The Greenback Hall of Fame was established as a way to honor and recognize the successes and accomplishments of Pratt High School alumni. These inductees will join the other HOF individuals, alumni and contributors who have made a significant contribution to the Greenback traditions of grit, team, respect, passion, and valor. The Greenback Hall of Fame Display and HOF Induction Ceremony are both funded through donations and at no cost to the USD 382 taxpayers.
Here is a brief introduction to the 2023 Greenback Hall of Fame Class (pictures are attached to this email):
Zon Eastes - PHS Class of 1972
Introduced to the piano at age 5 and to the cello in 5th grade in the school orchestra program, Zon Eastes became a student of Nancy Kerr in 7th grade. Zon graduated from Pratt High School in 1972 and then from the University of New Mexico and Stony Brook University. As an accomplished musician, conductor, motivational teacher, and advocate for the humanities, Zon continues to impact our world. He has taught cello and coached chamber music at Amherst, Dartmouth, and Keene State Colleges, as well as at the Brattleboro Music Center. Zon has performed as a chamber musician and festival participant across North America, Europe, and China. He has conducted orchestras on both coasts, including the Windham Orchestra for over twenty years. A committed arts and creativity advocate, he worked six years at the Vermont Arts Council, where he led the establishment of the Vermont Creative Network. Zon is founder and music director of Juno Orchestra, Vermont’s only professional chamber orchestra. He currently resides in Guilford, Vermont, where he is chair of the selectboard (outside of New England, that means mayor).
Edward "Ed" Thompson - PHS Class of 1961
Edward “Ed” Thompson graduated from Pratt High School in 1961. After graduating from Kansas State University with a degree in architecture, he began a 40 year career with Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. He managed the architectural and engineering teams who designed some of the world’s most elegant and challenging buildings. His projects included numerous buildings across the midwest of America including the Trump Tower in Chicago. Among his many international projects were Canary Wharf and the Liverpool Train Station in London. His capstone project was the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai; finished in 2009 standing 2,722 feet tall. The technical challenges were immense and the building set 16 world construction records. Ed and his wife Susan now reside in Manhattan, KS.
David Swank
PHS AD
Homecoming - Friday, September 29th
Assembly @ 1:30
Parade @ 3:00
Hall of Fame Induction and Reception - Vernon Filley Art Museum @ 5:00
Game vs Hoisington @ 7:00
No School - Parent Teacher Conferences - Monday, October 9th
LMS/PHS Picture Retakes - Tuesday, October 17th
SW Class Pictures and Retakes - Thursday, October 19th
Southwest Fun Night - Friday, October 20th
No School - Professional Learning Day - October 23rd
Pre School Picture Retakes - October 25th
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On behalf of our teachers, staff, and school board I welcome you to our district webpage. We are proud of the important work we do with kids to set them up for success and personal well-being this day, this year, and in their future.
We are small-town schools where strong relationships are an integral part of what we do—our principals know every student. Our high school students pair with elementary students (Greenback Match), providing positive leadership and building connections within our student family. Elementary and middle school students hold daily “family” meetings to foster our sense of teamwork and togetherness. Developing our students’ social-emotional strengths is an important goal because we recognize its connection to personal well-being and success both now and in the future.
Because of our size, we are still able to provide a wide variety of opportunities for our students. We have first-class arts programs (band, vocal, theater, debate, forensics, and art), a model elementary MTSS program, an enrichment program for all students, multiple career pathways with instructors in the specialties, and internship and apprenticeship programs. With our connection to Pratt Community College, our college-bound students often leave with 15-30 hours or more of college credit.
In athletics and activities, we compete at a high level—4A for most activities (3A in football). This level allows our entire student body to participate and be successful in multiple activities if they are willing to commit and work hard. But, make no mistake, you must compete with grit to be successful at our level. We have Greenback alumni on scholarship at D1 and D2 programs as well as smaller colleges, community colleges, and technical schools—both for athletics and academics. Regardless of the educational path they choose to take when they leave us, we are proud of our Greenback graduates who are positive contributors to our community and others.
We are small schools with big opportunities. We are a Greenback family. If you would like a tour, please feel free to contact our principals or myself.
Tony Helfrich, Superintendent
Pratt Schools USD 382
