Woodrow Wilson High School Alumni Update - July 2009
http://www.wilsonalumni.com

Don't miss your upcoming reunion - make sure to check the reunion section below.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

SCIENTIST REFLECTS ON TIME AT WILSON
After graduating from Wilson, Stephen Foiles '74 received a BS degree in physics from Stanford University in 1978 and a Ph.D. in theoretical physics from Cornell University in 1983. Since then Stephen has worked for Sandia National Laboratories (www.sandia.gov) for 17 years at their location in Livermore, CA and for the last nine years at the main facility in Albuquerque, NM. The author of over 100 scientific publications, Stephen conducts scientific research in the area of ... To learn more about Stephen, click here: http://www.wilsonalumni.com/alumni-spotlight/foiles.html.

FOUR WILSON TEACHERS RETIRE IN 2009
Thousands of students have walked through their doors at school. At the end of this school year, four teachers will leave the classroom and walk out their doors for the last time in their careers. Jon Beima, Roy Ikada, Mark Mochon, and Pat Murphy are retiring and will say good-bye to Wilson. The Wilson community owes a lot to Jon, Roy, Mark and Pat.   All the best to you! Enjoy your retirement and thanks for so many years.  Here's just a little about each of them.

Jon Beima, click here to read more...

Roy Ikada, click here to read more...

Mark Mochon, click here to read more...

Pat Murphy, click here to read more...

WILSON COACHES, ALUMNUS HONORED BY PIL
In May, 2009 the Portland Interscholastic League (PIL) honored the league’s top coaches at their annual celebration at Nike's Tiger Woods Center. Two Wilson coaches (head coach, Kent Dorsey and assistant coach, Jeremy Shetler '92) were selected as Wilson's Coaches of the Year.  Kent Dorsey is a Jackson graduate and is the Head Coach for Wilson's championship wrestling team, and Jeremy is an Assistant Coach for Wilson football, wrestling and baseball. Jeremy was also honored as the league’s Ron Pheister Assistant Coach of the Year. In addition to his coaching at Wilson, Jeremy is the 8th grade Youth Head Football Coach and the Youth Wrestling Coach. Jeremy is also the new president for Wilson Youth Football. Jeremy is a Math Teacher at Wilson and is married to Darcy Shetler (Ladd) '87 and WHS Bookkeeper. When asked about this award, Jeremy said, "It is a great honor to be awarded PIL Assistant Coach of the Year. I appreciate having the chance to make a difference in the lives of Wilson student-athletes."

WILSON GRAD RECEIVES ROBERT BLANCHARD DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
The honors for Wilson continue as the Portland Interscholastic League (PIL) named Dr. Jim Chesnutt '81 (and Wilson parent) as the recipient of the Robert Blanchard Distinguished Service award. Click here to read more...

WILSON THEN BARBADOS, COSTA RICA, NEVADA
Al Peña '73 played football while a student at Wilson. After he graduated from high school, Al studied at Southern Oregon College for one year.  He then moved and studied at several places, first to Barbados in the Caribbean where he attended University of West Indies Veterinarian School and then to San Jose, Costa Rica, where he attended University of Central America.  Al is divorced with four children, Nathan (25) in the Army, Christopher (23) in the Army, Sabrina (15) freshman in high school, and Samantha (13) in 7th grade.  Reflecting on his time at Wilson, Al remembers Coach Stanton.  He "was one of the most influential people to me, as well as Coach Anderson," states Al.  Al's father, Daniel, passed away nine years ago, and his mother,Sabina, lives with his brother, Dan, in Sparks Nevada.   Al works in Sales and Marketing for American Ready-Mix, Inc. in Sparks, Nevada and has been with the company for 13 years.  Favorite moments at Woodrow Wilson High ... "wow that's a tough one, I had so many," reflects Al.  His message to fellow classmates is "to keep on trucking, you're only as old as you feel."

DALE MURPHY '74 SPEAKS OUT ABOUT STEROIDS IN BASEBALL
Baseball standout for Wilson High School and former Atlanta Braves star center fielder Dale Murphy '74 has launched a foundation, iWontCheatFoundation, with the intent to eliminate steroids and other illegal performance enhancing drugs from the world of sports. According to Oregon Sports Hall of Fame, Dale was Atlanta’s first round draft pick, fifth overall in 1974. He played 15 seasons and set ten team career records with the Braves, who retired his uniform number (3). After eighteen years in baseball, Murphy finished with a career record of 398 home runs, 1266 RBI’s, 2111 hits and a .265 batting average. Murphy was the youngest player ever voted National League MVP back-to-back, 1982-83. He won five consecutive gold Glove Awards (1982-86), was named outfielder for The Sporting News National League All-Star and Silver Slugger teams for four straight years (1982-86), and played in seven major league All-Star games (1980, 1982-87). Murphy created his foundation with a couple of friends to promote ethics in youth athletics and deter steroid use and cheating. Dale lives in Utah with his wife and eight children. His charitable work earned him the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award in 1985 and the Roberto Clemente Award in 1988. Dale recently made a stop at the baseball grounds of Jacksonville, Florida as a guest of the Suns baseball team to promote his iWontCheatFoundation.  Click here to read the Jacksonville Times-Union story.

