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Notes and remembrances from my high school classmates and friends,

written in my graduation yearbook


Notes from my senior year high school classmates, recorded in my 1970 American Fork High School yearbook.  The notes are listed alphabetically by the student’s last name:

  • Abbott, Dixon — “Hi Mike, Well, it has sure been great having you in my English class.  Best of luck always.  Dixon.”
  • Adams, Janet — “Hi, Mike, I sure have enjoyed singing a solo in seminary while leading the songs.  It was very inspiring.  It’s been great having you in my classes and I know you will make your mark in the world.  Lot of luck, a senior friend, Janet Adams.”
  • Adamson, Loraine — “Mike, I’m glad I got to know you this year even though you didn’t get to play seminary bowl with our little group.  We really needed you.  You are a neat guy and I wish I could have got to know you better.  Good luck and congratulations on being representative student.  A friend from seminary bowl, Loraine Adamson.”
  • Adamson, Mark — “Mike, I would like to thank you for tolerating me this year.  I know I got to you a little.  You are a very bright kid.  You are bound to be a success.  Best of luck.  Mark Adamson.”
  • Allen Lee — “Mike, I would like to thank you for your friendship.  You are a great guy and I am sure you will go far in life.  You’re a great kid and I wish you the best of luck.  Hope to see you in future years.  A senior pal, Lee Allen.”
  • Barrington, Evan — “It is such a privilege to be able to write in such a great kid’s yearbook twice!  Evan (Barrington)
  • Barrington, Evan — “To the Sterling Scholar in Mathematics, Congratulations on all those honors that you have received.  You’ve really done a lot, and kept it up as a senior too.  You are by far the best student of our class.  I sure wish I could study like you do.  It’s really been great going through school with you and I know you have lots of success ahead of you.  Evan Barrington.”
  • Bennett, Bobby — “Hello Mike, It has definitely been interesting, although not especially instructive, for me, due to my immeasurable (namely it’d be gauged on a negative scale) desire, inclination, and especially affinity or infinity (whichever) (where was I anyway?) for chemical and trigonometric studies, being associated and a fellow, although not comparable, student in Chemistry II (for two agonizing months for Mr. Bean) and trigonometry.  Oh well, no more math for me.  I think I’ll major and minor in reading, rioting, and arithmetic (the 2 + 2 = 3 variety) at the BYU.  I imagine I’ll run into you sometime unless you’re successful in eluding me.  Anyway, it’s been great knowing you.  Bobby Bennett.”
  • Billings, Brent — Hi MIke, Well, school is at an end, finally.  Save some brains for someone like me.  Have fun this summer.  Brent Billings.”
  • Bishop, Linda — “Well, President, it has been a long year and now it has come to an end.  I hope it hasn’t been too hard on you.  You must admit they didn’t give you too many songs to choose from [in Seminary classes]. .  I hope that you have success in all you do.  Have a fun summer.  From a seminary classmate, Linda Bishop.”
  • Brooks, Mary Jo — “Hi, Mike. Well the year is finally over, at least that’s good for us ‘dum-dums’ but you could probably go forever.  Oh well, you be good this summer and study hard for school next year.  Good luck in the future.  A senior pal, Mary Jo Brooks.”
  • Buckner, Kim — “Mike, It has been a long school year.  You’ve been alright to have in my 5th period class.  I don’t know if I will see you after school so have a lot of fun and good luck until I see you again.  Kim Buckner.”
  • Bullock, Glade — “Mike, It’s been a real great four years together.  You are one person I really think a lot of.  You have many talents and abilities that I’d never dream of having.  I guess Miss Ferrin reached someone, and I know she didn’t reach me.  Now that you’re out of school, don’t get lost.  It is a big world out there.  Good luck to you in the future but I doubt you’ll need it.  A friend, Glade Bullock.”
