Bellevue West Class of 1987

Bellevue West Thunderbirds

20 YEAR CLASS REUNION

Classmate Information (A-I)

Select the letter of the classmate's last name to jump to the appropriate section.
Classmates are listed alphabetically and by maiden name. Please note that every attempt has been made to provide correct information. We apologize for any errors. Biographies in red text are from the 10 year reunion; biographies in black text are from the 15 year reunion; biographies in purple are from the 20 year reunion. If you would like your information included please email Lori Ballinger.

A B C D E F G H I

-A-

Chris Adams Maddelena: My highlights are getting married, having my two children and building my house. Children: Tayler - 5, Sidney - 3 months
Eric Alkire
Mia Allen Hall: After graduation, I traveled to California. I was able to do what I love and that was coaching and judging gymnastics for the Central Coast Acro team. My travels to England were wonderful, living in Oxford for 2 1/2 years and in Ruislip (London) for 1 1/2 years. Plus to make life complete, I was blessed with two children whom are the reason for living. My fondest memory in high school was being able to finish and making all the friends I possibly could along the way. Children: Marcus Allen Hall - 6, Brianna Allen-Hall - 1
: We are a retired military family and have traveled both coasts and overseas. We spend time together by sharing in outside activities. Such as horseback riding, camping, golf, museums and shows. We do spend time composing music. I have been a team manager for the elementary level students in Destination Imagination. I teach improvisational acting, story development with research and theater arts combined. Being a mentor to students has always been a passion. To recall fond high school memories, where does one begin? I recall participating on the gymnastic team, JV basketball, track & field and as a JV cheerleader.
: Cheering for fall/winter sports was always fun. It was comforting to know that no one could tell that our faces and legs were frozen when we cheered. No one knew how I kept that peppy appearance. It was by downing two bottles of HI-C grape juice every morning. What a rush. Being a member of the JV basketball team had its moments. I recall intercepting the ball and dribbling down the court. I attempted a lay-up and missed. I believe the coach and I muttered the same words when I missed the shot. Who would have thought that my short legs could jump hurdles and why did I let the track coach talk me into doing a crazy thing. I enjoyed it. Spending two hours a day in Ms. Jordan’s journalism. Or not. We had been tasked to pick up her breakfast at least twice a week. What a great way to cut school with an excuse and gain an easy A. I also had a great time chatting with my friends in the small office adjacent from the teacher’s desk. We shared our hopes, dreams and schemes during those two hours and worked on the paper as well. Children: Marcus Allen-Hall, 16 years old, Brianna Allen-Hall, 11 years old
Michelle Alvarado Keller
David Anderson
Nicole (Nikki) Anderson Oury: I attended San Jose State University and received a degree in recreation. I worked at several resorts and ski areas, settling down in Durango, CO. As an avid rock climbing and back country enthusiast, I became involved in Search and Rescue. I eventually became an EMT-Intermediate and have worked full time on the ambulance and in the ER of a nearby hospital. I am now entering my second semester of medical school at St. George's University.

I have currently completed my first year of residency in Emergency Medicine in the greater area of beautiful downtown Detroit. I spent my last two years of medical school in New York City, with 7 weeks in London ... where I fell madly in love with a British lawyer named James. We had worked together 10 years ago on a dude ranch in Colorado, and had a surprising but amazing reunion. We are getting married next summer in Colorado and which continent we will call home is still a mystery.
: Since our ten year reunion, I have completed med. school and have finished a residency in Emergency Medicine in Detroit, Michigan. I fell in love and married a British citizen whom I had originally met working on a dude ranch in Durango, Colorado many moons ago. We re-met whilst I was in med school and married three years later. He runs a law practice in central London, where we currently live. I have practiced a bit in England, but prefer commuting back to the states for true ER drama! Life has taken us on a crazy journey….we are currently expecting identical twins in August (hence my absence from this great gathering!). Yes, I know that half of you have kids that will be starting high school soon, but we are late bloomers!!! Hoping to eventually settle in Colorado, but for now, London is home. I will miss seeing everyone again, but will hopefully catch you at the 25th! Until then…all the best!
: I have many fond memories of high school and have always looked back on that time in life as such an innocent and fun time. It is life, but I am sad to have lost track of so many people! I suppose my favorite memories are of Thunderettes and football games and parties afterwards (usually sponsored by my incredibly liberal, and not always on her best behavior, mother!). From pom-poms to Boonesfarm, spring pops concert where I did lose the beat, to proms and homecomings, Friday pep rallies, cold winters in Lori’s convertible, DECA and conferences and sneaking a cigarette thinking that Mr. W. wouldn’t know, drivers ed. with our instructor continually falling asleep, the big rebellion of spray painting an 87 on the parking lot, to the senior ski trip in Colorado…oh that bus ride! Can’t really name a favorite memory, but I do know that we seemed to have a pretty good time whatever we got up to! Hope things at Bellevue West haven’t changed! Children:due date Aug 6th – identical twin boys!
Rebecca (Becky) Anderson
Warren Apel
Brian Austin
Yvonne Averett

