Granby High School Alumni
Norfolk, Virginia (VA)
Alumni Stories
Russell Theisen
Class of 1955
Marine MENSA I Q TEST
When I signed up for the Six months Marine Reserve program in 1956 and went to Paris Island, SC and took the IQ Test I was told that the there was a problem with my test score and I was asked to go the Headquarters and retake the test. My marine Drill Instructor drove me to the Headquarters building where I was interviewed by a MAJOR and asked to retake the Marine IQ test.
I was given a new IQ test and given 30 minutes to complete it. I had a Master Sargent and the Major watching me during the test.
After I completed the IQ retest I was told to wait while they graded it.
They took the test and went to some ware in the Headquarters building.
They came back and said that I could return to my platoon -15 and continue my boot training.
I asked my (DI) Drill Instructor what this is all about. He said that I will tell you some day and left it at that.
Note: I was the only Six month Marine Reservist in my Platoon and that made me a target for harassment.
I was chosen a Squad leader by being able to take three punches to the gut before collapsing while answering a question. Most folded at one or two punches.
The JR DI was a former NAVY heavy weight boxing champion, before he joined the MARINE CORPS. He lacked the proper mentality for a good DI. He just wanted to beat up people who would not fight back. (This one of the incidences that inspired the Marine Corps Drill Instructors Creed.)
HOWEVER, during the next three weeks we had a complete change in DI staff due to (CID) Criminal Investigation Division’s investigation of bad DI practices going on in Platoon-15 and my JUNIOR DI was sent to the brig about the time our Platoon-15 went for two weeks of (KP) Kitchen Police duty. We fed all the Marines during that time including the prisoners. My former DI was among the prisoners.
Just before graduation my new junior DI, Corporal Baily told me that I had scored a 132 IQ the first time so they thought that I HAD CHEATED. HOWEVER, THE SECOND TIME THAT took the IQ Test, I HAD SORED 147 IQ.
The average score on the IQ test for Platoon-15 was 98 and I was some 34 points higher so they thought that I had cheated and they wanted a re test.
After I left the Marine Corps Reserve program in 1967, I became a member of MENSA with a score of IQ-168.
I had learned how to take the IQ test by then.
Russell E. Theisen
When I signed up for the Six months Marine Reserve program in 1956 and went to Paris Island, SC and took the IQ Test I was told that the there was a problem with my test score and I was asked to go the Headquarters and retake the test. My marine Drill Instructor drove me to the Headquarters building where I was interviewed by a MAJOR and asked to retake the Marine IQ test.
I was given a new IQ test and given 30 minutes to complete it. I had a Master Sargent and the Major watching me during the test.
After I completed the IQ retest I was told to wait while they graded it.
They took the test and went to some ware in the Headquarters building.
They came back and said that I could return to my platoon -15 and continue my boot training.
I asked my (DI) Drill Instructor what this is all about. He said that I will tell you some day and left it at that.
Note: I was the only Six month Marine Reservist in my Platoon and that made me a target for harassment.
I was chosen a Squad leader by being able to take three punches to the gut before collapsing while answering a question. Most folded at one or two punches.
The JR DI was a former NAVY heavy weight boxing champion, before he joined the MARINE CORPS. He lacked the proper mentality for a good DI. He just wanted to beat up people who would not fight back. (This one of the incidences that inspired the Marine Corps Drill Instructors Creed.)
HOWEVER, during the next three weeks we had a complete change in DI staff due to (CID) Criminal Investigation Division’s investigation of bad DI practices going on in Platoon-15 and my JUNIOR DI was sent to the brig about the time our Platoon-15 went for two weeks of (KP) Kitchen Police duty. We fed all the Marines during that time including the prisoners. My former DI was among the prisoners.
Just before graduation my new junior DI, Corporal Baily told me that I had scored a 132 IQ the first time so they thought that I HAD CHEATED. HOWEVER, THE SECOND TIME THAT took the IQ Test, I HAD SORED 147 IQ.
The average score on the IQ test for Platoon-15 was 98 and I was some 34 points higher so they thought that I had cheated and they wanted a re test.
After I left the Marine Corps Reserve program in 1967, I became a member of MENSA with a score of IQ-168.
I had learned how to take the IQ test by then.
Russell E. Theisen
Recent Members
| Elizabeth Roberts | 2003 |
| Gaye Goehring | 1983 |
| Jake Schwartz | 2013 |
| James Peters | 1981 |
| John Macon | 1957 |
| Michael Berry | 1960 |
| Patrice Carlton Carlton | 2001 |
| Philip Liebman | 1968 |
Military Alumni
Honoring Our Heroes
This area is dedicated to our alumni that have served or are serving in our armed forces!
Lost Class Rings
Have you lost your Granby High School class ring? Have you found someone's class ring? Visit our Comets lost class ring page to search for your class ring or post information about a found ring.
Do you have a fun holiday story or a great family tradition? Share them with our fellow Granby High School alumni! Submit your own stories, achievements and photos in our Alumni Stories section. Read other classmate’s stories and see what they have been up to over the years.
Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays!