Joaquin Valdepeñas ’73 Receives CSUF Distinguished Alumnus Award

May 6, 2019 by

Joaquin Valdepeñas, a Class of ’73 Colonist alumnus, received a Distinguished Alumnus Award from CSU Fullerton, where he graduated in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in music performance.

Principal clarinetist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Valdepeñas is considered one of the most distinguished clarinetists of his generation. As a soloist and recitalist, he has been principal clarinetist in the Toronto Symphony Orchestra since 1980. He also is a founding member of the Grammy-nominated Amici Chamber Ensemble. He recently returned to CSUF to teach classes for maturing clarinetists.

His dozens of recordings have earned two JUNO awards and three Grammy nominations. He has performed with Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Leif Ove Andsnes and Kathleen Battle, as well as the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio.

A native of Torreon, Mexico, Valdepeñas grew up in Anaheim, where he began studying the clarinet with the Anaheim High school band at 13, using a borrowed instrument. After completing his studies at CSUF, he was admitted to the prestigious music performance program at Yale University, where he earned his master’s degree.

Established in 1994, the Vision & Visionaries awards are the highest honors that the university bestows on alumni and community supporters.

Filed Under: Alumni Spotlight

Be A Sport! – Support Anaheim High’s Campaign to Build a 21st Century Athletic Complex!

May 5, 2019 by

The Anaheim High School Alumni Association is launching a campaign to upgrade the school’s athletic facilities to coincide with the grand opening of a new aquatics center in 2019.

While the new swimming pool and upgrades to gym locker rooms are being funded by the Anaheim Unified School District, monies to cover improvements to the athletic fields, gymnasium and a fitness center need to be raised from other sources.

Plans for the athletic fields include new baseball dugouts, synthetic football and soccer fields, a rubber track, lighting,  fencing and bleachers to replace the recently demolished Clayes Stadium.

Upgrades to the 80-year-old gymnasium will include a new HVAC system, bleachers, wall art, league title banners, baffles to improve acoustics, interior and exterior paint.

A new fitness center, which will soon be named after the donor and 1967 graduate Jim Fassel, is in need of a new cooling system, windows and other minor improvements. Fassel donated new flooring and fitness equipment valued at approximately $250,000.

A dedicated core of Anaheim High alumni administrators, teachers, staff and are behind the project, including AHS Principal Robert Saldivar ‘96, athletic directors Lanny Booher ’80 and Al Rodriguez ’94, plus numerous alumni coaches, teachers and staff members. The AHSAA will also be working alongside the 3,000-member student body to help improve the sports facilities.

“Anaheim High embraces its past, but we also want to make sure the Colonist community has access to 21st century facilities,” said Principal Saldivar. “Our athletes need to be able to compete on a level playing field. Schools throughout Orange County are training and playing on synthetic fields, which are becoming the standard.”

Saldivar, who played baseball while attending Anaheim, noted that Anaheim High is located in the heart of the Colony District, and the track, athletic fields and new swimming pool will also benefit local residents.

He added that the athletic complex, particularly the gymnasium, serves as a community evacuation site. “It’s not just a matter of aesthetics. We need to make sure we’re in the best position to serve the Anaheim community.

“Our students will be participating in fundraising at some level, and they are counting on the community and all alumni to pull together and support this effort,” said Saldivar.

Corporate donors are being sought and fund raising projects will be introduced throughout 2018 to raise the needed $5 million price tag. One such fundraiser is the sale of chunks of Clayes Stadium for $20 each.

For additional information, email anaheimalumni@yahoo.com or call AHSAA President Janet Brown – 714-726-4372.

 

Filed Under: Colonist News

Vietnam AHS Veteran George Tallman

April 9, 2019 by

George Tallman attended Anaheim High as a sophomore and part of his junior year. Had he graduated, he would be Class of 1963. Graduate or not, George is a Colonist Fallen Hero and AHS alumnus.

His brother, Bill, provided information and photo of Geroge, who died in Vietnam on April 9, 1967.

