Spartans, Scrappers & Warriors … bringing history home
District No. 2913 plans center to highlight history of each school
Everyone knows Tracy Area High School is the home of the Panthers. When it comes to sports, the acronym TMB — aka Tracy, Milroy and Balaton — gets the most attention, and each of the letters that make up that acronym has a history.
Each school individually has its own cherished history, and the school district is working to honor that by creating a historical center at the high school.
“Each of our communities has built a proud tradition of academic excellence, athletic achievement, school spirit, and unwavering support for students,” Tracy Area Public Schools Supt. Chad Anderson said. “Those traditions helped shape generations of young people, and they deserve to be celebrated and preserved.
“While our schools now share one district,” Anderson added, “the unique history of each community remains an important part of who we are.” Tracy Area Public Schools officially consolidated with Milroy Public Schools this past July, merging Milroy with Tracy and Balaton, which became part of the Tracy district in 2009. Today, Anderson said, the district — now No. 2913 — spans 436 square miles and proudly serves the communities of Tracy, Milroy, Balaton, Currie, Amiret, Garvin, Lake Shetek, Lake Sarah and Bloody Lake.
Anderson said the new historical center is a way to honor legacies from each district and the students from all corners of the district who attended those schools.
“This space will celebrate the rich histories of the Tracy Scrappers, Balaton Warriors, Milroy Spartans, and today’s TMB Panthers,” he said. “Our hope is that alumni, families, students, staff and community members from every generation will have a place to reflect on cherished memories, celebrate accomplishments, and appreciate the remarkable history that has brought us together.”
To make the vision a reality, the district is asking for the public’s help with gathering donations of school memorabilia and historical items that represent the traditions and spirit of each school. Items can include letter jackets, FFA jackets, school photographs, band and choir memorabilia, cheerleading uniforms or memorabilia, academic awards, banners, flags, letters, homecoming items, state tournament memorabilia, uniforms, trophies, programs, newspapers, yearbooks prior to 1950 or other meaningful artifacts.
“If you have items tucked away in a closet, attic, or basement that deserve to be enjoyed by future generations, we would be honored to display them in our historical center,” said Anderson.
The center will be located in the room immediately to the right as one enters Tracy Area High School through the main entrance (Door #1), making it easily accessible for students, visitors and alumni.
If you would like to donate items or have ideas to share, contact Anderson at [email protected] or TAPS Activities Director Bill Tauer at [email protected]. You can also call the school at 507-629-5500 and ask for Chad or Bill.
“As we build the future of Tracy Area Public Schools, we also want to honor the people, traditions, and memories that made each of our schools special,” Anderson said. “By preserving our shared history, we ensure that future generations understand the pride, dedication, and community spirit that continue to define our district. Together, we celebrate our past, take pride in our present, and build an even brighter future for all TMB Panthers.”
