Woodrow Wilson High School Alumni Update - October 2009
http://www.wilsonalumni.com
Don't miss your upcoming reunion - make sure to check the reunion section below.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
ANOTHER WILSON GRAD HEADS TO OREGON STATE LEGISLATURE
Margaret Doherty '68 was recently appointed as the next State Representative for House District 35 in the Oregon State legislature. Washington and Multnomah county commissioners unanimously selected Margaret to replace outgoing state Rep. Larry Galizio. Margaret was sworn in on September 29, 2009 and represents District 35, including Tigard, King City and SW Portland. Check out her website at: http://www.leg.state.or.us/doherty/. She joins two other Wilson graduates in the current Oregon legislature:Senator Ginny Burdick '65, District: 18 (Tigard, King City and SW Portland) and Representative Chris Garrett '92, District: 38 (City of Lake Oswego and a portion of SW Portland). After graduating from Wilson, Margaret went to Portland State University and received a degree in Speech and Theater. She taught Speech, English and History at Milwaukie High School for 10 years, then went to work as a labor consultant with the Oregon Education Association for the next 22 years. In that position, Margaret represented education workers in many part of the State. She retired in 2006 and began a floral design business. Margaret has always been active in politics in Oregon. Since Margaret ended up majoring in speech, her two most influential teachers at Wilson were Mr. Pacheco and Mrs Zervis. "After working with teachers all of my adult life, I truly appreciate what wonderful and dedicated teachers we did have," states Margaret. "They really were not making much money back then, yet they were dedicated to making sure we got the most out of an education." When asked about advice for current Wilson students, Margaret tells us that "You never know where you are going to end up in life. I never thought I would be a state representative. Make the most of the opportunities you have been given."
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
John Nelson '64 received his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Oregon in 1969 and a Master of Urban Design and Regional Planning from University of Edinburgh (’73), Scotland. John was in the Army Reserve and lived in the United Kingdom and Illinois from ’71 to ’77 and relocated back to Portland. He married Diana Lund (Astoria ’65) in 1969 after they met at University of Oregon. John has two children, Andrew (Jesuit HS and USC), lives in Seattle; and, Sarah (Jesuit and U of O) who lives in Portland. John is a Board Member and Director of Planning Services at Maul Foster Alongi, Inc, and environmental science and engineering firm in Portland and Seattle. He is currently building a houseboat of his own design and will live at Sauvie Island. Click here to see a photos of his new floating home that was delivered to slip at Sauvie Island in August, 2009 (photo 1; photo 2) John adds, "A great place for a WWHS party!" He also enjoys downhill skiing, sailing, travel, reading, family and college football. When asked about influential teachers, John tells us that his most influential teacher was Mary Bunce, 8th grade at Bridlemile school. She was an artist married to Louis Bunce, and introduced John to art and music which led him to pursue a career in architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning. He also enjoyed trips to the art museum with Christina Whitlock. Words of wisdom for current Wilson students... "Go to the U of O! And avoid photo radar on BH Highway (I got caught last year)." He also believes that Hillsdale is not the same without Peterson’s Ice Cream shop, Lynch’s Market and Piggly Wiggly.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN CLASSROOM
Following graduation from Wilson High in 1967, Alan Mushen '67 attended Willamette University with his heart set on a career in law or education. Due to a number of personal health concerns and surgeries, "my undergraduate studies were completed in General Social Science at Portland State University," states Alan. During this period, he was able to take a two-week trip to Europe to visit his brother, who was stationed in Germany. Once he returned to the States, it was time to pursue a career. Initially, he worked for two years as a Researcher for Oregon Historical Society. Since his father had been a life-long banker, he decided to become involved in the financial world. Alan adds, "After six years as a commercial teller and management trainee, I encountered too many customers who wondered aloud what I was doing in such an unchallenging job." What finally got him away from banking was attending Willamette College of Law in 1983. Unfortunately, during this time his mother became terminally ill with cancer, and his law studies had to be put on hold. Following his mother's untimely death, Alan opted to pursue a career in secondary education. As a result, he returned to University of Oregon and obtained his secondary teaching credential in Social Studies. Following one year as a classroom teacher at Umatilla School District, Alan enrolled at University of Oregon to earn his Masters Degree in Special Education for Secondary Students. "With a background in personal health and medical experiences, plus patience for those with high needs, I was able to successfully relate to students and their parents in a school setting," states Alan. "After a 22-year career in classroom teaching as a life skills, learning center instructor, and alternative education teacher, I still hear from grateful students- now young adults and their parents. Hopefully, I made a difference for many of them along the way." Alan tells us that there were teaching stops at Alsea, Oakland, Glide, and Tillamook School Districts. "Somehow, the lure of school administration never interested me, as I wanted to be on the 'firing lines' with the enthusiasm of youth instead of removing myself to an office." Currently, Alan works as an Adjunct Professor for Tillamook Bay Community College in Early Childhood Education-Family Studies and plans to continue this position at Clatsop Community College in Astoria, Oregon. Alan has been married for sixteen years to Micki and has two daughters. They love to live by the ocean and have two Whippets named Myrtle and Maude. They live in Cannon Beach, Oregon, where he finds time to play the piano and write, both fiction and non-fiction work. Alan is an avid walker and shoots a basket or two. In his spare time, Alan assists at Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, and Meals on Wheels. "It would be fun to hear from any of my former Wilson friends or classmates who want to share," says Alan. His current e-mail address is alan_mushen@charter.net. "Funny how time flies for all of us." When asked about teachers at Wilson, Alan remembers several teachers at Wilson who made a difference in his life as a person and educator. Names like Proppe, Selberg, Feller, Ashley, Dodge, Zervis, Hutchinson, Brugato, Dalby, Makinster, Witty, Hertz, Meinicke, Severson, Conlon, Ole Johnson, and Crandall. "In today's world of turmoil and change, we all had that special campus on Vermont Street to call home for four years!"