-B-

Sharon Badillo Dawes

A few years after high school I moved to Annapolis, Maryland and attended Townson State University. I lived there for four years and then moved back to Omaha in 1992. I finished up my last few college credits at UNO and received my bachelor's degree. I am currently working at Mutual of Omaha as a project manager in the I/S department. I have been married to my husband Mitch for one year. Neither of us have children but we hope to sometime in the near future. When we are not at work we spend most of our time traveling and playing golf.

Paul Bakker

Butch Ballinger

The highlights of my life are having our first child, July 4, 1996, getting married to Lori Bankey in 1992, living in Lincoln for four years, working for Union Pacific Railroad and learning about life, being baseball captain and MVP, "The White House", #2 party on the dorm list. My fond memories from high school are no MIPs (although I could have earned many), beating East in the mud, beating Papillion for our only basketball win, beating Millard North (who were #1 at the time) in baseball and the ensuing party, Johnathan Robinson's party and the 50 MIPs, beer, pizza and banana splits. Children: Thomas - 1

I married Lori after my four years at UNL. I am still with Union Pacific Railroad, but I am on the management side in Signal Design now. I was the Head Freshman football coach at Bellevue East last year and we had an 8-1 season, losing only to Papio South the last game of the year. I was then asked to join the varsity staff and am working on the Offensive side of the ball and in the booth on Friday nights. I’m lucky to coach with Gary Wood and Phil Burlingame. I still play softball three nights a week in the summers and help my parents out with their business as needed.

Mostly, I remember my “smoking hot girlfriend,” now my wife. Golf courses, Impalas with big front seats, not to mention homecoming and prom twice, doughnuts, and extra lunch punches on Thursday and Fridays. Romantic sweet lines, appropriate music, body air guitar, and dating my whatever is better than "soul mate." Mr. Kelly saying "consequently" over 650 times. Grudge basketball games at Sterb's and sometimes Rick's. Playing quarters at the many parties at Rick's. Beating a number 1 ranked Millard North in baseball (and the ensuing party) on a Wednesday night. Beating East on a rain soaked football field after all the talk of how they “dominated us in every way except the scoreboard" the previous year. Mrs. Olsen's senior English class with all the girls and the poor 4 guys that had answer for all men. Tough gig. Meeting all of our other classmates in every different class from Calculus to Woods. Last and definitely not least all of the Boyz: Roon, Rock, Sterb, Goo, Wood, Poles, Steve, Rick, and Jimmy. Children: Thomas Alexander Byshe-10 and Colleen Page-8

Teena Bangert-Smith

Lori Bankey Ballinger

The highlights of my life are the arrival of Thomas on July 4, 1996, marrying my high school sweetheart, Butch, in September, 1992, starting my business (Grant-It) in December, 1994, graduating from college (UNL) in 1991. Fond memories from high school are endless nights watching Butch play baseball, freezing at football games, and lots of parties, specifically March 9, 1985. I remember banana splits and Boone's farm, my little red car and lots of loud music. Children: Tommy - 8 months (as of March, 1997).

