NOVEMBER 26, 1980
Ronald Reagan Makes Historical Maine Visit
Principal James Coburn informed the Maine West student body and staff via an announcement on the intercom during seventh period on Wednesday, Oct. 29. Mr. Coburn's announcement included the following words:
"Yesterday afternoon I received a call from Governor Ronald Reagan's campaign office. Governor Reagan would like to visit Maine West this Friday. This will be the first time a presidential candidate has ever visited Maine in its 78 year history, or even the city of Des Plaines for that matter.
"Since I believe meeting a presidential candidate in person will be an exciting as well as an enlighting experience, I am now working with the governor's campaign representatives and Secret Service agents to finalize details.
"The program, to be held in the spectator gym, will begin shortly after twelve noon and is expected to last for the greater part of n hour. Student attendance is voluntary although I believe that many of you will take this opportunity to become a prominent part of history in the making and many will invite their parents to attend as well."
Shortly after 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 31 students began entering the gym. At approximately 11:45 Mr. Eldon Burk introduced country singer Johnny Grant, who would act as master of ceremonies for the program before Mr. Reagan's arrival. Mr. Grant remarked that he was impressed with Maine West's campus before introducing the Serendipity Singers.
Mr. Coburn welcomed Governor Reagan, then presented the Maine West Cheerleaders and Pom Pon Squad, who performed a cheer they wrote especially for the occasion. Following the Cheerleaders and Pom-Pon Squad, the Maine West Mascot, Willie the Warrior, presented Governor Reagan with a Maine West sweater which he donned before he addressed the audience.
Governor Reagan started that he was proud to have the jacket and that Maine West was one of the top high schools in the nation before launching upon a speech dealing with economic policy.
Governor Reagan and the speakers who proceeded him were welcomed enthusiastically by the audience, causing Don Totten to say in a letter to Mr. Coburn the following week, "It was a most gratifying display of enthusiasm one which our next President will never forget."
Mr. Coburn on Nov. 3 received a letter from Governor Reagan. The letter in full reads:
Dear Mr. Coburn, Faculty, and Student Body,
Many thanks for the opportunity to visit you and your school. I was most impressed with you, your students, faculty, and administrators.
Your keen interest and participation helped make my visit to Maine West one I shall never forget.
Sincerely, Ronald Reagan