Alan ‘Goofus’ Ammesmaki

NEGAUNEE — A sense of community and a successful school district go hand in hand. In that spirit, Negaunee Public Schools is naming music, arts, sports, and social leaders to its inaugural NPS Hall of Fame.

“Conversations have taken place about how important our alumni, staff and community have been in molding our district into what it is,” said Negaunee Public Schools Superintendent Dan Skewis. “We wanted to create a space in our district where we could recognize some of these individuals. The idea behind the project is to honor those that have made significant contributions to making Negaunee Public Schools a very special place.”

Out of the nomination process, which began in November, 18 individuals with “impressive life resumes” were compiled for the ballot, according to a press release Tuesday.

From that pool, NPS Band Teacher Gerry Anderson, Super Fan Alan “Goofus” Ammesmaki, longtime Negaunee Miners Coach Dick Koski, NPS performing arts and choral teacher Mary Trolla and H.B. Krogman – who is known as the father of NPS athletics programs were selected by 46 voting businesses and individuals from the community.

Anderson who taught band in the district for nearly four decades, contributed to the community by directing the Negaunee City Band for several years.

Ammesmaki was a 1969 graduate of Negaunee High School was widely known as a dedicated lifelong fan of the Negaunee Miners, and had a reputation for entertaining people in community parades, nursing homes and sporting events with his one-man band or polka cello.

Koski coached at NPS from 1968 to 1999, and it’s been estimated that he directly coached 550 to 650 players in that time. He ore than two-thirds of his games at Negaunee with a record of 208-96-1, including a high-water mark of 13-1 and a trip to the state championship game at the Pontiac Silverdome in 1991.

Trolla produced large-scale school musicals at NHS as the Junior and Senior High School Choral Director from 1962-1986 during that time she earned the title of Upper Peninsula Music Teacher of the Year.

Finally, Krogman established and coached football, baseball and track and field programs. He is also responsible for establishing the “Miners” nickname and color scheme.

Skewis said the NPS Hall of Fame will hold an open house in the newly renovated lobby of the Lakeview Memorial Gymnasium some time in July and a formal induction ceremony will take place in September.

“The first five inductees are true examples of people who have put our district in a position of pride,” Skewis said. “In addition, they have ingrained the thought, in our current staff and community members, of continuing this tradition of excellence. We look forward to having the community see the hall of fame.”

Skewis said members of the public who wish to become a lifetime voting member of the NPS Hall of Fame can make a one-time donation to the organization. The cost is $200 for businesses and $50 for individuals.

“Of course donations will also be accepted by those who wish to do so,” Skewis said, “regardless of whether they want to be part of the voting committee or not.”

He also said anyone wishing to donate Negaunee Public Schools memorabilia that could be used to display in the hall of fame should contact the school’s administrative offices at 906-475-4156.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.