2006 Inductees

Bruce is a 1975 graduate of North High, whose musical interest and talent led to the Highest Rating in trombone solo competition for four years in ND State Competition; and 1st Chair trombone in the ND All-State Band for 3 years.  While in high school, he played in the FM Symphony and the Frank Scott Big Band.

Following a year of study at NDSU, Bruce left for the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA. where he graduated in 1979.  His early opportunities found him playing with such conductors as Gunther Schuler, Lucas Foss, and Arthur Fiedler; along with Big Band notables, Jackie Byard, Phil Wilson, and Herb Pomeroy.

During the decade between his undergraduate to receiving a Master's Degree in Music from the Manhattan School of Music (1989), Bruce was on the road with Artie Shaw, Buddy Rich, Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra.  His musical talent has taken him to over 40 Broadway shows with 5 Grammy recording awards, work with more than 100 bands, and a European tour.  He is a member of several major orchestras; and has taught at the International Peace Gardens and New England Jazz Camps for the past 25 years.

Edward Gorrilla is a native of Ironwood, MI., where he graduated from Luther Wright High School in 1942. Following three years of active duty, including 18 months in Germany, during World War II, Ed enrolled at Montana State University. While at MSU, he played football and earned a BA Degree in Education. He then attended the Univ. of Minnesota, where he completed a Masters Degree in Education in 1952.

In the fall of 1952, Ed began what has become a 55 year commitment to the Fargo Public Schools, its students, and the community. After teaching elementary physical education for 4 years at Horace Mann Elementary, he went to Ben Franklin JHS, where he served as a physical education instructor and coach in football, basketball, and track until his retirement from teaching in 1987.

Ed continued coaching for a few seasons following his departure from teaching, has been the North High football stats person for nearly 25 years, and currently serves as the FPS equipment manager for all secondary schools. He has also been the NDSU stats person for football and men's basketball since 1956.

John graduated from North High in 1966, as a member of the school's first graduation class. While at North, he served as Student Council President, was a graduation speaker, captained the basketball team, earned All-Conference honors in football, and was a State Champion in the low hurdles, 440 and 880 relays. He also served as ND Boys State Governor and attended Boys Nation.

After receiving a Bachelor's Degree from UND in 1970, John attended the Univ. of New Mexico, where he earned a Juris Doctorate Degree in 1979. In addition to a 26 year law practice, he is the Founder and Past Chairman/CEO of Santa Fe Trust, Inc.; and has owned Smith Energy Investment, LLC. During his professional career, John has been active and held leadership positions with numerous youth and adult organizations, such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes, New Mexico Boys and Girls Ranch, and Bridges for Peace. Most recently, he left his active role in business to become the Executive Pastor at a 6000 member church in Albuquerque.