It's just easier to do this together...We were married in 1992 after graduating from UNL. (It will be 10 years on Sept. 12th!) We have the two kids and everything that goes with shuttling them to and from their many activities. Butch is in the Signal Department at Union Pacific Railroad and has just passed the 10 year mark with them. He also coaches Freshman Football at Bellevue East - which gives the annual East-West game an interesting twist. They were undefeated this year! I am with Edward Jones Investments in Bellevue. I am very active in the community with things like the Veterans Parade, PTA, Sarpy County Heart Association and the Bellevue Community Plan. (And, of course, this reunion!) I was also chosen to attend my college sorority's (KD) Annual Leadership Conference in March - on them. I have political aspirations and we'll see what happens in the future. We both had great times in high school with our friends. All the parties, games and people, we had great experiences at West. Oh, and we started dating along the way. Children: Thomas Alexander Byshe - 6, Colleen Page - 3

Butch and I got married (for anyone who didn’t already know or figure it out) in 1992, it will be 15 years in September-take that Mr. Kratina! We have come a long way from those two kids that hated each other at Logan. He is truly the love of my life and we continue to be best friends. I graduated from UNL with a degree in Journalism in 1991 but worked in the finance industry most of the last 20 years. I am currently co-authoring a book with my dad about a WWII fighter pilot. Butch and I have two kids and a number of pets who keep us pretty busy with sports, activities and cleaning. I have been sick a lot since the last reunion, so I am just happy to be here!

I made a major career change since the last reunion. I went back to school and got my teaching certificate through Peru State College. I now teach 7th grade Science and English (on a half team) at Mission Middle School with the Bellevue Public Schools. I also coach 8th grade girl’s track, 8th grade boy’s football at Mission and U8 soccer with the Bellevue Soccer Club. I spend fall Friday nights cheering for Bellevue East and am proudly a silver-wearing, double-wing supporting, coach’s wife. (We still cheer for West, as long as it’s not against East) I call Butch “Ball-genius” and am very proud of what he’s been able to do so far at the Freshman level. With school, coaching and our busy family schedule (and this reunion) I have no time for a life or other activities and have gladly given up the ugly world of politics.

I have a lot of vivid memories of my time at Bellevue West. I made great friends, most of whom I am still in touch with. I figured out that my smart, but annoying, Chem. Lab partner was a great boyfriend (and a fantastic tutor-in more ways then one!) even though he was a little too skinny. I also remember all of the great parties (March 9, 1985 started it all), the cars, the dances, the first jobs, bonding over Boonesfarm or a fierce quarters game and all the BOYS! I miss my car! I remember stealing a bottle of $100 wine with Heather O. before the Valentine’s Dance (nice gum), introducing Michelle H. to public school--eventually corrupting her into my MIP crime partner--"I'll drive the getaway car!" Heartbreak when Karen Black and Steph Brown moved and then meeting Nikki "the blonde goddess" when she walked into a party with MY boyfriend! The "Awesome 8" forking all the “Plastic 7's” yards one night. I almost got arrested with Kimbo (BH 90210/Bellevue 68005) the night we dug the 87 into the hill! But, we saved all the diggers (and stopped Martin from setting it on fire in the meantime) with some smooth talking and pretending to be juniors decorating for prom. Cathy G. "Bob, totally-free checking" denting my car while driving home from Lake Manawa. I remember spending a lot of time my senior year with all Butch’s friends, whether I wanted to or not! Al-rock, Sus, Rick, Jimmy D, Goo, Gary-Mornin' Wood! Worlds of Fun with "gimmee a drink" Sterba, a prom not taken with Polonis and Rooney--where would I even start with Roon. Named our kid after him. Tim, John, Chris & all the other football players that picked up my VW Bug (with me inside) and moved it to the back of the lot before practice. Figuring out that the “other” Lori and I could be friends after all J, Buffi and our Raspberry Beret summer, Sabine telling her mom I was preggers to get out of trouble, Diane--whom I first trusted with my deep, dark secrets, Gina who rolled me off the bed at Nik's and kept our college dorm room in a perpetual state of darkened chaos, Heather J and the biker dude before the football game, Julie Z who became one of my first friends even though I tried to be a badass at the beginning of our Sophomore year. (Thanks for bringing me out of that!) Carrie Davis-stealing Al’s car with her house key and all those journalism stories we wrote, Kari Lentz and her great BIG hair (which I loved-really!) Then there was Michelle Mongeon--my best friend from Jr. High, we went our separate ways at BW, but you were always in my heart! So glad we are together again. And last, but not least—The West Wind, DECA, Pep Club and all the football, basketball and baseball games we enjoyed. Children: Tommy “T”-11 on 7/4 and Colleen "Cat"-8

