Robert Tapper:
CLASS OF 1983
Jefferson High SchoolClass of 1983
Bloomington, MN
Lincoln High SchoolClass of 1982
Bloomington, MN
Penn Junior High SchoolClass of 1979
Bloomington, MN
Millbrae Elementary SchoolClass of 1977
Millbrae, CA
Poplar Bridge Elementary SchoolClass of 1977
Bloomington, MN
Robert's Story
Life
I've been keeping busy and have done quite a bit. The only thing missing now is a wife and kids. I'm still looking, but I'm almost to the point now of deciding to remain a bachelor. I graduated in 1983(unfortunately from Jefferson). I dated for a while(she was a senior at Lincoln and I was a junior), went through a bad breakup(I still think I let her go to easily) and eventually spent most of my time concentrating on my career. I worked in radio for 12 years(Oldies, Top 40 and Talk)and I enjoyed every minute of it. But as is the case, the best intentions never work out(I was hoping to be an on-air personality). I worked at KDWB AM/FM for 7 years as a producer. I left that job and drove a school bus for 6 years(1 year toooo long). I drove the bus on weekdays and worked at KSTP-AM 1500 as a producer on weekends(6 years at both). I'm now working for Metro Transit, started my career there February 27th 1999(See now photo to see me on the job--on break of course!). Now, I've moved up to the position of Light Rail Operator This is the last job I ever plan to have. When I retire, THAT'S IT!!!!!! I'm going to enjoy my time then at the lake and build a log cabin. One thing that I really want to do someday is travel old "Route 66" and visit Pearl Harbor(I had family members there on December 7th). I've also gotten into old-time radio(Jack Benny, Dragnet, Etc.) and have even begun to take up bird watching/feeding. Recently, I've been building my DVD collection. I finally paid off my car loan back in January, which was a relief. I bought a 1995 Chevy Tahoe, after my old wheels "bit the dust." I had been driving an '85 Olds Wagon since 1990---It was my dad's car before he passed away that summer. I hope to hear from some of my old classmates, get caught up on their lives and just chat. Drop me a line sometime!
School
Probably the best time I spent in school was with the choir at Lincoln. I always remember Mr. Cramer's class as being the most fun(like one big family).
The one moment I remember the best, was the spring pop's concert of 1981. "Boogie Through The Ages" was the theme and I was the "radio" announcer for the 1930's era theme. I was also involved in the 1950's theme ...Expand for more
as well. Prior to that concert was the choir trip to New York City. I made many new friends(a long bus ride will do that)and had the chance to see another part of the country other than Minnesota.
Looking back on old photo's from that trip, I remember being at the World Trade Center. I feel like I was lucky enough to be there to see those towers, then a sense of great loss when they were destroyed on September 11th.
Lincoln was by far the best school I attended. It's too bad that the school closed in 1982. I often wonder what path my life would've taken if the school remained open.
College
I went to Normandale for a very, very short time(less than a year).
I eventualy went to Brown Institute and enrolled in a broadcasting course. What a great time! This lead to my first job at KDWB, then my second at KSTP-AM and many memories to look back on.
It was a great experience!!
Workplace
I've had an interesting work history, from radio to transportation. I began in radio at KDWB AM/FM in 1986, as a producer/public service director. I held that job for 7 years! When I left, I went to work at Septran(fall of '93), as a school bus driver for the Bloomington schools. In November I went to work at KSTP AM, as a producer. I held BOTH jobs until 1999, when I began training for my current job at Metro Transit(some may remember it at MTC). I left KSTP in April and Septran in December. I'm now at Metro Transit as a bus/light rail operator. Went through my 1st strike last spring(44 days worth) and that was quite an experience. It seemed like a vacation at first, but started getting old after the 3rd week. I really hope that I never have to experience another one(but there's talk among driver's that there'll be one this year). There is one ironic thing though---I've had riders comment on my pleasant(and clear) voice when I call streets. Some have told me that I should be in radio! Who knew????!!!!
Military
I never had the opportunity to be in the military, or even the reserves. I took tests back in high school to try to get into the Army or Navy, but never qualified. Where I've been told that I pick up on things quickly, it makes me wonder what kind of soldier I would've/could've been.
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