Woodrow Wilson High School Alumni Update - May, 2019
http://www.wilsonalumni.com
edited by Linda Doyle
SCHOOL NEWS
WILSON'S YOUTH THEATRE COMPANY ALL THESE YEARS LATER
Woodrow Wilson High School opened its doors in September, 1956. All these years later the Drama Program continues to maintain a high standard of excellence under the guidance of Jamie Miller (Artistic Director). Wilson High School's youth theatre company is now known as SouthWest StageWorks, or (SW)2. To see the list of plays and musicals since the school open including the current production, go to: http://www.wilsonalumni.com/drama/plays_musicals/plays_musicals.html.
WILSON WOMEN'S GOLF - 2019 PIL CHAMPS!
For the second year in a row. Wilson Women’s Golf has taken the PIL title and is headed to the state tournament. Good luck to them at Quail Valley Golf Course on May 13-14!
TWO WILSON ROBOTICS TEAMS ADVANCE TO STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Wilson Robotics Teams 7776 (Loose Screws) and 10565 (System Online) have qualified for the FTC Oregon State Championships! Because the Super-Qualifying Tournaments were canceled due to weather conditions, State Championship qualification was based instead on the results from the three qualifying tournaments held earlier in the season. Good luck at State!
WILSON ORCHESTRA AND CHOIR AND STUDENTS EXCEL AT STATE
Congratulations to Wilson Orchestra and Choir under the direction of Margaret Murer. Congratulations to Wilson Advanced Vocal Ensemble (WAVE): 2nd place in state. Chamber Orchestra: 3rd place in state. Fiona Dubay and Akseli Mende, Viola Duet: 3rd place in state. Taumaia Uili, Alto Voice: 3rd place in state. Annika Phillipes, Mezzo-soprano Voice: 4th place in state.
WILSON SENIOR, RYAN BERNSTEIN’S PUBLISHED BOOK, OCD TO ME.
Photo courtesy KOIN News
As reported by KOIN News, Channel 6 — A local high school student is passionate about helping not only those who share his mental health condition — but everyone who needs a little comfort. Ryan Bernstein '19 is a senior at Wilson High School in Southwest Portland. Though he knew his whole life that he was a bit different, it wasn't until his freshman year that his OCD behaviors really manifested. OCD stands for "obsessive-compulsive disorder." It's a condition that often involves constantly repeating an action or thought and it affects 2 to 3 percent of the population. Bernstein said one thing he struggled with was writing. "I had to get all of my writing exactly the correct way and if I didn't, I would think something bad would happen it popped in my head and I would do it. That was the compulsive bit," he said. After Bernstein was officially diagnosed with OCD, he started learning techniques to help him cope. He then decided he wanted to help others going through the same thing. One way he does that is by playing music, like his ukulele, during lunch on Mondays to put people at ease. "I hear people say they're really anxious and I try my best to help them out and tell them it's okay, that Wilson's a safe and inclusive community." But the 18-year-old isn't just focused on his fellow Wilson High peers. With the help of the International OCD Foundation and others, he compiled stories from around the country of different people's experiences with the condition. "I don't know their faces, I don't know their names, but I feel like I know them based on the stories that they've given," said Bernstein. He put all of those stories together and published a book called "OCD to Me, An Anthology of Anxieties." The book's proceeds go toward the International OCD Foundation. Bernstein hopes the book raises awareness and comforts those who have OCD. Bernstein also leads a group chat every week called "Hand in Hand." It's a support group for students experiencing any kind of anxiety issue. "I've learned everyone has stuff that they're going through and it's perfectly okay to be different," he said.
WILSON SCHOLARSHIP INITIATIVE ... Did you know…
• One in four college students graduate with student debt.
• Tuition and fees to attend a public four-year university have jumped 275% since 2000.
• Over 1.48 trillion in loan debt is collectively owed which is about 790 billion more than the total U.S. credit card debt.
• Oregon has fallen to the bottom tier nationally of states providing financial support for its neediest students.
All of this might be bad news for new high school graduates except that Wilson High School is unique. Wilson has a community that supports our commitment to helping our most deserving seniors succeed after high school. They first appealed to alumni in 2015 to join the Scholarship Initiative and your response was overwhelming. Your generosity has enabled them to provide two $1000 scholarships annually.
Wilson is asking once again for your support as they begin a drive to raise $50,000 to endow perpetual scholarships for Wilson students through the Oregon Community Fund program.
Benefits include:
• Donations are tax-deductible.
• For local businesses, you will receive a Wilson Student Supporter sticker, and the opportunity to advertise on Wilson's website.
• For donations of $1000 or more you can name your scholarship and attend the June awards ceremony to present your gift in person.
• Changing the lives of deserving Wilson students!