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
After graduation from Wilson, Cliff Fenton-Feingold '76 attended the University of Oregon, and graduated from Portland State University with a B.S. in Business and Marketing. He lived in Seattle for 18 years before moving to Bend, Oregon where he has lived for about 12 years. Cliff has two daughters, 18 and 16. His oldest daughter starts U of O this Fall. He owns a high end furniture store in Bend called Feingold Home (http://www.feingoldhome.com/).Cliff's classmates knew him as Cliff Fenton. He tells us that his dad changed his name from Feingold to Fenton in the late 40s like a lot of families of Jewish decent did in New York at the time. "He simply picked an 'F' name out of the Bronx phone book and we ended up Fenton," adds Cliff. "It always bothered me that he had to do that to even get a job. Things were different after the war. I decided to change it back about 7 years ago out of respect for our heritage. My daughters did the same." When asked about favorite teachers at Wilson, Cliff told us he had great teachers. Cliff's favorite was Stan Stanton, his football coach, "like a father figure to us nutty ball players." George Crandall was also a favorite. Words of wisdom for current Wilson students: "What you do speaks so loud, I have no need to hear what you say."
WILSON GRAD DEPLOYED IN IRAQ
William Ross Booth '07 graduated from Wilson and is stationed at Fort Drum, NY. He is a registered EMT and trained as a combat medic and usually works at the civilian clinic on base. Currently, he is deployed with the 520th Engineering Battalion near Basra, Iraq. He stays at COB (contingency operations base) ADDER which is outside of the city. "He mostly communicates through Facebook," states Paul Welty, his stepfather. "But we do get the occasional satellite phone call." Click here to see some photos from Iraq: photo 1, photo 2.
WILSON, OCCIDENTAL, LEWIS & CLARK LAW SCHOOL
Whitney Hawke '05 graduated from Occidental College in May 2009 with degrees in both Politics and Urban & Environmental Policy. In September 2009, Whitney started classes at Lewis & Clark Law School. She plans on specializing in environmental law, with an emphasis on brownfield redevelopment and urban infill policy. In addition to law school, Whitney co-owns and operates a record label here in Portland called Brave Recs. In her spare time, Whitney also works as a music journalist for Willamette Week. Her very supportive parents are Denise and Steve Hawke. When asked about her favorite classes at Wilson, Whitney says that there were quite a few great ones. "I'd say Mr. Zaraza's physics classes, Mr. Nolan's World History, and Mr. McDicken's Ecology class were my tops." Whitney's advice for current Wilson students is "to specialize in several different areas and build a diverse arsenal of skills and interests. Mixing art classes with hard sciences and foreign languages can give you a well-rounded intellect people appreciate and admire. Think outside the box and have fun while doing it."
1993 WILSON GRAD HEADS TO HOLLYWOOD
According to the Portland Tribune's Jason Vondersmith (October 1, 2009), "leaving her native Portland for the bright lights and competitive nature of Hollywood hasn’t been the easiest transition for Keri Murphy. But things are looking up for the 34-year-old Murphy, a 1993 Wilson High School graduate. She recently signed to be part of E! Entertainment Television’s “That Morning Show.” To read the full article, click here: http://www.portlandtribune.com/features/story.php?story_id=125434356028837100.
