Colonel White High School Class of 1965 © 2004 :: Featured Alumni

Featured Alumni

Patricia Lasswell

Hello, Classmates. I'm Carol Flinspach and we’re pleased to have with us today Pat (Tish Lasswell) Penn. Tish, would you please tell us where you’re living now and your occupation.

My husband Paul (who is an optometrist at the VA) and I are living at 1220 South Holly Drive in Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57105. I’m currently a band teacher in the Sioux Falls Public School system, with students in one elementary and one middle school. Over the years, I’ve taught in various schools in Indiana, North Dakota and West Virginia. I’m also the hand bell director of five choirs at First Presbyterian Church.

I’m not surprised you’ve turned your love of music into a career, Tish. Would you please tell us a little bit about your family.

Our son Aaron and his wife Gina are living in Marion, Illinois. Aaron is an audiologist with the VA, and Gina teaches school and dances. Our second son Jeremy, has his master’s in Math Education from the University of Nebraska and is currently teaching math in Millard, Nebraska. Our youngest son David is a junior at the University of Nebraska, majoring in music and math.

You have a quite a family, Tish, and it sounds like they enjoy some of the same interests that you have had. After graduation from Colonel White, what did you do?

I studied for my Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education so that I could teach music to children.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Hand Bells. I also like to walk and do aerobics.

Tish, have you had any memorable trips, job assignments or activities?

When we were first married, my husband was stationed in Okinawa, where I was not allowed to go. We spent ten wonderful days in Hawaii! It was quite a thrill to go there in 1970! More recently, we went for a bicycle vacation in Maine, and rode around Acadia National Park. It had lots more hills than I expected!

Last summer, our son David was in the Colts Drum Corps, from Dubuque, Iowa. I went along as a cook with them for ten days. I slept in the back of a van every night while we traveled, and if lucky, got another hour on a floor of a school. We served dinner at 11:00 P. M., and never knew what we’d find next. It was a great time, and I hope to get to do it again next summer! Look for the Colts if you see a drum corps show in your town. I think one usually comes to Centerville.

The adult hand bell choir I direct celebrated 25 years of ringing last spring. In honor of the occasion, we had a piece commissioned especially for us; and the composer attended the concert. It was a wonderful event for all of us.

In 2001, the HUSKERS played in the Rose Bowl for the national championship. As both Jeremy and David were in the band, our family went to the game and parade, etc. We were able to stay with my sister, Karen; and both families had a great time. As for the Huskers, well------

That sounds like a lot of fun, win or lose. Tish, do you still have family living in the Dayton area?

My father, Phil, passed away in February of 2001. My sister Karen and I were with him at the time. Karen currently resides in Los Angeles, and has three children and two grandchildren. My mom, Corrine, lives in Heartland of Centerville.

Do you think that your job and life are where you thought it would be when you were in high school, Tish? Why or why not?

I think it is as I thought. It is scary how like my parents we are, and now I see it going to the next generation! I thought I would have daughters, though, so I’m glad the girls are finally coming.

Do you have any regrets?

I wish I had taken dancing, so I could be more like my friend, Janet (Fox). I always thought I was too awkward, and now I know I was right!

Janet made a lot of us feel awkward! But your talent definitely has been music. If you could start over, Tish, do you think you would make the same choices again? Why or why not, and what would you have done differently?

I really love what I do, and can’t think of doing anything else. If I had gotten a master’s degree, I would be making more money! Ha! South Dakota is 50^th in teachers’ salaries!

What are some of your favorite memories of Colonel White?

My favorite teacher was Jack A. DeVilbiss. I enjoyed band and chorus, and also history with Mr. Bright. Band was my favorite activity, and Janet Fox was my best pal. On weekends, we liked to got to movies and shopping.

Tish, what are your future plans? Will you be retiring soon?

I’d like more of the same, although I’d like to marry off another couple of sons! As for retirement, we hope to go to Alaska, but may not wait for retirement.

In closing, Tish, do you have any words of wisdom, comments or messages for our classmates?

If you are ever in South Dakota, please look us up. It is a very small state population wise, but a fun one to visit. If you go to Mt. Rushmore, you have to come through Sioux Falls, so give me a call! I’ d love to hear from any of you, any time.

Thank you so much Tish, for taking time out from your busy schedule to spend a few minutes with us. Don't forget to keep watching this page. Very soon, we will be sharing another exciting interview with you. See you next time....

Carol Flinspach Yinger