John Batts

Karen Black

Dean Bleess

Kevin Blinston

James Blomquist

Diane Bonemeyer Garduno

Cheryl Bottorff Tinch

Dana Bradshaw Schuldt

Thomas Bremer

Cathy Brennan Riedel

After Bellevue West, I went to UNL and graduated with a degree in business administration. Before my career, I wanted to travel and back-packed Australia and New Zealand for six months. Since then, travel has become my career. I moved to Los Angeles and worked for Australian Pacific Tours who sent me back to Australia to live for one year organizing tours. I moved back to Los Angeles until the city was too much and moved to Tucson, AZ. I enjoy Tucson and am working for Qantas Airlines. My travels include Fiji, Indonesia, Hawaii, and Mexico. Lately, I thought about settling down. Maybe not?

It has been a busy few years for me. In 2003 I moved to Chicago then 2004 moved back to Cleveland, Ohio when I got married to Ken Riedel. Sept 30, 2006 our little girl Anna was born now I'm due with number 2 a few days after her 1st birthday. I still work for Quantas Airways but, from home, so I love the flexibility. I fly to accounts in the Midwest (including Omaha) a couple times a month. After the end of June my doctor wants me to be grounded. Children: Anna - 8 months

Cody Bridges

Mishaun Brown

Stephanie Brown Richey

Sabine Bruce Jordan

I received a BS in Architectural Studies from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. I am currently an International and domestic flight attendant with Delta Air Lines.

Shaula Burger Ross

Lisa Burke Phillips

After graduation I married my high school sweetheart, Corey Phillips. Our first home was in Dornstadt, a small village near Neu Ulm, Germany where Corey was stationed as a member of the US Army. After Germany, he was stationed at Ft. Drum, New York, where we lived until 1994. We eventually ended back in Bellevue, where we live at the present time. We have been blessed with three beautiful boys. Children: Jamie - 11, Joshua - 10, Jake - 16 months

Corey and I have been married for 18 years and have 4 boys. I’ve been going to school the last 3 years for graphic design/web development/art (after going through my nursing, liberal arts, business & accounting, and landscape design college phases) and will finally graduate from UNO this fall.

I’ll always remember the fun times I had with Laurie, Marie, Carol & Cheryl, attending nearly every heavy metal concert that came through Omaha (my dad was right – I should have used those ear plugs he always gave me to wear), all the wild and crazy things I did that I would kill my teenagers for doing, and of course all the wonderful times I had with Corey when life existed without bills and kids. Children: Jamie - 16, Joshua - 15, Jake - 6, Jesse - 3 (almost 4)

Martin Burnham

Steve Burt

-C-

Cindy Campbell Arnold: I went to Bahner College of Hairstyling in Omaha and I worked at Hair Biz in Bellevue. In March of 1989, I moved to Knoxville, TN. I got married in May of 1991, and had a baby girl in August, 1993. I am currently working for a major radio station in East Tennessee (WIVK). Our format is country music. My husband grew up in Tennessee and is a firefighter for the city of Knoxville. I enjoy working part time and being a mother. I get to meet lots of people at the station and I enjoy that, too! One thing that I distinctly remember is going to World's of Fun in Kansas City with the choir. Mark Hansen pulled down my shorts while standing in line for a ride. Luckily, I had a long T-shirt on! Anyway, when we got back, about a week later, someone did the same thing to Mark in chemistry..he was holding a fragile project in his hands and had to just stand there! By the way, thanks to whoever got him back. Children: Kara - 3 1/2

The highlights of my life are my husband Jim and daughter Kara. I have a great job at a radio station and we have a blast there! I have been there 8 years and love it! Check it out online at www.100theriver.com Children: Kara Lee - 8
Seanna Campbell
James Card
Dennis Carpenter
Kevin Cartwright
Lisa Caufield Stogdill
James Chappell
Gene Chevalier
Bruce Chism
Karen Clanton: I have traveled for my job for 2 years throughout the U.S. and I currently work with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. My fondest memory from high school is that no matter what clique anyone was in, we all stuck by each other through thick and thin.
Bill Clark
Julie Clark Zweifel
Don Compton
Lisa Cook Bell: I moved to Southern California in 1998. I taught Elementary School in Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and currently for L.A. Unified since 2000. I married my husband Tom in July of 2006. Tom and I love to travel. We've traveled to Tahiti, Bora Bora, Fiji, The South of France, Italy, and London. We sailed together 10 days in the British Virgin Islands and will be leaving for the Grenadines in August to sail. I love to run, read, walk along the beach, snorkel, and sail; drink wine and BBQ with friends.
Melissa Cordes Bourke
Tracy Cordes Corral
Kyla Covi Brannen