  • Collins, David — “Mike, If I never have another friend of your quality, I shall consider myself rewarded for knowing you.  Please do not abandon your diligence in the pursuit of excellence.  There is no need to wish you luck, as I know you will make your own luck in anything you do.  I hope to always have the privilege of knowing you,.  Please keep in touch.  A dear friend forever, David (Collins)”
  • Cook, Dennis — “Hello Mike, It has been fun having you in my gym class.  I hope you enjoy the summer and your future college life.  Dennis Cook.”
  • Day, Ruth — “To Michael Taylor, Well, I really don’t dare say much about how nice, handsome, sweet, smart, cool, nutty, fun, kind-hearted, smart-alecky, awfully blah-blah-blah you are, for fear you will accuse me of lying.  So I won’t say anything about that.  Okay with you?  Question: What do ducks do when they fly upside down?  Answer:  They quack up.  Truly, I have really enjoyed my association with you over the years.  Your hard-working and fun attitude I admire.  I respect you for your constant defense of truth and high standards.  I don’t have to tell you to keep up the good work because I know you will.  Hey did you know that Columbus actually started out with 5 ships, but 2 fell over the edge!!  Did you laugh?  I like that joke.  By the way, it was an exciting event in my life when I acutally saw you lose your temper during that volleyball game.  How could you take it out on the benches when you knew deep down inside it was all your own fault that the ball went out of bounds.  They say a person’s real character shows up when he is under pressure.  Well, good-bye friend and buddy.  I will miss your stupendous help in my college math classes.,  Rats. Shoot. Flip.  Darn. Ugh. Rats.  Goodbye, a friend always, Ruth day.  PS – I like to run barefoot in the grass.  Do you?”
  • Dean, Monte — “Mike, The best all around player in gym class.  It’s been a pleasure knowing you this past year.  Good luck in all you do.  Monte.”
  • Durfey, Louise — “Michael, With your mind and talent you will not have trouble doing the things of your fancy, but best of luck to you anyway.  Louise Durfey.”
  • Durfey, Louise — “Mike, thanks for the “great” scripture.  I have enjoyed being Vice President under you in Seminary, even if I didn’t do much (oh, well).  The best of health, wealth, and success.  Forget-me-not, Louise Durfey.”
  • Durrant, Kevin — “Hi, Mike, It has been fun going to school with some good guys like you.  Have fun this summer. Kevin Durrant.”
  • Durrant, Turana — “Hi ya Mike, I guess it’s about over.  Sad fate.  I really have enjoyed knowing you.  You’re one heck of a nice guy and I wish you all the luck in the world.  Drop in some time at the dorms.  I know you’ll accomplish a lot if you just stay cool.  From a ‘has-been’ yearbook editor and friend, Turana Durrant.”
  • Eatough, Greg — “To Mike, It seems that whenever I do anything, I am always number two.  You are always there doing better or more or something.  But don’t worry.  While you have been competition, you have also been an inspiration.  But throughout the rest of your life, remember these three thoughts: to thine own self be true, trust in God, and is there any talent in being tall?  A friend, Greg Eatough.”
  • Ellison, Ray — “Well, Michael D. Taylor (fellow AP English dropout), It is kind of spooky graduating from high school.  After snowing teacher for four years, it is going to be hard for me to really hit it in college.  Mike, I have really appreciated your friendship throughout the years.  I really admire your great talents and abilities.  You’ve really got what it takes to be a success in life.  We never did quite make it with the Evelyn Woods speed reading course, but maybe we can take it again and see if we can handle it or at least you can handle it.  I hope we can always be good friends.  Best of luck. Ray.”
  • Evans, Gary — “Well, Mike, School is just about over now, and it’s been a whole lot of fun having you in class, answering all the questions that the teachers have asked.  I hope that all your wishes come true.  Have fun and be careful.  A friend, Gary Evans.”
  • Evans, Nephi — “Hi Mike, Well, this year has come to an end and it just doesn’t seem true.  It seems as though it was just yesterday that I went to kindergarten and thought how big and tough I would be in high school.  Well, I’m here now and I’m not all that tough.  Congratulations, Mike, on all of your accomplishments.  Good luck in whatever you endeavor to do.  Have fun always.  A close friend, Nephi Evans..”
