Technical High School is a four-year comprehensive, North Central accredited high school located in downtown St. Cloud across from Lake George. Tech's curriculum offers a full range of course selections including college preparatory classes, core general education classes, technology classes, fine arts and world language classes, and a variety of electives. Post-secondary credit (four-year college and technical college) is available through seven different Advanced Placement classes and 12 different Tech Prep classes taught by Tech Teachers in a variety of curricular areas.

Tech's schedule is a traditional four quarter/two semester, seven period day schedule with classes meeting daily. Students have the option of choosing courses in one of three levels with weighted grading. Weighted grading awards additional honor points in computing grade point averages of students who choose the most challenging level of a class. A full range of special programs is also available including English as a Second Language, Post-Secondary Option, Special Education, Accelerated Math, Work Experience, Student Instructor, and Elementary Aide. Tech's classes are full inclusion classes which mainstream students with both learning and physical disabilities.

High expectations are the focus in all programs. Courses have designed specific outcomes, and instruction emphasizes cooperative learning and development of critical thinking skills. Numerous co-curricular activities are also available and are an integral part of "Tiger" pride and enthusiasm. In many sports and extracurricular activities, a long tradition of success prevails from Tech's founding in 1917. Leadership and sportsmanship are also long standing qualities emphasized in all activities. Male and female athletics and a host of non-athletic activities accommodate most students' interests and teach cooperation, teamwork, and goal setting, i.e., Math Team, Knowledge Bowl, Drama, Speech, Mock Trial, Jazz Band, Chamber Orchestra, Auto Club, etc.

The Tech facility has multi-levels and has several additions to the original building. It is an attractive well-maintained facility. Parents and students are actively involved in the participatory operation of Tech through membership on the Tech Site Council, the Parents' Network, the Student Advisory Board, and Student Council. The atmosphere which permeates is one of enthusiasm and pride laden with tradition. Tech High School has a structured, well-disciplined, safe and caring environment which places primary emphasis on high expectations and the personal dignity of all individuals.

St. Cloud Technical High School was built in 1916 at a cost of approximately $250,000. The school first opened it's doors on Wednesday, January 31, 1917. Three-hundred and fifty students assembled in the auditorium for the grand opening. Since then, the building itself has undergone many renovations. The school songs have also seen changes throughout the times.

There are many significant events in Tech's history.

During the first year, the members of the Tech High School Alumni Association (THSAA) wrote and approved a constitution and by-laws. The association also purchased a computer and created a database containing the names and addresses of approximately 22,000 Tech Alumni. Also that year, the alumni association was responsible for an all-alumni celebration and for the development of several fund raising projects.

In the years that followed, the association has had success in creating a scholarship fund, preserving Tech history, creating a Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame, and organized many other projects.

Scholarships

The Alumni Association has awarded two scholarships annually since 1993. These scholarships are made possible by contributions from Tech High School alumni. In 2000, the Alumni Association was able to increase the dollar amount for each scholarship from $500 to $700 due to the generosity of Alumni members.

Tiger Den and Alumni Hall

Shortly after the Alumni Association was formed, the members began work on the "Tiger Den" a room that commemorates Tech's history through a collection of memorabilia. Today, Alumni volunteers open the Tiger Den for students each week.

The hallway leading to the Tiger Den is named "Alumni Hall" and sports four Charter Sponsor Boards with names of 684 alumni who have contributed charter or start-up funds for the association.

Other Alumni Association Projects

*  A celebration to commemorate Tech's 90th birthday was held in 2007.

*  A celebration to commemorate Tech's 80th birthday was held in 1997.

*  A granite and brick marker with Tech's Name, the school crest and the words "A Tradition of Excellence since 1917" was placed in 1997. It is on the corner of Seventh Street and Twelve Avenue. Tech Alumni donated funds for this project.

*  The Alumni association has continued to maintain and update the alumni database. The current database contains the names and addresses of over 27,000 Tech Alumni.

Each year and each generation brings changes to Tech High School. The reputation for academic and athletic excellence remains. It is the mission of the Tech High School Alumni Association to support the preservation of this tradition of excellence. THSAA is please to receive your ideas or suggestions and encourages you to become involved. 

Tech High School Alumni Association
233 12th Avenue South
St. Cloud, MN 56301

The inductees in 1997 were:

Steven Barbee, Class of 1964; 

Roma Gans, Class of 1917; 

Mary Ann Hoffman, Class of 1967;

Al Kremers, Class of 1952; 

Claude Loesch, Class of 1944; 

Steve Klemz, Class of 1975; 

Edward Magnuson, Class of 1944; 

Virginia Nelson-Sandoval, Class of 1942; 

Mark Scharenbroch, Class of 1972; and 

Nicholas Thielman, Class of 1955.

The inductees in 2001 were:

Fred Bengston, Class of 1976; 

E.R. "Woody" Bissett, Class of 1946; 

Frank Butler, Class of 1937; 

John Franke, Class of 1955; 

Jill Halverson, Class of 1959; 

Roger Haxby, Class of 1953;

Michael Isakson, Class of 1971; 

James W. Miller, Class of 1952; 

Nancy Shelmon, Class of 1970; and 

Don Watkins, Class of 1954.

The inductees in 2007 were:

Lawrence M. Brammer, PhD, Class of 1940; 

Mark T. Dahl, Class of 1969; 

Gerald Eilers, Class of 1935; 

Alfred H. Grewe, Jr. PhD, Class of 1944; 

Kent Lovelace, Class of 1975; 

Terence R. Pladson, M.D., Class of 1967;

Jim Rhode, Class of 1954; 

Diane L. Rotnem, PhD, Class of 1966; 

Florence R. Ruhland, Class of 1943; and 

Kathryn Sikkink, Class of 1973.