-D-

Carrie Davis-Sachs: Children: Jake - 6, Ben - 2, Ellie - 8 months; I like to tell people that I have three children and two on the way (I’m getting married in August and will gain two step children). Up until this last year I’ve been lucky enough to be a stay at home mom for most of my children’s lives. That all changed when both of my parents retired and I was brought on as General Manager of their companies. Going from mommy world to business world has been a wild ride but I’m enjoying most aspects of it. I’m getting married again to a great guy, Marcus. He teaches high school science (at Bellevue East next year) and coach’s high school football. Between the kid’s sports and Marcus’ obligations we seem to be in constant motion. Luckily we live on a lake so we don’t have to go very far to relax. I’m having the time of my life.; So many things come to mind but I think my favorite memories involve doing stupid things with my girlfriends. There are WAAAAY to many to list. We could never get away with anything like it again! We would be jailed for grand theft auto, public indecency, public intoxication, vandalism, the list goes on………Luckily we were young and cute (and never caught). Children: Jake-11, Ben-7, Ellie-5
Lisa Davis Nelson: I married Mark Nelson on 8/10/96. I graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in 1991 with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Personnel Management. I am currently pursuing a master's degree at Drake University in Des Moines, IA. I am currently employed as a Human Resources Generalist with Amerus Life Insurance. I am still running and I completed the Twin Cities Marathon (1995) in four hours. I plan on running more marathons in the near future.
Lisa Dehnel Qualls
Stephanie Demers
Carol Denny
Cheryl Denny
James Ditoro: Tina and I currently keep very busy with our three children and their activities. My wife, Tina (Oholendt - East '87), is teaching preschool at the Welcome school here in Bellevue and I am a manager with Union Pacific Railroad. Children: Taylor - 7, Alec - 6, Brendon - 4
Bill Dominski: I served in the military for six years (U.S. Air Force), and graduated from Bellevue University with a bachelor's degree in business management. My fondest memory from school is the parties.
Stacy Duncan Holzapsel

-E-

David Evans
Rachel Evans
Melissa Everingham Silbey: I'm divorced and have a 6 year old daughter. She will be in 1st grade. I'm a medical assistant and work at a hematology and oncology group here in Tustin. I enjoy my work and plan on doing more schooling for x-ray tech. I enjoyed my high school years. The one thing I will always remember is that my friends were always there for me. Thank you. Children: Jerrica - 6

-F-

Laura Fleckton Wilwerding: I graduated from the University of North Texas with a BA in biology and went to medical school at UNMC. I graduated from UNMC in May of 1995 and currently am in my last year of pediatric residency at UNMC/Creighton. My husband, Dave, and I stay busy with our two girls, Kailey and Margo, and enjoy being in Omaha and close to friends. Children: Kailey - 6, Margo - 10 months
Brad Foster
Mary Fowler Kravec
Steve Fowler
James Frankland
Ritt Freeman

-G-

Christine Gable Colantoni: After graduation, I attended Temple University in Philadelphia, majoring in English Literature. I then moved to Berlin, Germany, where I lived for a year, working in a school and traveling throughout Europe before returning to the States to begin graduated studies. I received my Masters from the University of Pittsburgh in Communication Science and Disorders and I'm now a speech-language pathologist in Northern Virginia. My current interests include golf and travel. I have a hard time singling out one fond memory of my years at Bellevue West, because I have so many - thanks to my friends and the times we shared.