SHARE YOUR STORY
Send us the details on where/what you have been doing since graduating from Wilson, and we'll post in an upcoming WWHS Alumni Update e-newsletter. Send details to Linda Doyle.
ALUMNI RECALL WILSON'S PAST
ANNIE PAINTER ... WILSON ART TEACHER
Annie Painter was an Art Teacher at Wilson High School during the ’72-74 school years. Photo 1. She was best known for the Art Marketing project, which had Wilson students designing items and services which were saleable in the general marketplace. Initially she was known as Annie Johnson, but was married midway though this period. To read more click here.
MESSAGES FROM CLASSMATES
GRAD IS GIVEN BACK A LITTLE BIT OF HIGH SCHOOL
Keenya Browder '93 lost her senior yearbook somewhere over the years and has been looking for a replacement yearbook. Thanks to Betsy Cole (retired Wilson teacher/counselor), Keenya is flipping through the pages of her senior yearbook once again. Thanks, Betsy!
GREETINGS TO ALL FROM 1959 GRADUATE
I had planned to attend both of my high school reunions-Lake Oswego, and Woodrow Wilson this year, but they were separated by a month, the costs of attending running over $1,500 each time seemed prohibitive. I live about ½ mile from Bryn Mawr College, for women. It now also allows men to matriculate beginning this year. Since the early seventies the men enrolled at Haverford College, a mile east, have been able to take classes. Both colleges are of top quality. Also, we live 3 miles from Villanova University, known for its sports teams and Rosemont College for Women which went over to coed this year. Following is a brief outline of my academic and social information. Dennis Scott Clark Kelley, born Bend, Oregon, May 22, 1941, education: University of Pennsylvania, B.A. 1963; Villanova Law School, J.D. 1966. I followed in my grandmother’s footsteps, and have done a great deal of genealogical research and joined a number of hereditary societies relevant to that research. I belong to the National Beagle Club, Ardrossan Beagles, Numismatic Society of Philadelphia. These organizations play a significant part in the fabric of Philadelphia and Eastern U.S. social life. My first marriage ended sadly. I then married Carol J. Kelley. My children: Katherine (first marriage) PhD U of Chicago in evolutionary biology, Ian-St. Johns College, Annapolis, MD, now an officer in Navy; Brendan-Masters in Plant pathology at Cornell, now at U Vermont Medical School; Alexandra-graduate Wharton School, U of Pennsylvania (Not Penn State), now at INSEAD graduate school of business administration in Fontainebleau, France. My residences: 21 Elliott Avenue, Bryn Mawr 1975-2009, Villanova 1969-1975, Wayne 1964-1969, Berkeley, Californa 1963-1964, U of PA 1959-1963, Portland, Or. 1955-1959, Lake Grove Or. 1942-1955. I have practiced Estate planning and probate law 43 years. I still practice law on a reduced basis; I have a fine fellow lawyer who backs me up when we travel. We, (family, and now with children all out of the house), my wife and I, have spent most of our holidays in Europe, Spain when the children were small, then France, England and Italy. My wife and I usually go to France for at least a month in the fall and to St. John USVI in February. On September 17, I leave for Munich, Germany to bicycle with International Bike Tours to Vienna over two weeks, then to Saltzburg and back to Paris where my wife will have been since September, we will return to Bryn Mawr on 10/22. I am an avid rower on Concept2 erg, usually do 15,300 meters in 92 minutes twice or three times a week. Certainly hope to make it to 70. I stopped smoking 23 years ago, and hope there are no bad cells lurking still. I am diabetic type II, maintain good blood sugar levels with drugs and exercise and diet. Philadelphia is a really neat city, most people don’t appreciate it, including many of the residents. We do a lot of theater, concerts with Philadelphia Orchestra and a number of chamber music societies. My parents died in the mid-seventies, my niece and nephew and their families live in Hillsboro area, my sister lives on Whidby Island in Washington. D. Scott Kelley, Esq. '59
1961 GRAD LOOKING FORWARD TO 50-YEAR REUNION
Kathy Evans (Owen) graduated in 1961 and is wondering if there are any plans underway for their upcoming 50-year reunion. She is retired from Intel almost three years ago and is "loving retirement and our grandchildren," adds Kathy.