  • Gardner, D.R. — “Mike, Well how is the wonderful, fabulous, Seminary ‘All-Star’?  We should have stuck with it and we would have been eating ‘top sirloins’ instead of chicken at the ‘Beach Boy’.  You are really a person to look to for an example, Mike, you are very sincere and humble in all your endeavors and I really appreciate your friendship.  Good luck in whatever you do and I know with your personality and qualifications you will succeed.  An admiring friend, D.R. Gardner.”
  • Gauger, Dennis — “Mike, I’ve really admired you this year and respected you this year for your attitude towards school..  You’ve provided an example for me, one that I’ve unfortunately not followed.  I’ll always remember the friendship that we have shared with each other and I hope that the close of our high school  days will not terminate our relationship, for I cherish it greatly.  I hope you have great success in your college endeavors at the “Y” and I hope to see you next fall.  Have lots of fun this summer with your hot car (heavy Chevy) and your many chicks.  Thanks for your friendship and example!  A fellow representative student, Dennis (Gauger)”
  • Greenland, Aileen — “Hi Mike, You are a nice kid to get to know.  How did you enjoy Seminary Bowl?  Keep up the good work.  A Senior Pal, Aileen Greenland.”
  • Hansen, Allan — ‘Mike, It’s finally over and I can’t believe it.  I’m too young to be out of high school.  Mike, you really have what it takes to make the most out of life.  I have really enjoyed your friendship.  Just stay as good as you are and I know that you your dreams and ideals will come true.  A friend always, Allan Hansen.”
  • Hansen, Carla — “Hi, Mike!  Gee, this year has been great (especially Miss Ferrin’s class).  It sure has been great getting to know you better.  You’re so smart, nice, and all that it takes to get anywhere in this life.  I know you will be a big success.  Good luck always.  Much happiness in all you do.  A friend always, Carla Hansen, Senior 1970, Cheerleader 1968-1969 and 1969-1970.”
  • Harding, Lance — “Hello Mike, It was great knowing you in gym this year.  When I was on your team we always seemed to win all the time.  Lance Harding.”
  • Hardman, Randy — “Hi Mike, Well, congratulations on your many accomplishments this year.  you’re a very brilliant kid.  I hope you go far in your education after high school.  Keep up the good work.  A senior friend, Randy Hardman.”
  • Harvey, Karen — “Dear Mikey Taylor, It has been a real pleasure associating with you these last few years.  I didn’t really get to know you until I doubled with you to the Prom in that fancy Cadillac.  It was fun, even though I did have a few problems with my earrings!  It has been great being a Sterling Scholar and Representative Student with you .  I know you will do a great job on your talk, and that will be hard to follow.  Have fun this summer and don’t’ forget me.  A senior friend, Karen Harvey.”
  • Heinz, Terrie — “Hi Mike, You are such a smart guy, it makes me feel even more dumb than I actually am!!  You’re a real good kid with a great personality!  Be good!  A senior pal, Terrie Heinz.”
  • Jane — “Hi Mike, It seems like I knew ya a lot better last year but I haven’t really been around you very much this year.  You’re a real good guy.  Too bad you won’t be back here in dear old AF high to be with our class next year.  Be good and have fun in college.  A moldy Junior friend, Jane.”
  • Jensen, Tom — “Howdy Mike, Well it has sure been nice hearing about all your great school achievements this year and all the other past years.  You have been a real great competitor in whatever sport we play, whether it is high school or Mutual.  Have a good time this summer.  A friend and neighbor always, Tom Jensen.”
  • Jorgensen, Lorraine — “Mike, It has been real nice having you in my classes this year. It seems good to graduate but sad to leave all our friends.  Good luck to you in the future.  Hope to see you around in the future.  A friend, Lorraine Jorgensen.”
  • Kanno, Mike — Well, Mike, it has been a long year but it’s finally over with.  Good luck in the future.  Mike Kanno.”