I'm working as a pediatric speech-language pathologist, living in the Washington D.C. area. I have been married to my college sweetheart Craig for 6 1/2 years and mother of a delightful 2 1/2 year old daughter Josie. I enjoy traveling and recently returned from a cruise. I also enjoy spending time with my family and good friends who keep my days filled with laughter and fun. My fond memories from high school are the 1986 band trip to Orlando and having met my 2 best friends that I still keep in touch with and see as often as we can! Children: Josefina "Josie" - 2 1/2
: Highlights in my life include the births of my three children 7-year-old Josie and my 2-year-old twins Eli and Ava, as well as each day with them and my husband of 11 years, Craig. I currently enjoy riding and showing (hunt seat and dressage).
: Wow-after 20 years it’s hard to believe that I still have such strong memories of high school, but I do…And it’s all because there were so many great times with great friends. Children: Josie-7, Eli-2, Ava-2
Tressa Garcia Hudson
Rhonda Gasper Peterson
Kristine Gerbus
Tom Gilbert
Matt Gilreath: I joined the Air Force on 1/26/89 and I have supported operations Desert Shield/Storm, Pacific Haven, Bright Star, Nobel Anvil, Enduring Freedom and Joint Task Force 6. I have seen the world in the last 13 years and can honestly say there is no place like the USA. I've seen enough blood, hunger and disease to last two life times. On a positive note, I did finally retire from soccer. I was privileged to play with ex-World Cup players from around the globe and work with the Olympic Development Program. Memories: The Omaha Central Track Invitational - the one and only Gold Medal I won in the pole vault. For one brief moment, I was the best. Children: Chelsea Lynn & Amber Nicole - 9 year old twins, Cameron Warner - 14 months
Missy Gleason Hatcher
Shawna Gore Sahs: The highlight of my life is my husband, Darrin, and my three children. I will celebrate my 10th anniversary on August 1, 1997, and am very happily married - no divorce for me all you doubters! I like doing crafts with my mom and taking pictures of my kids. I also sell wedding, social and business stationary for Carlson Craft. My fondest memories from high school are Mark Hanson falling off his stool in 7th hour chemistry, and Grant Sandborn crying to the English student teacher our junior year and ending up with an "A" on his Beatles term paper. Children: Cody - 6, Branden - 3, Cara - 1

As of August 1, 2002, Darrin and I will be happily married for 15 years. For the past 2 years I have been home-schooling our children. I plan to continue until they graduate. I love it and it works great for us! I wish I could come to the reunion and catch up with everyone. My baby sister just graduated with a master's in business and accounting and is getting married June 15th. We will be going to Texas for a reception. I hope everyone has fun! I remember correcting Mr. Russo when he would make math errors on the board. He would be so embarrased! Remember all of his sweater vests? I wonder if he still has them. Children: Cody - 11, Branden - 8, Cara - 6
: I am still married to Darrin Sahs and we will celebrate our 20th anniversary on August 1st, 2007. I home school my three kids and work part-time at West Bellevue Church. I can’t believe we have been out of high school for 20 years!! Children: Cody-16, Branden-13, Cara-11
David Graham: My highlights are getting married and working for a respectable firm in computer systems. The best time was going to a school that I still have a very high respect for!
: I have had tons of success in my life, but have had failures. I am happy to say I work for Northrop Grumman Corporation, the dream job I tried to get almost 15 years ago. I found out that my wife at the time didn't really care about me, just her own interests. I have two great kids, and they are now with their dad for summer time. I got into the computer industry and do very well with what I have learned. I have not taken the time to go after my degree in computers, but my real-world experience and technology I have taught myself has really done me quite well. After my wife and I separated, I re-located to Chesapeake Virginia, if I must say, the most beautiful place in the U.S. I live 30 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and about 1.5 hours from Cape Hatteras, and I don't have to worry about snowstorms and ice storms anymore. I have found new life with friends and found the woman of my dreams. I now live my dreams, two wonderful children and a very wonderful woman. I won't make the same mistake twice.
: I have been involved with Civil Air Patrol (CAP), being both a communications expert and the Nebraska IT Director. I brought Nebraska CAP from the Stone Age to the modern age with desktop computers, networks and internet access. I have also found a lot of peace and fun working with flowers, more specifically roses. I also do R/C Airplanes and have one with a 5 foot wingspan. A lot has happened in 2005 and 2006, my grandmother passed away after a multi-year battle with cancer, and in April of 2006, I lost my dad to a 2 year battle with cancer. I would have to say, I do miss him quite a bit and miss the guidance that he provided to me. Rest peacefully dad, I do miss you. I do have to say my biggest interest is my children, and raising them the right way.
: A fond memory of school would have been all the years of marching band and the competitions. and the acquaintances that I have made from there. I do keep in touch with a couple of friends from school, Warren Jurek, Carrie Moore. Best wishes to the Class of 1987, again I unfortunately cannot attend the 20 year reunion but look forward to coming to a 25 year reunion. Children: Anne Marie - 9, Elizabeth Suzanne - 8
Michelle Granier Miller
Cathy Guerrero

