Sentimentality aside, Granite High School should have been torn down several years ago.

Ardis | 9:07 a.m. June 5, 2009

Graduated 1965. Good old Granite High.
Back then it seems like we knew everybody from miles around that school.
Reo Thorum (sp) was the principle. Remember Della from the front desk?
What I wouldn't give to go back in time and relive some of those wonderful times.

CB | 9:31 a.m. June 5, 2009

Anonymous 8:01 and I were from the same era. Didn't get to graduate from Granite. Had two wonderful years there with my husband (53), but went on to be in the first graduating class of Olympus. Over the years have gone to all of the reunions and enjoyed reminiscing over those 'glory days'of the fantastic musicals, big band dances and Granite pride.

Now What?? | 9:47 a.m. June 5, 2009

The report left me hanging as far as someone who's not familiar with Granite High... What do they plan to do with the building and facilities? Do they go into mothball status, will they try to sell the property to raise funds? How much money will it cost for school district to keep them up? There's a whole lot more to his story that hasn't been reported on. Yea, I'm sad for the students and memories. But c'mon -- include these other obvious details.

Bye Granite | 10:48 a.m. June 5, 2009

I graduated from Granite in 1997. I am sad that Granite is closing but understand it is necessary. But the good things I gained from Granite High will remain. Fortunately fond memories do not require brick buildings where they took place to sustain them.
-Gardner Gee

Kara B | 11:38 a.m. June 5, 2009

My parents, my husband my brothers and their wives all graduated from Granite High--back in the day! It was a great school, had great sports teams, cheerleaders, choirs, newspaper and a yearbook that was a consistent national award winner. Makes me very sad to see it close!

Amber English | 12:49 p.m. June 5, 2009

Reading this story has brought back so many memories of my years at Granite. I would have loved to come back for one last time to celebrate in true Farmer style. Congrats to last graduating class. GO! GO FARMERS! GO!
Amber English class of '97

Farmer, '79 | 2:32 p.m. June 5, 2009

Granite was a different school in '79 - it excelled in many areas. I have stayed in touch with what was happening there - thankfully great teachers remained and the students felt a great sense of loss when they were required to transfer out a few years ago (when Granite became an alternative school). For many the transfer to Cottonwood was a letdown - Cottonwood seemed like an administration-centered (rather than student-centered) factory, and the teachers were not as friendly and caring.

I will always cherish my memories and associations from Granite High - what a wonderful school and tradition it has been!

Anonymous | 5:42 p.m. June 5, 2009

Love ya Granite! You made me the person I am today and I thank you for that. I am proud to be a Farmer. They can take our school away but they will never take the memories.
Terri Drashner Class of 76

Gaylerd (Gayle) Wineriter | 8:04 p.m. June 5, 2009

Just heard of the obituary for my old Granite High School. What great memories
it brought back from my years I spent
there including my graduating class of
1946. Although I now live in Florida I
do go back to Salt Lake on occasion and
always drive by Granite, stop and reminisce a bit and recall the many happy times there. What a shame.

Remembering | 8:15 p.m. June 5, 2009

And let us not forget that LaVell Edwards began his coaching career (football AND wrestling) at Granite High.

Mary Lythgoe Bradford | 8:57 p.m. June 5, 2009

I graduated from Granite in the class of 1948, I kept a diary that proves Granite's ongoing influence on my happy life as a writer teacher, wife and mother. We had the champion basketball team under Coach Baker, whose brother-in-law waa our principal. The yearbook under Miss Madsen and the newspaper under Miss Reynolds gave me wonderful background for my career. Miss Mason was the world's best grammar teacher. The friends I made there are still with me albeit some are now on the Other Side. Thank you, Granite--I shall never forget you!

Copiers all 12 | 9:33 p.m. June 5, 2009

I came from a family of 12 kids who all proudly graduated from Granite High School - oh the memories when we get together!! What a great school it was. If somebody can find out where the T-shirts were printed I would love to have then print up some more.

HWK | 5:09 a.m. June 6, 2009

I attended Granite Youth Symphony there in the late 80's.

From the east parking lot up to the band room there were exactly 100 steps.

We called them the Dreaded Steps of Wednesday.

I wonder where they'll host GYS now?