  • Kleinman, Lynn — “Hello, Mike!  I guess if I am going to fill up this page I’d better write BIG.  It look like this year I have only been able to have one class with you and that has only been for a half of a year, but I can tell you that your goodness and sincerity has helped me a lot and I would like to tell you that it has influenced me a lot although it doesn’t look like it, but I have raised my goals in life.  You are really great and if your are going to the BYU next year I guess I’ll be seeing you there.  If not, come up to my house and see me.  A friend, Lynn Kleinman.”
  • Kelley, Mrs. Linda Young — “Mike, Intelligence like yours can’t be wasted so good luck always and when you’re a big doctor, I’ll bring all my little kids to you when they have a snotty nose.  Good luck.  Mrs. Linda Young Kelley.”
  • Laycock, Kathy — Mike, It’s been great knowing you all these years through school.  Have a lot of fun this summer and good luck in everything you do.  A friend, Kathy Laycock.”
  • Magleby, Kirk — “I add my seal of approval to all the other trite, worn-out phrases that make the rounds about his time of year.  You, though, Mike, are something Special.  I have enjoyed and savored my experiences with you as I presently anticipated an Ensign activity.  Best wishes for a successful and happy year. A grateful friend, Kirk Magleby.”
  • McKinney, John — “Mike,  It certainly has been a pleasure being in the same physics class you were in, even though it was not the class I really excelled in  (except sleeping).  I think Randy Smith and I set a new record in that category.  I wish you luck in the future even though I realize that luck has no effect on the way you perform.  Success always, A friend, John McKinney.”
  • McLachlan, Nora — “Well, Mike, We made it!  And it sure feels good.  Mike, you’re a great guy and I have really enjoyed associating with you .  Keep up the good work and keep in touch.  Fellow senior, Nora McLachlan.”
  • Merkley, Mark — “Hi, Mike.  It was fun sitting by you in Miss Ferrin’s English literature class.  I guess I was a little too much for the old gal.  She is a pretty good teacher once you can start to respect her.  You’ve really had a fine year in your academic achievements.  I’m proud to have been able to sit next to you and enjoy your humor.  You were really a beam of light in a class filled with idiots.  Good luck in your future and be sure to keep in touch with all that you’re doing.  I know you’ll be successful in life because you’ve got what it takes.  Be the best.  Fellow graduate, Mark Merkley.”
  • Meryhew, Steve — “Well, Mike, I will be sneaky even though Miss Ferrin is up there watching us.  It’s been all her pleasure having the class of 1970 for her first period.  It sure has been fun this year.  Now we get to go to the big “Y” so until then have a good vacation.  It’s been groovy with ya.  Solid!  Steve Meryhew.”
  • Miller, Kristine — “Mike, It sure has been a fun year having English with you.  It is hard to believe we are all through with high school.  You’re a swell kid – always stay that way.  Hope to see you in the future.  Good luck in all you do.  A senior friend, Kristine Miller.”
  • Miller, Maury — “Big T, How is everything and everyone treating you?  Well, you A scholar, good luck in the future.  You are great kid and got a lot going for you.  I hope you have enough time to come and play basketball for our church team.  See you around, Maury Miller.”
  • Nelson, Carol Ann — “Mike, Can you believe it’s really us graduating?  Those years just passed right by us so fast.  Good luck in the future.  A friend, Carol Ann Nelson.”
  • Nicholes, Rob — “Well square dance partner and team captain.  It has been a gas being on your team and winning all year.  I don’t think it will help my grade though.  On well, that’s the way things go.  Good luck in whatever you do, although I doubt you’ll need it.  We will see you around.  Be cool and all that.  A friend always, Rob Nicholes.”
  • Olsen, Mike — “Mike, I can hardly believe that we are finally out of school.  It’s been a great four years.  You are a real great guy and I have really enjoyed your friendship through the years.  Good luck next year in college.  Have a fun summer and I will see you later.  A friend and former neighbor, Mile Olsen.”
  • Pace, Kevin — “Mike, It has been fun having you on a basketball squad this year.  Keep the faith and always love the world.  Kevin Pace.”