-H-

Laurie Hagglund
Kaydra Hailey
Chris Hall
Karen Hall Eckl: The year after I graduated, I moved to Michigan where I received my teaching certificate to teach special education. I married in 1992 and were stationed in Oklahoma City where we've resided for the last four years. We are now planning a move back to Michigan. I resigned from teaching and love being a full time mother and running my own business. I have a lot of good memories of Bellevue West High Schools. The ones I remember most are laughing at the jokes between Kratena and Lebedz and enjoying the humor of Mrs. Hargus. I enjoyed putting the yearbook together and laughing at the candid shots - some of which I still have. But most of all, my greatest memory is the friends I made and kept in touch with over the years. Children: Hannah - 14 months.
David Hansen
Mark Hanson
Catherine Harger
Tanya Harrison
Bethany (Buffi) Hatcher Janssen: I have been married to my husband Jeff for and years and we have two beautiful girls, Brittany and Brooke. I currently manage the healthcare division of an accounts receivable firm. Children: Brittany - 6, Brooke - 1

I have worked for Omnium Worldwide, previously Advantage Receivable Solutions, for the last 6 years. Currently, I am the Director of Operational Compliance. I work very closely with our Sales, Operations and IT Departments. This is a new role for me. I was out of town on business away from my children the week of September 11th. Like so many, I quickly realigned my priorities and my children became first. I have 2 daughters. Brittany is 11 years old going on 30. She is going into the 6th grade next year and is very active in sports and music. God help her, but she is a mini version of me. My younger daugher Brooke is 6 years old. Like most children, she has no fear of anything. She will be in 1st grade next year. Her teacher this past year was Julie DiGiacomo (Kujawa). Brooke seemed to inherit my trait of talking in the clasroom instead of listening. However, the two of them really had fun together. I wish everyone all my best. Children: Brittany - 11, Brooke - 6
Mike Hayton: I attended Arizona State University for two years of graduate school as an archaeologist (Olmec specialist). Participated in two major digs in Veracruz, Mexico. Dropped out after two years, but continued working as a contract archaeologist for a few years before hanging up my trowel and becoming a respectable (??) member of the mortgage banking community. I spent 10+ years in the mortgage industry. The highlight of that career was my training and certification as a Six Sigma Black Belt. I used that training and experience to “escape” the volatile mortgage industry. I now work as a Sr. Process Improvement Analyst for DHL Express. I’m married to my wife of 12 years, Laura Godwin. My three kids are both troubling and tremendous! They make it all worth it.
: School year memories: My fellow ASSociates… Didn’t you want to see what was under the trench coat? Well you should have looked then! 20 years hasn’t made it any prettier! Peach Riunite on ice ...that's nice! Children: Jacob Hayton (11 – boy), Asher Hayton (9 – boy), Isabel Godwin (6 – girl)
Stacy Heald
Tracy Hedger
Steven Henry: I spent two years in Korea as a LDS missionary. I went to Ricks College and received two associate's degrees, one in math and the other in physics. I transferred to Idaho State University and received a BS degree in physics. I am currently finishing my MS degree in physics and looking for a job. I have been married now for almost six years and I have a beautiful two year old daughter. Children: Stephanie - 2
Stacy Herman Medals: I graduated from Midland Lutheran College in Fremont in 1991, with a BA in English and Journalism. I moved to Texas, worked part-time and tried graduate school. Realizing that I was burnt out studying, I left grad school and went out into the workforce. I worked at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas as a research assistant and then in their medical administration department. I also worked for an HMO. I met my husband, Steve, in 1994 and we got married in 1996. We own a home in Richardson, Texas and have 3 beautiful children. I have been fortunate enough to be a stay-at-home mom since the beginning of my first pregnancy. I hope I never have to go back to corporate America because I hate pantyhose and I am not a “yes” woman. I do, however, have a small business out of my home. I design cakes for all occasions and it has turned out to be a lot of fun and a great creative outlet!
