Name: Linda McKinney
Maiden Name: Hollinberger

Cayuse Prairie Graduation Year: 1963

Class Size: 5

Activities at Cayuse Prairie: We didn't have clubs when I attended. There were only 2 classrooms when I started and girls and boys outhouses. The basement was where we held programs etc. and later the basement was for 1st and 2nd grades. Also we got indoor bathrooms! During recess we played softball, had snow forts and several pieces of playground equipment. The teacher came and rang a handbell when recess was over.

Their Best Memory from Cayuse Prairie: I think the best part was because it was small and everyone got along. The older students were nice to the little kids and everyone was "the same". The school board did the repairs, painting, cleaning etc. and there was a P&F Club even then. Mothers drive a carload on field trips. We played ball and had spelling bees with Mountain Brook, Egan and Lake Blaine school. I too remember baking potatoes in the stove in the basement and "skating" on the ponds in Snell's field.

Their Favorite Teacher: Hard to choose because I really liked all my teachers but probably Mrs. Hopkins for 1st grade because she taught me to read and that's all I wanted to do. Had no interest in Jolly Numbers (arithmetic) called math now.

High School Graduation Year: 1967

Attended High School at: Flathead

What They Did After High School: I went to college in Havre, then moved to Spokane, had several jobs, got married and moved to the farming area south of Spokane, worked at WSU in Pullman, moved back here in 1979 and worked some interesting jobs here.

Where They are Living Now: In the same place I grew up, on Creston Hatchery Road

What They are Doing Now: I'm retired now, I have two sons who live on Bachelor Grade, have 2 granddaughters. Kendall graduated from Cayuse in 2023 (60 years after me) now attending Flathead, and Karis who is in 6th grade at Cayuse.

Cayuse Prairie Impact: I think it gave us a good basic foundation; things were simpler then which I'm thankful for!

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