  • Pratt, Valerie — “Well, Mike, Another year has passed and we are graduating.  These past years sure were fun.  I’ll cherish them always.  Good luck in your future endeavors.  I know you’ll go far.  Hope to see you this summer and in the future years.  A friend always, Valerie Pratt, classmate of 1970.”
  • Priday, Carolyn — “Hi, Mike.  Well, our senior year is over and we have just that one big final step left — our talks at graduation ceremony!  I sure wish you good luck, but you won’t need it.  That’s really great about all your wonderful honors and your great scholarship.  You’ll really go far!!  I can still remember when you came into Mrs. Amberg’s room in the 8th grade the first year, and I’ll never forget “Pettit’s” class.  Good luck to you always, you’re a great guy.  A friend, Carolyn Priday.”
  • Rasmussen, Dean — “Mike, We all have come a long way, but you have come a longer way, with all your achievements and everything.  You really have been a swell kid, so keep up the good work in whatever you do.  Keep up your high standards and keep cool, by all means.  A friend, Dean Rasmussen.”
  • Richins, Nancy — “Hi Mike, We are finally going to graduate so I guess it has all been worth it.  You’re a really smart kid.  Keep up the good work in everything you do.  Lots of luck in the future.  A friend, Nancy Richins.”
  • Roach, Verlin — “Hi Mike, I’d like to take this small space to let you know that I have really enjoyed knowing you and that I’d like to wish you the best of luck always.  You’re a great guy and to me you’ll always be one.  Thanks for your friendship and I hope to see you during the summer.  A friend, Verlin Roach.”
  • Robinson, Terri — “Hi Mike, The school year is over with and you are no longer a mighty senior, but an alumni.  I bet you’ve enjoyed this year very much.  I hope you have a gun summer and good luck with your future years.  May the Lord bless you with lots of success.  Congratulations on your award for your good work in school.  You really have a good head on your shoulders.  From a 12th Ward friend and neighbor, Terri Robinson.”
  • Russell — “Mike, To a very good kid named Mike.  It sure has been fun knowing you this year.  See ya around.  A friend, Russell.”
  • Shumway, Lynette — “Hi Mike, I’ve enjoyed knowing you these past years (5th Ward).  I can’t believe we’re graduating!  We missed you in A.P. English this year – you should have stayed in here and suffered it out.  Congratulations on all your honors this year – you’re really intelligent.  Good luck and best wishes in the future.  A 5th Ward friend, Lynette Shumway.”
  • Smith, Colleen — “Mike, School is almost over for us.  Thanks for our friendship.  Good luck in the future for I know you will accomplish a lot.  Too bad you missed English!?!!  A friend, Colleen Smith.”
  • Smith, Randy — “Taylor, Here we are one day before graduation.  Sob, sob.  It sure has been fun this year in Seminary.  I thought Brother Magleby was going to go crazy.  We’ll see you.  Randy Smith.”
  • Spafford, Randy — “Mike, It sure would be crappy to have to go right back to school again, just like you.  I sure hope you will still come to a few of our softball games if you can.  We sure are going to have a blast on our super-activity next week.  At least we won’t be eating dust like before.  I can’t wait to see Las Vegas and all the pretty girls.  I just would like to say thanks for all the fun times we had and that you, to me, have alwayls been on of the best examples I have ever run across.  I guess I just like the way you HNONM.  I am sure through all the trials we will have now, our frienship will never end.  Good luck in keeping your scholarshiop this year.  See you in church.  Your skunky friend, Randy Spafford.”
  • Steineckert, Jay — “Dear Mike, Thanks for reserving this space for me.  I want to remind you that my birthday is December 7.  Okay, thank you.  Mike, I have a lot of respect for you and your talents and your habits.  I will bet you wish you still worked at Reams’ Groceries, don’t you?  It has been great throughout our school career for me to associate with you.  Hope to see you this summer riding around on your 650 cc Triumph.  Let me join your gang if I get one.  Stay cool.  A senior associate and pal, Jay Steineckert (Marshall Field).  P.S.  Be ye true to that old light crew.”
