As the autumn season kicks off, the Solomon School District eagerly anticipates its first home football game on Friday, September 1. The highlight of the evening will be the induction ceremony of new members into the Gorilla Hall of Fame for the second consecutive year. Festivities are set to begin with a Tailgate Party on Williams Street, hosted by the high school Student Council, at 6 p.m. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff against the Rural Vista Heat and will take place at the Marvin Brown Jr. Field.
This year’s Hall of Fame induction includes exceptional individuals who have left their mark on the school’s district and community. There are two Alumni Inductees this year, Mary Louise Doidge, and Mary Geske Flora. Doidge graduated from Solomon in 1936, followed by her sons and grandsons who are also graduates of USD 393. She worked for the school district for over 20 years in various positions. She also loved supporting the Gorilla football and basketball teams even when she didn't have any family participating. Louise’s memory lives on following her passing in 2021 at the remarkable age of 103. Flora, the class salutatorian of 1952, became an active member of the Alumni Association after graduating. She published the Alumni Directory and the semi-annual mailings for the past 60 plus years. She also helped start the SHS Scholarship Foundation, along with other remarkable contributions.
This year, the Gorilla Hall of Fame is welcoming Stan Razak as the Staff Inductee. Razak’s journey with the district began in 1973 as a sixth grade teacher and an assistant basketball coach. His contributions extended over 30 years in the classroom, and two decades as a coach. Additionally, he started the school’s boys' tennis team in 1978. Razak offered his support in various sporting events. Razak and his wife Kathy’s two sons graduated from Solomon in 1995 as Co-Valedictorians. Razak’s commitment to education and community remains through his membership in the Dickinson County Retired Teachers Association.
The Service Inductees of 2023 are Dode and Sherry Mullen. The couple started their school involvement in 1967, and they were involved in various school events as their three children and two grandchildren grew up in the school system. Sherry enjoyed helping the staff and students with anything that was asked of her. Dode served two terms on the Board of Education and worked in the transportation department. In their later years, they helped work the gates at sporting events. The couple had a passion for supporting the students and staff at Solomon.
Finally, the teams being inducted are the undefeated boys football teams of 1970 and 1971. Under coaches Steinle and Miller, they achieved remarkable victories.
Each inductee will be honored with a plaque displayed in the school. The Solomon School District congratulates all new Hall of Fame inductees, acknowledging their loyalty to the school. The community is invited to join in the celebration at the football game this Friday night.