LOOKING FOR WILDT '63
I have been searching for "Sharon K. Wildt". Anyone with information on her where-abouts, please contact GsGsjeep@wbhsi.net . Gordon L. Giffin '64
LOOKING FOR BARTON BROWN '66
I am looking for Barton Brown (Class of 1966) last known address in Northern California- last seen at reunion in 1996. There is no response from the last California address. He had brothers in upper classes but I don't know their names. He was friends with Louis Nunez from South America and on rally and a gymnast. His mother had moved to Canby but I can no longer find her either. Pat Murray '66 (ricktrishk@msn.com)
1980 GRAD GOES BACK TO SCHOOL
I graduated from Wilson back in 1980, went into the Sales field for many a year. But finally I decided recently to go back to college and chase some other dream. Hollis Ransom III '80
LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT 1969 REUNION
I have been working as an English as a Second Language Teacher for the Beaverton School District for 15 years. Married to Tom Gibson from Central Oregon in 1973. Have one son, Ryan who married Jennifer Kraft in 2003; and two grandchildren, Michael, age 4 1/2 and Tyler, age 15 months. Being a grandparent is the best thing in the world! Our 40th class reunion was great except that I would like to have seen more people there! Stay tuned for the next event! Mary Gibson (Muir) '69
1959 GRAD CHECKS IN AFTER MANY, MANY YEARS
I have lived in Southern Calif since 1964. Quit OCE in Monmouth after 1st term, Jr year, and started a career with the Bell System January, 1962. Our house, 6405 SW Burlingame Ave bordered the east Dairy pasture prior to Wilson's campus. I'm sorry I didn't keep in touch with any school mates, but here I am touching back and interested in the developments of your journey. I welcome your contact: sharona1215@yahoo.com. Sharon Archibald '59
WWHS ALUMNI BASEBALL 2009 SUMMER GAME REPORT
On July 18, 2009, Wilson alumni returned to the field for the annual alumni baseball game. This year 33 Wilson graduates played against each other. Cary Cadonau '91 had two hits, including a seventh inning home run, and three RBI’s to lead the odd-numbered alumni in a 5-4 loss to the Alpenrose American Legion team in game one. Ben Woodcock '05 and Chris Cannan '91 had two hits each. Nick Slade '00 had two hits and one RBI in the loss to Alpenrose in game two. PITCHERS: Toby Harris '89 (4 K’s in 2 innings), Evan Dunn '05 (3 K’s in 3 innings), Jim Dunn '76, and Nick Slade pitched the first game. Second game pitchers were Shaun Fagan '96 (3 K’s in 3 innings), Ron Dodge '76, Jason Nash '02, Slade, and Zach West '02. HITTERS: Alumni with one hit were Kevin Clopton '91, Kacy Fairfax '04, Brian Flink '98, Kevin LaBerge '72, Marc Molenkamp '98, Nash, Sean Setzer '04, West, and Chad White '02. SPECIAL THANKS: To Jeremy Shetler '92 for –announcing and running the scoreboard.
STILL LOOKING FOR 1977 YEARBOOK
So this will sound very wired maybe ... I was attending the class of 1977 reunion for our 20th. I believe it was at the Montgomery Park Center. Well I had to fly out quickly that weekend following the softball game at Pier Park, and I left my 1977 Yearbook there without thinking about it till days later, but I had no contacts for checking on it. If you could email me if found @ slarsen@nikon.net. I would appreciate it tons. That year was very fun for me and would appreciate the return of that book whom ever found it laying on a table or at the BAR!! Scott Larsen '77
IN MEMORY OF
KNOWN CLASSMATES/TEACHERS NO LONGER WITH US
Please send an email with details to Linda Doyle if you have an obituary that should be posted here. Below is a list of classmates who have passed away. Here are the names for those who have just been added to the list:
MICHAEL JEFFRIES 1967
JAMES JEFFRIES 1964MARY LOU KINNEY (MCCLAIN) 1980
Read more about classmates, teachers, community members who have passed away...
REUNIONS
CLASS OF 1980 TO HOLD 30-YEAR REUNION
The reunion plans for the Class of 1980 are underway. It is scheduled for July 30, 2010 from 7:00pm - midnight at the Stockpot. (Red Tail Golf Course - formerly Progress Downs near Washington Square). Save the date cards and information will be going out soon to those that can be found! Go Trojans!
Click here for all the reunions and the latest details.
WAYS TO SUPPORT CURRENT STUDENT BODY
There are so many ways to support the current Wilson High School students. You can contribute to individual programs, you can attend athletic and performing arts events, or you can volunteer to help clean up the campus, just to name a few. If you would like to help the next generation of Wilson graduations, please contact Erica Meyers, WHS Business Manager, at emeyers@pps.k12.or.us.
BUY PIZZA AND SUPPORT CURRENT STUDENT BODY, OCTOBER 20
Alumni, head to Pizzicato Pizza in Hillsdale on Tuesday, October 20 and the Wilson PTA will keep 20% of the sales for that day. Call ahead for takeout. 503-452-7166. Gilft certificates also count. Pizzicato Hillsdale 6358 SW Capitol Hwy. GO WILSON!
