It’s hard to believe, but on May 25th, Rufus King graduated its 74th class, adding to the wonderful legacy of our alma mater that began when its doors opened in 1934. Among this year’s graduating seniors were 89 International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma candidates, as well as others who took at least one IB course and test. There were 901 IB tests taken this year, equaling potential college credit. Every IB test and research paper made these students better equipped to succeed in the competitive world of higher education and the workforce.

This year, the graduating class earned potential of more than SIX MILLION DOLLARS in college scholarships. While not all scholarships were taken – since some were for the same student from competing colleges – the total amount is still phenomenal. When you hear all the negative things about public education in the news, you know two things for sure. One is that you are jut hearing sensationalism and the second is that they are NOT talking about our Rufus King High School.

This year, not only did Rufus King have its traditional high school campus at 1801 West Olive Street, but a sixth grade was started at what used to be McNair School on Fairmount and 24^th Streets. This “Middle Years” IB program sows the seeds for future Rufus King High School IB students.

Despite positive news from our alma mater, the Alumni Association was not able to help as much as we would have liked. While excellent advice from the Milwaukee Foundation kept us from losing much of our investments, the value of those still lowered in our weak economy. We hope to grow the fund to use interest to help students pay for IB test costs and other academic needs. You may have read about our interest in working with an alum architect to brighten up the campus, but a lack of funds and manpower means that will have to wait until we have more volunteers and a stronger economy. Still, alumni still helped the school in meaningful ways, such as volunteering to proctor IB tests.

The poor economy continues to hurt Rufus King. Teachers were laid off, and not a single textbook could be purchased in the 2011-12 budget. Your Alumni Association has resolved to work even harder this year and do what we can to help those current and future students by giving of our time as well as funds, in honor of whence our education sprung forth. Your donation to our 501(c)3 Alumni Association is tax deductible, and shows your commitment to the future of our alma mater, and our community and nation at large by investing in students who are eager to learn.

If you haven’t already, please join or renew your membership in the Alumni Association and help sustain the future of our great high school! Download the membership form at: http://rufusking.org/index.php/alumni/alumni-documents/doc_view/1-alumni-association-membership-form

Don’t forget to join us at ALUMFEST 2011 on July 24, 2011. On that Sunday, at 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. we again meet on the athletic field at Rufus King High School to meet friends and classmates, honor this year’s distinguished alumni, eat and be entertained. This year will serve to be another great success. Be there if you want to have a good time. As always, current students will be glad to give tours of the building as you remember the good times that you had as well as the times that you were so scared because you thought that you should have studied for that test just a little bit harder.