: One of my biggest “goofs” (and I know there were many) was during the drama production of “Seven Keys to Baldpate” Someone was supposed to shoot my character, Myra Thornhill, and the gun wouldn’t go off. I didn’t know what to do, so I pretended like I’d been shot, then the gun went off! Classic. I will never forget being sent to the principal's office for wanting to publish an article in the "West Wind" about birth control. Mike McMahon and I went to the Bellevue Leader and started all the commotion, that I believe--eventually led to changing the archaic sex education policies in Bellevue Public Schools. I will also never forget the "Curious Savage" sleepover. We ended up in a very high speed chase following god knows who, in our pajamas. When I think about it, I'm surprised no one got killed. Children: Emma-9, Willa-6, Elliot-3
Mark Hettinger: I married December 21, 1987 and joined the Air Force in August 1988. I was first stationed in Washington state until April, 1995. I am now stationed in Japan, where I spend about 200 days a year floating around the Pacific Region (Thailand, the Micronesian Islands, Korea, etc.). I spent time abroad during Desert Shield/Storm. Yes I'm still into cars (many will remember), but most of my time is spent as a Fly Crew Chief aboard a C-130, and balancing time with my family. Children: Brittany - 8, Mark Jr. - 6, Kayla - 4
Robert Hettinger
Kristi Hiljus Filkins
Tony Hill
Heidi Hiltbrunner
Robert Holst: Children: Chad - 7, Christian - 6, Abby - 18 months
Preecha Hoorod
Kevin Hope - passed away 1994
Dawnell Hoppe
Darlene Hrabowski
Erin Hughes Horvath
Lynn Hubka - passed away 1989
Michelle Hughett Miller: My greatest achievements are having my beautiful daughter, and being married to a talented and accomplished musician (he's currently recording his 3rd album). I am a professional makeup artist (member of the Florida Film Commission). I am currently employed as a celebrity makeup artist and image consultant for Home Shopping Network. I also freelance for TV and film makeup in Orlando. My fondest memories are Carrie Davis-Sachs: Blue Moon over Bellevue (my most embarrassing moment): Steve Jesus: "M & Sus" for Prom King and Queen; Lori Bankey-Ballinger: So many great memories and so many great moments we can't remember (Boone's farm...), but I'll never forget being arrested together. Children: Hannah Grace - 8 months; I made some great friends in my 2 years at Bellevue West. Lori, Heather, Carrie…. Great nights spent in Petey and Red the Red Rabbit. I also remember the fascination people had with "mooning" along with Mr. Kratina's fascination with black fish net stockings. DECA trips were also a blast.; Definitely the biggest highlight would be having my daughter Hannah. I was fortunate enough to work as a make-up artist for movies and television for many years. In 2000, I took a 6 1/2 year break to help raise "at risk" kids at Boys Town. I also served on the Boys Town City Council for three years. Now I'm back to doing what I love (hair and make-up). Unfortunately, that meant going back to school, which is what I'm doing now. I still enjoy my hobby of photography. Children: Hannah - 10

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Cean Ingram: I received a bachelor's degree from UNO. I am currently teaching 7th grade English at Lewis & Clark. I am going back for a master's degree, but I can't decide whether to work on an English major, history major or education major. Children: Paige Breci - 3
Bryan Irwin
Jean Iwai Eisenhut: I married a wonderful man, Joey Eisenhut, this past spring. We met last year while we were both living in Virginia and assigned to the Pentagon. He has a daughter who just graduated high school and will attend Texas Tech. Since graduating form Bellevue West and Iowa State, I’ve served in the Air Force for 15 years, with assignments in Colorado, California, Alaska, Ohio and Virginia. I’ll be moving to Hawaii later this summer to join Joey and be prompted to Lieutenant Colonel as well. All the rest of my sisters (5 Iwai’s in all) have graduated from West, the last being Natalie in 2004.
: Memories include trying out and making Thunderettes with Lisa Cook, decorating the commons an Enchanted Forest for senior homecoming, DECA trips to Milwaukee and later to New Orleans. Band competitions and the trip to Orlando. Working at Millard Lumber and going to Sprite Nights at Peony Park. Seeing a ton of movies because my best friends worked at South Cinema, receiving an Air Force ROTC scholarship and getting to graduation just in time to find my place in line!