How to Donate:
• Checks can be mailed to: Wilson Scholarship Initiative, 1151 SW Vermont, Portland, OR 97219, ATTN: Erica Meyers. Please include your graduation year.
• Credit card contributions can be phoned to: Ana Curtis, Wilson bookkeeper, 503-916- 5280, ext. 75266.
• Donations can be made online through the Schoolpay link below: https://www.schoolpay.com/pay/for/Scholarship/Id7CX Please support Wilson's future leaders! No amount is too small. They thank you. Questions? Contact Tina-Marie Baskin, scholarship coordinator (tmbaskinwriting@gmail.com).
WILSON BASEBALL ALUMNI GAME/GOLF TOURNAMENT ... JULY 20/21, 2019
Jeremy Shetler '92 (MAT, Head Baseball Coach) would like to remind everyone that the annual Alumni Game/Golf Tournament is coming up July 20/21, 2019. Want to know more, contact Jeremy Shetler.
WHERE ARE THEY NOWWHERE AREHEY NOW?HARE YOUR STOR
DO YOU REMEMBER THIS LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM?
Kenn Stilger '65 needs our help. He is working on a book project and is trying to identify and locate members of the Verdurman Oil Little League Team from about 1956. The team was coached by Kenn's father and another man (maybe Mr. Farrell). Kenn's brother, Bob was on the team, as well as Jimmy Smith and Ernie Bartnik. Any help would be most helpful and thank you. You can send an email to Kenn Stilger by clicking on his name. Thanks to Bruce Boland ’65 for finding the photo in the Class of 1965 Photo Compilation (Multnomah School sub-folder).
WILSON GRAD (KEVIN HYLAND '76) DREAMS OF EPIC GLOBAL BIKE RACE SET IN PORTLAND
As posted by Jonathan Maus from BikePortland article written on May 7, 2019 (Momentum builds as Portland preps bid for UCI Road World Championships), "For the past 12 months Portland resident Kevin Hyland has worked 40 hours a week on a big dream: He wants to bring the UCI Road World Championships to Portland in 2026. Since that light bulb went off, Hyland has met with dozens of people. He has shared his vision with advocacy and nonprofit leaders, elected officials, government agency and tourism staffers, business owners, investors, and more. He’s gotten a long list of endorsements from notable Oregonians and bike racers. He’s assembled a team and has put together a 501c3 nonprofit organization that will run the event — and dole out proceeds to grassroots cycling programs statewide. I’m convinced that the greater Portland area has the resources, know-how and passion for cycling, to successfully host the Cycling World Championships.” But, Kevin and his team can't do it alone. If you would like to know more about this potential major international bike race in Portland and would like to volunteer to be a part of this epic global event, contact Kevin Hyland '76. To read the full article go to:
https://bikeportland.org/2019/05/07/momentum-builds-as-portland-preps-bid-for-uci-road-world-championships-299371.
WILSON 2019 HALL OF FAME
Wilson High School is pleased to announce the 2019 Class of the Wilson Hall of Fame.
Tim Baltus, Class of 1976: Baseball
Sol Sallos, Class of 1990: Soccer, Track & Field
Chris Fazzolari: Cheerleading Coach
Alicia Provost: Volleyball Coach, Softball Coach, Basketball Coach
Ryan Hoarforst, Class of 2006: Baseball, Basketball
Jason Porter, Class of 1989: Football, Wrestling, Baseball
PIL 2019 HALL OF FAME
The following Wilson athletics will be inducted into the PIL Hall of Fame in October, 2019.
Tim Baltus, Baseball, Class of 1976
Sol Sallos, Soccer, Track & Field, Class of 1990
Jason Porter, Football, Wrestling, Baseball, Class of 1989.
NATALIE TONNESON '09 CROWNED MISS OREGON 2019
photo courtesy of Miss Oregon USA
photo courtesy of Miss USA
Natalie Tonneson '09 was crowned Miss Oregon 2019 on Januay 13, 2019. Natalie represented Oregon in the Miss USA 2019 on May 2, 2019. According to Miss USA website, "Natalie Tonneson is passionate about the outdoors and living a healthy lifestyle. She works at the Nike World Headquarters in Marketplace Operations and is a member of the Nike Vibe Committee. Working closely with the Forward Stride organization, this 28-year-old provides emotional, physical and cognitive treatments to special needs children through equine therapy and created an initiative to fundraise for tuition assistance. Natalie advocates for inclusive environments for people at any ability level and promotes the motto: "If you have a body, you are an athlete." As a group fitness instructor, she has traveled to U.S. Air Force bases teaching Zumba to children of military families. With today's kids being a part of the least active generation in history, it is her mission to increase awareness on this issue and focus on empowering youth through movement."
HELLO HARMONICA FANS!
