Will Eaton

Coca Cola display in the “shops” building at Helena High

In the Helena High Marketing class in the “shops,” currently taught by Mr. Askin, a large display of Coca-Cola products is encased in glass. For years this shrine to Coke has been enjoyed and noticed in the classroom, but many have no idea where it originated.  

On shelves along the room’s wall, there are nearly 50 Coke cans and glass bottles from years past– with a small section dedicated to Pepsi memorabilia as well. Some of the many items include Coke-playing cards, a Christmas-themed can, several 6-packs of vintage bottles, and even a Montana-themed Coke product.  

After some digging with some help from Mr. Askin, Nugget staff were able to find that this display was the donation of a long-time HHS teacher—Mr. Bill Koon who taught at HHS for 30 years from 1972 until 2003.  

According to Mr. Koon’s obituary from 2008, he was born Oct 31, 1943, in Great Falls. After graduating from high school, he went into the U.S. Army to serve for four years in Oakland, California, and Worms, Germany. Mr. Koon received a Bachelor of Science and in Marketing Education from Montana State University and went on to earn his master’s in marketing from the university thereafter. He then went on to teach at Helena High until retiring.  

Mr. Koon’s close friend and former student Gordon Rognrud explained he was “an enthusiastic teacher of all aspects of Business and always one for the Underdog.” He went on to say, “He loved his students, and they loved him.” 

Known as a “Coca-Cola loyalist,” Mr. Koon was a daily drinker of Diet Coke, hence his donation of a Coke shrine.  

It is the hope that we can keep the memory of Mr. Koon as well as past traditions of Helena High alive and respected for years to come.  

Now, when we walk into the Marketing room, we will remember the person behind the products.