STAY IN TOUCH WITH WILSON BASEBALL TEAM
To get on the email list for the current Wilson baseball team and all the events for alumni, go to: http://www.wilsonhsbaseball.com/.
WHS BAND NEWS - NEED NEW OUTFITS
The 2009-2010 WHS Band Program is starting off with a fantastic year. We are pleased to announce that the Music Program raised the funds needed to purchase a new tuba. This has been a much-needed addition to our program -- as a community, we have worked for several years to reach this goal. The tuba will debut at the first concert on Tuesday, October 27 at Wilson. Our need this year is performance apparel to give our groups a cohesive look and feel. Our ladies have never had performance apparel for band. The gentlemen have pieced together tuxedos left from years past. Not many are left, and they are in desperate need of repair and replacement. We are purchasing additional jackets, pants, and shirts to outfit the gentlemen and purchase formal dresses for the ladies. Our current estimate to begin this process works out to approximately $45 per student. If you would like to help us outfit WHS band members, please send your donation by check (payable to Wilson High School) Attention: Paul Jolstead, Band Director, Wilson High School, 1151 SW Vermont, Portland, Oregon 97219. Include Band Outfits in the memo line of your check. If you have any questions about the performance apparel, you may contact Nancy Biskey, Band Booster President, at nbiskey@msn.com. Thank you for your support of the Wilson High School Bands. Please join us for our first band, orchestra concert on Tuesday, October 27, 7:00pm, Wilson Auditorium.
SUPPORT OUR NATIONALLY RANKED CHEERLEADERS, OCTOBER 24
The Wilson Cheerleaders will be holding a fundraiser on Saturday, October 24 from Noon to 5:00pm at Baristadors Coffee on 11136 SW Capitol Hwy. Baristadors will be donating 40% of their profits on this day to our nationally ranked cheerleading program. Baristadors Coffee sells coffee and non-coffee drinks, breakfast bagels, bagel sandwiches, pastries and Prince Pucklers ice cream, a gourmet ice cream made in Eugene. We need lots of folks to stop by on October 24 to help support the squad as they work to make it to nationals again this year. Wilson's Varsity squad took 1st in state in their division last year. Come out and support these talented young ladies!
WILSON PRESCHOOL NOW ENROLLING FOR NEXT SCHOOL YEAR - OPEN HOUSE NOVEMBER 5
Wilson High School Preschool is now enrolling for the 2010-2011 school year. The Wilson Preschool Program gives high school students the opportunity to learn and implement developmentally appropriate practices and creative curriculum to 3-5 year old children. Under the direction of a certified teacher, preschoolers work one-on-one with mentor students giving both the high school student and the preschooler a beneficial learning experience. Wilson will be hosting an open house (pizza provided) on Thursday, November 5 at 5:30pm. If you are looking for a unique preschool program, please come to this informational meeting. Since we will be providing dinner we ask that you please RSVP at 503-916-5280 or email Erica Meyers at emeyers@pps.k12.or.us. To read more go to: http://www.wilson.pps.k12.or.us/.docs/pg/10277.
STAY IN TOUCH
WWHS ALUMNI - WEBSITE
Check out the WWHS Alumni website and don't forget to complete the simple online form to join the WWHS Alumni database. To help us reach as many graduates as possible, please consider adding the link to our website (http://www.wilsonalumni.com/) from your website. Pass the word along to your Wilson High School classmates about the Wilson High School Alumni website and the opportunity to register. Tell your friends.
ALUMNI COMMUNITY NETWORK - ONLINE
We've set up a new online Woodrow Wilson High School Alumni "Ning" online community network. The purpose of the WWHS Alumni Ning is for you to add stories about your time at Wilson, share what you've been doing since graduating from Wilson, and announce upcoming class reunions. Check out some old photos posted at the site. Click here to see more.
SPAM OR UNSUBSCRIBE
If you are receiving the WWHS Alumni Update, please make sure to add the following email address to your address book (lsdoyle@earthlink.net). This way your internet/email provider will not view the e-newsletter as spam. Thanks! If you would like to be removed from the list, just send an email to Linda Doyle.
DO YOU HAVE NEWS TO REPORT?
Send the details to Linda Doyle, including your name, class year and quote about your time spent at WWHS. Do you have a story about a classmate's achievements. Send us the story and we will post it in our next WWHS Alumni e-newsletter. All you have to do is to give us the full name and graduating class of the individual along with their story. Then let us know your name and graduating class.