ONE LESS CAR
Wilson graduate David Keller '07 was recently featured in a new local blog, PDXME started by Wilson grad Daniel Ronan '07. PDXME focuses on issues of accessibility to Portland by all, the livability of Portland and individual neighborhoods, and vibrancy of our city culture. David Keller is a full time student at Portland State University. To read more click here: http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=103080732308&h=E51xc&u=99ObW&ref=nf

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

WILSON FIGHT SONG
Thank you for discussing the Wilson Fight Song on the excellent (!) alumni web page. Please consider the following amplification: Robert White, our Dad, was Wilson’s Band Director from the school’s opening in the fall of 1956 to 1962. Dad chose the New Colonial March (trio section) as the new school’s fight song. New Colonial was composed by R. B. Hall in 1895. It is indeed one of Stanford University’s fight songs, entitled “Come Join the Band”. We think it was a great choice and hearing New Colonial today, still a popular march, brings back many memories of our years at Wilson and playing in the concert and pep bands. Respectfully, Jim White ‘59 and John White ‘61

WHEN HILLSDALE WAS A REAL COMMUNITY
I was sorry to here about Mr. Lynch and Tony the Shoe Man. Tony was always the consummate “local business man”- always happy to see you, asking about your parents, and just being an all-around nice guy.  I lived in the Hillsdale area from 1953 until the mid-80’s, and Lynch’s and Tony’s were integral parts of the community.  I remember Jim Lynch’s parents, wife and daughters. There are a lot of good memories there.  It got me thinking about when Hillsdale was a real community, from Arnie Frutiger’s Chevron station at the top, to Ben Miller’s Shell at the other end, back when Piggly Wiggly’s was there, along with Petterson’s Ice Cream, Owl Building Supply, Jenkinson’s Bakery, etc.  I remember when there were houses where the library is, and, the big excitement was when the Multnomah Bank (in Hillsdale) was robbed and the robbers were caught in the old barn on Dosch Road. It’s fun to think back.  John Bussman ‘70

WILSON/HILLSDALE SUPPORTER
I wish to thank the person who placed the obituary and newspaper article about my father, James Lynch, in the last alumni e-newsletter.  I appreciate their taking the time to remember him and the fact that he was such a Wilson/Hillsdale supporter. Sincerely, Janet Lynch Vehring '66

VICTORY AT SEA
After reading news from others, I thought I would type in a few memories from the late 1950s. I was so happy to see comments from both Jim and Peg Anderson. Peg and I played on the Wilson tennis team (well I mostly tried to play).  Memories of music we learned in our band and orchestra practices at Wilson stay with me still. Mr. White was an immense musical influence for a great number of reasons, but significantly because of the challenging music he chose for us to learn. I too remember Rhapsody in Blue. I remember Til Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks - Strauss in a high school band! And Jim Anderson toppling over off the top row in the band room, he of the French horn section. Stars and Stripes forever? I could barely play the piccolo riff once I had an audience. Rogers and Hammerstein music regularly graced our band stands. Mr. White programmed Robert Russell Bennetts' score to 'Victory at Sea'. In the late 1950s we could watch that entire documentary on our black and white television sets in our homes knowing that we could play the very same music to 'Victory at Sea' in our high school band. Emily (Emmy Lou) Erickson Borling '59

MESSAGES FROM CLASSMATES

1977 GRAD LOOKING FOR 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

1981 GRAD LOOKING FOR YEARBOOK
La'Tonia Foster '81 is looking for a 1981 yearbook.  If you have one, contact Linda Doyle.

1993 GRAD LOOKING FOR YEARBOOK
Keenya Browder '93 is looking for a 1993 yearbook.  If you have one, contact Keenya at keenie723@gmail.com.

1962 GRAD
I moved to Tucson Arizona six years ago and am enjoying the sunshine and even the heat. There are times after so many years living in Beaverton that I miss Oregon's lush green landscaping. I've worked in sales (who would have guessed) for the same company for over 32 years with maybe two more to go before I retire - who knows were. I enjoy reading about my class of 62 and all the great people who attended that year. Any body interested in catching up, I'm at eric711@cox.net.  Eric Phifer '62

1962 GRAD
Would love to hear from former classmates and what they are up to these days. Kathy Call (Huwaldt) '62

RETIRED AND LOVING IT!
In my free time I oil paint and play the dulcimer and classical guitar. We have been married nearly 51 years now and have three adult children and five grandchildren. Our family also includes three German shepherd dogs imported from Germany (Joan Reiff '57 always said I would always be out walking my dog!) She was right. We have tropical fish and two conure birds. I would love to make it out to a reunion one day and reconnect with some old school friends!  Lynne Stephens (Arrington) '57

