In an answer to a challenge from Albert Lea High School’s class of 1958, the class of 1959 has provided a lasting legacy to the school.

The class of ‘59 raised funds to have a handicap access driveway installed at the high school. The new driveway is located on the east side of the school and accesses doors to the commons area.

According to class members Terry Tarvestad and Hugh O’Byrne, a committee talked with Bruce Olson, district director of facilities and transportation, about what types of projects were needed. He suggested the access.

The access can be used not only by ALHS students, but also those attending functions such as Albert Lea Civic Music Association concerts, Tarvestad said.

“Personally, I feel we gave something back to the community and to the school,” he said. “We think it was a worthwhile project.”

So committee members sent out letters to classmates asking for donations.

“We got donations from 17 states,” O’Byrne said, adding the class got enough money to complete the project.

Classmates Loren and Elaine Porter also donated a bench to sit outside the door with the access.

The committee had some street signs made, designating the drive “Route 59.”

The whole project is completed in time for the class of 1959’s 50-year reunion, which is being held this weekend at Wedgewood Cove Golf Club.

Classes celebrating their 50-year class reunions have been doing special projects at the high school since 2006, when the class of 1956 had Inspiration and Ponder Point constructed.

Since then, the class of 1957 added a stone stage, statue and landscaping.

The class of 1958 donated a sign announcing the high school to drivers along Y.H. Hanson Avenue.