Joe Powers
'96 (award-winning harmonica virtuoso) is back in Tokyo playing a couple of concerts, then he is off to Madrid Spain with Guglielmo Foffani, continuing his tour in Greece, France, Switzerland, Belguim, The Netherlands, and Germany. On June 28th, he is in Paris where last summer they filmed this music video ... here it is!!!
1998 GRAD ADMIRES BIOLOGY TEACHER AT WILSON
by Rob Banagale '98
Mr. Relampagos is one of my most memorable teachers from Wilson High School. I had his advanced biology class around 1996. He engaged students with humor, a big personality and a challenging science curriculum. One of my favorite memories is of his infamous bird test. I remember the day Mr. Relampagos set us on our journey to taking the slide-projected identification test. He addressed the class: "Today, you look up at a bird in a tree and grunt: 'Oh, bird!' Well it turns out there are many kinds of birds and they are very different in where they live and what they do." (If you had Mr. Relampagos, you can probably read that in his voice.) Over the next many weeks he'd go through what felt like thousands of slides of birds, identifying them, talking about their behavior and sharing interesting personal anecdotes about them. Some of his tests, like the Great Bird Test could demand a lot of studying to pass. But afterward, there was camaraderie among peers who had taken and (hopefully) passed this test. Mr. Relampagos taught us not only about science but the rewards of observing and appreciating nature at a fine detail. Twenty-plus years later, I can still feel the positive impact his teaching had on my relationship with nature. (Update: Mr. Relampagos has retired from Wilson but he is seen often around campus as a substitute and a track coach.)
SEND YOUR UPDATES
Send us the details on where/what you have been doing since graduation from Wilson, and we'll post in an upcoming WWHS Alumni Update e-newsletter. Send details to Linda Doyle.
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 just been added to the list:
THOMAS JOSEPH LINDELL '84
NORMAN WHITELEY '64
JUDY VISNICK '57
CLIFFORD MATOUSEK (WILSON CHOIR AND MATH TEACHER)
JULIE GOODWIN CRARY '87
GEORGE HARLAN GROUT '61
DAVID SCHNEIDER '81 (passed away in 2009)
ROBERT MARTIN (BOB) FAST '77
ANGELA ARVIDSON '80 (murdered in 1982 at Stanford College)
BARBARA JEAN KOHNLE '65
MIKE NARVER '58
Click on this link to read more about classmates, teachers, community members who have passed away... Once on the page, scroll down to find the class year.
REUNIONS
Lots of reunions are being planned, so reach out to your classmates for the dates/details. Please send those details to us and we will post on the alumni website. Send details to: Lsdoyle@earthlink.net.
CLASS OF 1959 ... 60th reunion in 2019
Get on your "Trojan Horse" and celebrate the Wilson Class of 1959 60th reunion.
Dates: September 13 - September 14, 2019.
Extra: Tour of Wilson HS on Friday, September 13 at 1pm RSVP to to Joan Brennaman Heiting.
Saturday, September 14 at 5pm at Ernesto's Italisan Restaurant, 8544 SW Apple Way, Portland. Cost: $25/person, includes pizza, salad, soft drinks. No host bar available. Reserve dinner with check of $25/person to Wilson class of 1959. Send to Karen Willman Otis, 4937 SW Chestnut Pl. Beaverton, OR 97005.
Lodging: Marriott Suites, call 1-844-761-9972, ask for Wilson High rate.
Shilo Inn - 503-297-2551. Ask for Wilson rate.
Questions, contact Lyman Rigby '59.
CLASS OF 1962 ... turns 75 reunion picnic 2019
We will be gathering at Gabriel Park, on SW Vermont St, on Saturday June 22, 2019 between 10am to 10pm for a picnic/social gathering BYOB + Food. Any questions contact Judy White Fisher '62 or Leslie Averill '62.
CLASS OF 1965 ... 54th reunion 2019
Class of 65 will have our 54th reunion on September 7, 2019 at The Vault: Gastro Mania (the old O’Connor’s) $18 per person pay at the door but RSVP to Casey Comer Milne by September 4th!
CLASS OF 1967 ... 52nd reunion 2019
Celebrating our 52nd anniversary and 70th birthdays. Saturday, October 19, 2019, noon-4 pm, Lucky Lab Beer Hall, 1945 NW Quimby, Portland. $10 cover, order off the menu. Program to include classmates (need volunteers). You may RSVP now or before October 12 at: Wilson67reunions@gmail.com or 503-914-0709 (landline).
CLASS OF 1969 ... 50th reunion in 2019
Heads up for 2019. Class of '69 is having it's reunion on Saturday, August 3, 2019 at Tualatin Country Club. A golf event will be held at Redtail on Friday, August 2, 2019. Contact Larry VanLaningham '69 for more info.
