Denfeld High School Posts

Select Images from the 1941 Denfeld Oracle

The Internet Archive hosts the 1941 edition of the Denfeld Oracle. My friends’ grandparents — those are the folks I am looking for in here, I think. And a nod to “then and now.”

Greater Denfeld Foundation thriving after 50 years

Peyton Bradbury, left, was awarded a Marie V. Saltwick Scholarship and the Greater Denfeld Foundation Health Science Award at Denfeld Honors Night in May. He’s in the nursing program at Umass Boston. Xander Schroeder, right, received an Armond Hauge Scholarship, a Greater Denfeld Foundation Award and the Matt Kero #4 Memorial Scholarship. He’s at the University of Minnesota Duluth studying computer science.

Public school students in western Duluth who pursue post-secondary education have found a wealth of scholarship money available in recent decades. It’s all because of groundwork laid 50 years ago, and the generosity of generations of Denfeld High School graduates.

The Greater Denfeld Foundation has been reducing the financial burden of college for Denfeld students since 1972, and has grown to be one of the largest public school scholarship funds in the country. It presently manages more than $8 million in assets according to board president Gary Eckenberg, who graduated from Denfeld in 1968. More than $2 million in scholarships have been awarded to date.

Sexy 1938 Denfeld Beanie

Beanies are not likely to make any back-to-school fashion lists in 2022, but at some point in time Denfeld High School had a line of round, brimless, snug-fitting, maroon-and-gold skullcaps.

Armistice Day Parade, Football and Moonshine Mishap of 1921

In addition to the parade in Downtown Duluth, Armistice Day of 1921 featured two big football games. The Denfeld High School eleven traveled to Coleraine to play for the northern section championship, while the Duluth Kaycees hosted the Minneapolis Marines to determine the state’s professional championship. But the hilarity of the day occurred three miles outside of Floodwood.

Denfeld High School: Tower of Opportunity

Although this brochure for Denfeld High School has a 1991 copyright, the photos appear to be circa 1987-88. Alert eyeballs will spot current Denfeld principal Tom Tusken and Duluth School Board member Alanna Oswald as students in the photos.

Denfeld Jazz Band – “Up on the Housetop”

This video of the Denfeld Jazz Band’s arrangement of “Up on the Housetop” was created for the televised version of the Christmas City of the North Virtual Parade.

Denfeld 2020 Virtual Graduation

Though the COVID-19 pandemic kept Denfeld’s class of 2020 from gathering in the school’s auditorium for commencement, many of the school’s traditions were kept. WDSE-TV and producer/editor Mike Scholtz captured the highlights in this documentary.

Denfeld takes Heritage title; Hermantown wins Hilltopper

Denfeld’s hockey team celebrates its victory in the Heritage Holiday Classic.
(Photo by Bruce Woodman)

The Denfeld Hunters emerged as the 2019 Heritage Hockey Classic champions on Dec. 28, while the Hermantown Hawks captured the trophy in the Hilltopper Holiday Classic. Prep hockey tournaments on the weekend after Christmas have become an annual tradition in Duluth during the past decade.

Denfeld defeated Owatonna 2-1 in overtime to claim its title, with Griffin Lehet scoring the game-winning goal.

Hermantown dominated the Hilltopper tourney, defeating Buffalo in the final game by a 7-1 margin.

Denfeld High School Football Team of 1944

Here’s a peek at what the Denfeld Hunters gridiron crew looked like 75 years ago, in the fall of 1944. That’s legendary coach Walt Hunting up top and center.

Denfeld Lip Dub 2019: “Thank You, Next”

This year’s video from the Denfeld Senior class features customized lyrics and a vocal performance by Kelly Killorin. Video by Mya Halvorson, Kelly Killorin, and Jeremiah Larson. Congratulations seniors! Go Hunters!

Denfeld Lip Dub 2018: “God’s Plan”

Released about six months later than usual and on a budget of $0, the annual Denfeld High School lip dub video is finally out, featuring the song “God’s Plan” by Drake.

Beyond the Gridiron: Made in Duluth

Season 1, episode 11 of the Minnesota Vikings video series “Beyond the Gridiron” profiles Duluth native C.J. Ham, telling the story of his journey from Denfeld High School to the National Football League.

Hall-pass crackdown at Denfeld riles some students, parents

New measures at Denfeld High School designed to limit the time students spend outside class prompted some angry social media posts last week suggesting it restricted students from accessing restrooms.

“No more permission to pee,” read a graphic accompanying some of the posts on Facebook.

Denfeld Principal Tonya Sconiers was not available for comment this week, but said via email the school does not have a new lavatory policy.

Select Images from the 1948 Denfeld Oracle

The Denfeld class of 1948 held its 70th reunion last week. Marking that occasion and the upcoming return to school, we present select images from the 1948 Denfeld Oracle, the school’s annual yearbook.

Foreigner with the Dave Eggar Orchestra and Denfeld Maroon 16 Choir – “I Want to Know What Love Is”

Denfeld High School’s Maroon 16 choir sings “I Want to Know What Love Is” with Foreigner at Symphony Hall in the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center.

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