Photo Album: From Here On Out The South Gym Has A New Name | Surprising Steve Thompson

[Pictures start at the bottom of this article]

Orchard's first Green & Gold Giving Day started with a very special announcement, during an all-school assembly. In honor of Steve Thompson's 834 varsity basketball wins and 47 years of teaching and coaching, the south gym is now called the Steven F. Thompson Gymnasium! Thank you to all of the past and current teachers, past and current parents, alumni and friends who came to surprise Mr. Thompson on the morning of May 1.

Steven F. Thompson

  • Graduated from Orchard fifty-five years ago, class of '63. 
  • The longest teaching and coaching career at Orchard, 47 years.
  • One of the winningest middle school varsity basketball coaches of all time, 834.
  • An Orchard legend, Steven F. Thompson.
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    • Steve is thinking, "Just another assembly."

    • Then, Mike Brown, Orchard teacher of 41 years and dear friend of Steve, comes on stage to remind the crowd of Steve's 47 years of teaching/coaching and 834 varsity basketball wins at Orchard. "Let's bring up Coach Thompson!"

    • Bill Van Valer '90 and Pat Van Valer congratulate Steve on his way up.

    • Yes, we made cutouts of Steve's head haha.

    • David Hamilton '00 made sure to get a front row seat!

    • Steve's last varsity basketball team came on stage to unveil a very special (replica) plaque dedicated to Mr. Thompson.

    • Eighth grader, Eli, reads the plaque to the Orchard community: In recognition of his 834 wins as The Orchard School Varsity Basketball Coach and 47 years of service as a beloved teacher, advisor and coach, this gymnasium is dedicated to Steven F. Thompson ‘63.

    • From here on out, the south gym is now Steve's Gym! :)

    • The crowd goes wild!

    • Some of Steve's former students/players from the class of 2014 showed their support. (L to R) James Kroot, Will Murray, Helen Martin, Henry Goldenberg and Parker Hershberger

    • When Steve told the crowd he thought something might be going on when Donna (Steve's wife) got up early to get her hair done.

    • Part of Steve's speech: "I'm overwhelmed at this, it's just so much fun. There's a lot of old ball players here and alums. Thank you all for coming. This is outstanding. Thank you, thank you very much."

    • Nobody has taught at Orchard longer than Steve Thompson and there are very few who have made it close to 47 years. Marcia Fidler is one of those people. She retired a couple years ago after 45 years! She led the crowd in an old Thompson family cheer for Steve. "One two three four three two one four, who for what for who we gonna yell for? Yay STEVE!"

    • Lot's of past and current parents, grandparents and alumni came to show their support. Some of Steve's former colleagues also made an appearance. Notice any familiar faces?

    • Of course we ended with the Orchard Hymn and Fight Song.

    • Family Picture: (L to R) Tyler Thompson '99, Steve, Donna Thompson (past teacher, parent of alumni)

    • Sarah Madtson (past teacher, parent of alumni) presents Steve with a basketball from her son, Drew Madtson ’97. It was from the season ’95-’96…the team was a real winner…25-1! All of the team had signed the ball…even Steve. When Drew heard of Steve’s retirement he wanted Steve to have this basketball.

    • 2014 Orchard grads and current Brebeuf seniors with Steve. (L to R) James Kroot, Parker Hershberger, Helen Martin, Steve, Henry Goldenberg and Will Murray

    • Incoming Head of School, Sherri Helvie, tells Steve she's very happy for his deserving achievement.

    • Annette Henderson (parent of alumni, Alan Henderson '87 and grandparent of current students) with Steve.

    • Marcia Fidler and Steve Thompson. 92 years of service between the two. Amazing!

    • Donald and Virginia Bievenour (parent of alumni, Torrey Bievenour '92) share a laugh with Steve.

    • Steve with The Hamiltons. (L to R: Eli '28, David '00 and Jarrett '05)

    • Steven F. Thompson Gymnasium

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