Connie A- Class of 68 | 7:43 a.m. June 6, 2009

Look for Granite School District and South Salt Lake to announce an open house on July 3 in conjunction with the Fourth of July Celebration and fireworks. I have already called Granite District to volunteer to help. I'm sure we will be singing the song of the G. I have a T-shirt which was designed by Granite teacher and alum, Stan Maeser, and it is amazing. I'm pretty sure they are planning on printing more T shirts. Thanks to all who have supported what we did at Granite. See you July 3.

Billie Edwards Reese | 9:26 a.m. June 6, 2009

I graduated from Granite in 1971. I attended alongside the Copiers and so many others. I have fond memories of Granite and would love to buy a T-shirt too.

Proud '08 Graduate | 10:41 a.m. June 6, 2009

Granite High was a wonderful place, even after the Granite School District gutted it in 2006. The last two years of my high school experience were THE BEST. I loved my teachers and peers and because of experiences I had at Granite High, I am now studying to become a teacher. I will do my best to Honor the Grand Old.

Doug Bickley- Class of '73 | 8:20 p.m. June 6, 2009

Hate to see the old school die! They will never kill the spirit that was Granite High. Luvs to all my old friends and a special howdy to Uncle Jimmy (Jim Robertson) director of bands and my guiding light in those tough growing up years.
Dorothy and I are living in Cedar City these days,but will always remember our years at Granite High!

Class of '63 | 8:35 p.m. June 6, 2009

Thanks for the memories!!
Honor the Grand Old "G"

Mark Maeser - Class of '85 | 9:50 p.m. June 6, 2009

As long ago as 1985, Granite was a pretty diverse school. That was one of the things I really loved about attending school there. I could be part of all kinds of different crowds and learn from associations with many different cultures. By 1985, the school was also beginning to dwindle in numbers. And while many on the outside would think that was bad, I tried to make the most of the different opportunities it presented me. To 'Disillusioned' and anyone else who would 'Dis'respect any Granitian -there are PROUD FARMERS everywhere you go, and we are true to our school!

Pamela (Zwang) Lynn 1972 | 8:10 a.m. June 9, 2009

I certainly will miss knowing that my old school will be there whenever I visit Utah. High School was the greatest time and the things I learned there outlive any of the old buildings and financial problems of the school and district. I will always be grateful to Jim Robertson and Dr.Anderson for the lessons they taught me. They have gone far beyond the music we performed. I live in Kent, WA now but will always be a PROUD FARMER !!

Shel Anderson | 11:48 a.m. June 10, 2009

I'm class of '58. My dad, my siblings, and my wife all went to Granite too. The FARMER spirit is in our blood! Just a few years ago my wife taught there as a para-educator, and she was still delighted to sing the school song.
We'll all be sad to see the school close. Yes, perhaps the buildings did need to be made safe or demolished (I felt bad when the L building came down years ago). But the school is more than the buildings. Why could not the name live on in new buildings?
How sad it is to see traditions wiped out. Granite High produced some of the best citizens of our state. For our part, we will still sing the "SONG OF THE G," and we'll "NOT FORGET HER" though she will now be only a memory.

Sherian Peterson Fleming | 6:15 p.m. June 10, 2009

GOODBYE OLD FRIEND..MANY FOND MEMORIES NEVER TO FORGET. CLASS OF 1958

Margo Kinghorn | 7:53 a.m. June 11, 2009

So sad to see Granite go. It is an old school and it would be nice if they could find a use for it. Anonymous above remembered Ralph Rodgers (Choir) and Chris (dance). I too remember them. We proudly wore the Red & Blue on game day and had tons of school spirit. It will be sad to not see it if it is torn down.

Denis Prisbrey | 5:21 p.m. July 2, 2009

Couple names I remember here.

Flo, glad to see you're still around. Do you recall a Mrs. Livingston from long ago?

Pamela, yours is a name from the past.

Was looking forward to the walkthrough tomorrow night, now I'm not so sure.
When I was there '67-'70 we had 2400 students, down to 300 sounds ominously like the place may have changed for much the worse.

FarmerPride #55 | 9:29 p.m. July 10, 2009

Granite High was not only a school but it was a home away from home.

Loved the diversity that no other school had and the pride out of such a small population of student body.

i was a junior when the district decided to take away my sports before my senior year and was one of the first freshman to attend the grand ol' G.

Now the tradition only lives on only in the memories and hearts of the past classes.

Class of 2007 baby! much Love Granite

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