DANCING IN CALIFORNIA
I moved from Oregon after completing a Masters at University of Oregon and danced professionally for ODC of San Francisco. I toured nationally and internationally and now run a Dance & Fitness program for the City of San Mateo. Loved life in Portland and the teachers at Wilson. Mae Chesney '75

1965 GRAD
I want to thank you, along with everyone else, for being so faithful in producing the Alumni Newsletters.  The May Newsletter was filled with achievements, happiness, and also some sadness.  I remember Lynch's Market as well. My sympathy goes to the Lynch Family for their loss.  I enjoyed the years I attended Wilson High School with its Quality Staff.  I think everyone who graduated and who will graduate from Wilson High School has a leg up from other graduates.  A very Classy School!!    Harry Harper '65

SHORT STORY FROM BILL GRANO
What a difference they make, those Counselors who endured our childish behaviors and made us what we are today.  The main change in my attitude towards success was the efforts by Mr. Bill Guffy.   He was Sr. Counselor for 1971. All we thought about was girls and fun.   He explained that it had to be School, Girls and Fun in that order. It worked out well...   I am a Food Safety Manager for Beaverton Foods, Inc in Hillsboro, have a beautiful Wife Lori and 4 great kids...   Mostly...Where is Bill Guffy now ?   Hope for no regrets and wish my fellow alumni much success.... Bill Grano '71

SAILING IN FLORIDA
We are living in South Florida and race our sailboat every week. I volunteer as an advocate for nursing home residents, mediate in the courts and enjoy working with my therapy dog (he does reading programs, humane education and interaction). This year we'll be in Oregon in our little RV and I come several times a year to check on my mom. I also write for kids but am still looking for a publisher.  Janice Johnson '67

TRYING TO CONNECT WITH 1985 CLASSMATES
I attended Wilson HS from 1981 through 1983. I would have graduated from Wilson but my family moved away. Trying to connect with classmates who would have graduated in 1985. Shari Baughman, "85" (archeryturtle@yahoo.com)

1971 GRAD LOST TOUCH
I have been trying to find friends I lost touch with since high school, for example Melva Okeson and Kathy Berry. I’ve recently started a business, Kwanoh, LLC. Web / Graphic Design, Illustration, Design for print. I have an office in Hillsboro. I am happy to be working in the SW area again. I am a grandmother and old enough now to realize how important old friends are. Peggy (Burnett) Lind, '71

IN MEMORY OF

KNOWN CLASSMATES NO LONGER WITH US
Please send an email to Linda Doyle if you have an obituary that should be posted here.

Read more about classmates, teachers, community members who have passed away...

REUNIONS

CLASS OF 1959 ... 50-Year Reunion ... September 11-12, 2009

CLASS OF 1964 ... Mid Term Get Together ... August 8, 2009

CLASS OF 1969 ... 40-Year Reunion ... September 11, 2009

CLASS OF 1979 ... 30-Year Reunion ... Friday, August 21, 2009

CLASS OF 1984 ... 25-Year Reunion ... July 18 & 19, 2009

CLASS OF 1989 ... 20-Year Reunion ... July 24, 2009

CLASS OF 1999 ... 10-Year Reunion ... Friday, July 31, 2009

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.

BASEBALL ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
The Wilson Baseball Alumni weekend is a few weeks away. The activities are: Saturday, July 18, Alumni doubleheader vs. Alpenrose at 11am. There is a social at the Cider Mill from 3-6pm after the games. Food provided. No host bar.  Sunday, July 19, Golf Fundraiser Tournament, 1pm Shotgun start at Meriweather GC in Hillsboro. We need golfers (experienced and non-experienced--it's a fundraiser) and hole sponsors. Golf form attached.

CHALK ART FESTIVAL
Each year the Wilson Area Arts Council, a nonprofit supporting the arts in the nine schools in the Wilson cluster, hosts a sidewalk Chalk Art Festival.  This year's event is Sunday, September 13, 2009 from 10am to 2pm at the Hillsdale Farmers Market.  It's free, all ages and abilities.  So join us to support the arts in the Wilson community.  NOTE:  We are looking for experienced chalk artists for the event, especially 3D chalk artists. If you would like to volunteer your time, send an email to chalk@wilsonarts.org, http://www.wilsonarts.org/chalk-art/chalk.htm.

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.

TELL US YOUR WWHS STORY
We are interested in gathering as many stories as possible from Wilson alumni. Do you have a story you would like to share from your time at Wilson? A memory of band class, football games, assemblies, typing class, wrestling matches, autoshop or home economics class, or about your time in Hillsdale. Please send the details to Linda Doyle. We will post the stories in future WWHS Alumni Update e-newsletters and on the WWHS website.

SPAM
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.

50TH ANNIVERSARY APPAREL
Interested in purchasing 50th Anniversary t-shirts, sweatshirts, caps? To place an order, contact Jack Bertell '58.