SPECIAL CLASS OF 1968 ROBERT GRAY ... 51st reunion in 2019
The Robert Gray class of 1968 is holding a reunion get together:
It’s been 51 years! Come join your childhood classmates. Bring your memories, maybe a chair, spouse or friend … Saturday, June 22, 2019 from 3:00pm to 7:30pm at Sellwood Park “D” area, SE 7th and Miller Streets, Portland, 97202. Subject: Taco Bar *** BYOB *** Casual. $12 for food, ice, lemonade etc. payable on site. RSVP to Ann Martin ’72 or Sheila “Cay” Goudge at 541-639-5661 cell/text. ***Special tour of Robert Gray School, Friday, June 21 at 10:00am.
CLASS OF 1978 ... reunion in 2019
The Class of 1978 is holding their reunion at the Cascade Brewing (formerly Raccoon Lodge) Bvtn Hills hwy, 6:30 pm August 3rd, 2019. See Facebook page: Woody Hi PDX '78 Reunion
CLASS OF 1979 ... 40th reunion 2019
Class of 1979 will hold their 40th reunion at Gabriel Park on Saturday, August 10, 2019, from Noon – 4pm. It will be a BYO Picnic, food, wine & beer, no hard alcohol. We will put together a meeting place for Friday night, Aug 9, 2019 place TBD. There is also a Facebook group, open to all, Wilson High School Class of 1979: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1805622539749414.
CLASS OF 1984 ... 35th reunion 2019
"Save the Date" for the 35th year reunion of the Class of 1984 on Saturday, August 10, 2019. Be sure to join our Facebook group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/whspdx/. If you have questions or would like to join the reunion committee, contact John Kodachi or Julie Wallace.
CLASS OF 1989 ... 30th reunion in 2019
The class of 1989 Reunion is this summer! July 27th, 2019, 6:00pm at the Multnomah Arts Center in SW Portland’s Multnomah Village. Be sure to join our Facebook group at: Woodrow Wilson High School Class of 1989. You can purchase tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wilson-high-school-portland-or-class-of-1989-30-year-reunion-tickets-55542133015?fbclid=IwAR0Kj5BmF8CYZ8icmoohaV6bzz2x2ncg2Oh5XwnFBLi6173Nz1HRTDEAD7w
If you have questions or would like to join the reunion committee, contact Sara McDevitt '89or Andrea (Combs) Brennan.
CLASS OF 1999 ... 20th reunion in 2019
Classmates your 20-year reunion is on Saturday, August 24th at Produce Row. It will start at 7pm. Tickets prices are TBD. Go to Facebook page titled "Wilson High School '99 - 20yr Reunion." Questions, reach out to Grahm Porozni '99.
CLASS OF 2009 ... Any plans for a reunion?
GET ALL THE DETAILS about upcoming reunions at: http://www.wilsonalumni.com/reunions.htm
REUNIONS ALREADY HELD
CLASS OF 2008 ... held December 2018
CLASS OF 1963 ... held June 16, 2018
CLASS OF 1964 ... held September 8, 2018
CLASS OF 1965 ... held September 29, 2018
CLASS OF 1967 ... held October 20, 2018
CLASS OF 1968 ... held September 7,8,9, 2018
CLASS OF 1978 ... held July 28, 2018
CLASS OF 1988 ... held July 21, 2018
CLASS OF 1998 ... held September 22, 2018
CLASS OF 1961 ... held August 19, 2017
CLASS OF 1964 ... held September 16, 2017
CLASS OF 1965 ... held September 16, 2017
CLASS OF 1967 ... held August 4, 2017
CLASS OF 1977 ... held July 22, 2017
CLASS OF 1959 ... July 23, 2016
CLASS OF 1961 ... July 15, 2016
CLASS OF 1965 ... August 13 2016
CLASS OF 1966 ... September 24, 2016
CLASS OF 1971 ... September 24, 2016
CLASS OF 1976 ... August 6, 2016
CLASS OF 1991 ... July 30, 2016
CLASS OF 1996 ... August 5-6, 2016
CLASS OF 2006 ... September 24, 2016
MILITARY SERVICE
WILSON GRADUATES WHO HAVE SERVED OR ARE SERVING IN THE MILITARY
Please check out the WWHS Military Alumni page and read all about our amazing military graduates. To add your name and information to the WWHS Military page, Send your information to Linda Doyle at LSDOYLE@EARTHLINK.NET.
Name:
Year graduated from Wilson:
Military branch:
Years of service:
Service description:
Photo (optional):
Do you give permission to post this information on our website (required):
WWHS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Alumni and community members are continuing to move forward to establish the WWHS Alumni Association. Application process for tax-exempt status of association is progressing (with special thanks to Jack Bertell '58). If you would like to join them, contact Jack Bertell '58.
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.
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.