  • Storrs, Bruce — “Mike, I’m glad that this year is nearly through.  It’s been great though, hasn’t it ?!!  But even though I’m glad it’s over, I’m really sad to leave dear old AF High.  I’ve really got a lot of fond memories that center around these old ‘ivy walls’.  I’m really proud to be able to say that I graduated from AF high because it is the greatest school around.  Many of my high school memories involve you.  You’ve really been a great friend and I ‘m proud to say that I went to school with you.  You’re really a great student and person.  Keep up the good work.  Congratulations on receiving your scholarship and being a representative student..  I can’t think of anyone more deserving and who I would want to represent our class.  Best of luck to you in whatever you do.  With your talent, abilities, and personality, you are sure to succeed in all that you do.  I’ll hope to see you over at the “Y” next year.  Have a good summer, will you?  A friend always, Bruce Storrs (George)”
  • Teuscher, Mary K — “Hi ya Mike, Boy, it doesn’t seem possible that it’s time for us to graduate, does it?  It sure has been fun anyway.  You’re a darling boy, Mike, with lots of potential and someone who’s sure to go far.  So keep up the good work and good luck always.  See ya, Mary K Teuscher”
  • Thornton, Ron — “Mike, I am glad I got to know you this year.  You’ve been a great help to me in 5th period gym class and in wanting to achieve in my scholastic grading.  Well, good luck in the future and anything you try for.  I hope you make it.  A friend, Ron Thornton.”
  • Turner, Kim — “Mike, I am sure glad that this school year is finally out.  I guess you’re probably a little happier than I am.  Anyway, have the best of luck and success in all you do in the future.  A junior friend, Kim Turner.”
  • Turner, Scott — “Dear Mike, This year has been great.  We should have got together more, but we’ll have a lot of fun times during the summer.  Scotty (Turner)”
  • Vaughan — “Mike, Well it’s been a fun year.  I only wish that we could have been on the same gym team.   You are a great kid so keep it that way.  A friend, Vaughan.”
  • Whiteman, Bill — “Well, it’s over – no more physics, advanced math, English, etc. at high school.  I really don’t know if I am glad to be out.  At least now we have a little freedom.  I hope you do as well at the “Y” as you did here.  A good friend, Bill Whiteman.”
  • Wimmer, Harold — “Mike, I really have enjoyed knowing you these last few years.  It has been a ball.  I hope our friendship will always continue.  I hope to see you this summer.  You and me and Scotty [Turner] can have a high-jumping contest.  I do wish you the best of luck in the coming years.  I know you will be something big!  Your vice president and a senior pal, Harold Wimmer.”
  • Withers, Guy — “Mike, I am glad I had the opportunity to know you.  It’s been fun having you in gym.  Good luck in your future education.  Guy Withers.”
  • Wood, Robert — “Mike, Well, it sure is great to have finally made it.  I sure will be glad to get out of this school.  I guess some day we will miss the old school but right now I am looking forward to getting out.  I have really enjoyed your friendship, Mike, and I hope it may continue.  I mean that sincerely.  Mike, you have got what it takes to make it.  I have always respected you ability to study.  I know you will make it.  Thanks for being a good friend.  A pal, Robert Wood.”
  • Yocom, Terry Lynn — “Mike, Well this year is finally over.  Sometimes I didn’t think it would end.  Math was fun even though I am stupid in it.  Good luck in all you do.  Terry Lynn Yocom.”
  • Yocum, Wayne — “Hi Mike, It has been real fun having you in my gym class this year.  You’re a good sport and player.  Good luck in the years to come.  A junior friend, Wayne Yocum.”

I should mention that six members of our graduating senior class were chosen as ‘Representative Students’ and were asked to speak at our graduation ceremonies.  Those six were Bobby Bennett, Clark Fox, Dennis Gauger, Karen Harvey, Carolyn Priday, and Michael Taylor.


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