‘One Last Note’: Robbinsdale High School Alums Embrace Fond Memories

On a Thursday night, the Robbinsdale City Band was playing and hallways were filled with conversation. Energy was palpable. The lively atmosphere was a stark contrast for a Robbinsdale school building soon to meet its end.

Robbinsdale High School — turned Robbinsdale Middle School — has seen thousands of students go through its doorways since it opened on Toledo Avenue North in 1956.

“I met my wife in this building back in 1978 and it took us 10 years to get married and it’s always good to come back home again,” said Tom Ringal, part of the 1978 graduating class.

Ringal brought an old pair of Robbinsdale High School gym shorts to commemorate the building on a night dubbed “One Last Note.” The occasion, held July 16, was a final opportunity for former high school students to embrace the building they grew up in.

“Still have great memories of high school, but I understand about the building being just too big for the community and too expensive to maintain as a school,” said Kristi Gibson, who graduated from RHS in 1970. 

Robbinsdale High School became Robbinsdale Middle School in 1982. At the high school’s peak, graduating classes had more than 900 students. Its student body carried clout across the state. 

“I think we all have fond memories because when many of us went through here, Robbinsdale was first in the state in academics, arts and athletics,” said Howard Schwartz, class of 1969. “Those are great memories to carry. We love those memories.”

Robbinsdale City Band members give a musical farewell to the former Robbinsdale High School building.

Next Chapter

Robbinsdale Middle School is one several schools closing due to declining enrollment and budget challenges. Alums said there are no hard feelings and understood the costs associated with maintaining an aging building.

“When you think about the fact that this building is 70 years old, and it’s been relatively maintained, and recognized in the fact we’re going to need — they would need to do a lot of upgrading – it isn’t worth the money,” said Schwartz.

For Ringdal, the memories are what keeps the building alive in spirit.

“There are still several teachers I had back nearly 50 years ago that still touch me, the things they did and the way that they taught, the care that they have, that has stuck with me,” said Ringdal.

Professional actor Jack Doepke, class of 1968, emceed the event. Doepke portrayed Ronald McDonald in the fast food chain’s television commercials. It was one of the highlights on a night where alums could meet in their old building one final time.

“I’m just glad we had this one last chance to celebrate it,” said Gibson.

Robbinsdale High Schools alums continue to meet the first Tuesday of every month at Wicked Wort Brewing Co. Additional details can be found at RobbinsdaleHighSchool.com.

Jack Doepke emcees “One Last Note,” a tribute to Robbinsdale High School

Also see: Robbinsdale School Board Sends $413M in Referendums to Ballot

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