  • Date of Birth: 8/28/1945
  • Date of Casualty: 4/9/1967
  • Home of Record: HUNTINGTON BEACH
  • County of Record: ORANGE COUNTY
  • State: CA
  • Branch of Service: ARMY
  • Rank: SGT
  • Panel/Line:18E, 7
  • Casualty Province: PR & MR UNKNOWN

Buried in Huntington Beach

Filed Under: Colonist Wall of Valor

AHS Vietnam Veterans Honored at Campus Ceremony

March 31, 2019 by

AHS Class of ’76 graduate Congressman Lou Correa honored and celebrated Vietnam War-period veterans, as well as several Anaheim High Gold Star Families, at a pinning ceremony presented March 29 on the Colonist Campus The commemorative event included presentations of a Service Lapel Pins and other tributes to publicly thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families on behalf of the nation. The event was supported by the AHSAA, ASB, Band, and other volunteers.

Filed Under: Colonist Wall of Valor

John Alan Frick ’65 – Family Returns to AHS to Honor Brother

March 30, 2019 by

The Frick sisters lost their brother 52 years ago, but still love and cherish the memories of their fresh-faced sibling who went off to the Vietnam War on March 10, 1967. Their 20-year-old brother lost his life less than two months later in the Dinh Tuong Province of South Vietnam.

The sisters of Private First Class John Alan Frick, Mary Schilling, Laura Puialoa and Kathy Ward returned on Friday, March 29, 2019, to Anaheim High, where their brother graduated in 1965, to received a Gold Star Lapel Pin as part of a U.S. Department of Defense Vietnam Commemorative program conducted by Congressman Lou Correa, an AHS Class of 1976 graduate who represents California’s 46th District of Anaheim, Garden Grove, Orange and Santa Ana. The event was supported by the school’s Alumni Association, the campus NJOTC program, the ASB Associated Student Body, Band, and other campus volunteers.

Other AHS K.I.A. families were also honored. More photos from the event may be seen here.

Additional information and photos of  John Frick are available below:

 

 

John Alan FrickPrivate First Class John Alan Frick – AHS Class of 1965

A CO, 3RD BN, 47TH INFANTRY, 9TH INF DIV, USARV
Army of the United States
Anaheim, California
December 14, 1946 to May 02, 1967

Private First Class

PERSONAL DATA

Home of Record:  Anaheim, CA

Date of birth:   12/14/1946

MILITARY DATA

Service:         Army of the United States

Grade at loss:   E3

Rank:            Private First Class

ID No:           56686138

MOS:             11B10: Infantryman

Length Service:  00

Unit:            A CO, 3RD BN, 47TH INFANTRY, 9TH INF DIV, USARV

CASUALTY DATA

Start Tour:      03/10/1967

Incident Date:   05/02/1967

Casualty Date:   05/02/1967

Age at Loss:     20

Location:        Dinh Tuong Province, South Vietnam

Remains:         Body recovered

Casualty Type:   Hostile, died outright

Casualty Reason: Ground casualty

Casualty Detail: Gun or small arms fire

 

Filed Under: Colonist Wall of Valor

Michael Ray McCommons: A Son Lost, A Grandson Found

March 16, 2019 by

Michael McCommons’ name is inscribed on Line 36, of Wall Panel 13 East, on a black granite wall with the names of more than 58,000 men and women who gave their lives or remain missing in Vietnam.

Michael’s son, Glen Mulock, was 16 years old when the Vietnam War Memorial, dubbed “The Wall That Heals,” was dedicated in Washington D.C. on Nov. 13, 1982.

Born Oct. 6, 1966, Glen was put up for adoption after Michael was killed in Vietnam on Dec. 11, 1966. He grew up knowing his father was a soldier who gave his life for his country. Inspired by his father’s service, Glen joined the Marine Corps at age 17. Before going off to boot camp, he met the McCommons family, some of whom were unaware of his existence.

Michael and Glen’s mother, a university student, met at Leeds Shoe Store in the Anaheim Plaza, then an in-door mall that was a first for the city. The couple’s lives were drastically altered when Michael was drafted and left for his tour of duty on Oct. 22, 1965, as a member of the U.S. Army C Company, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. His Company was ambushed on a route north of Lai Khe, where Michael and 16 others in his company were killed during heavy combat.

Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on Aug. 17, 1943, Michael’s family migrated to Orange County and made their home at 207 Vine Street. Like other youth growing up in Anaheim in the 1950s and ‘60s, Michael watched movies at Fox Theater, played sports, went to the beach, dated and attended school at Anaheim High. After graduating in 1961, Michael and his brother, John, traveled the world.

After his time in the Marines, Glen moved to Southern California and grew even closer to his birth father’s family. “I looked a lot like Mike, and I was able to provide healing to my grandparents and my birth mother. I was proud I could help with any little bit of healing from their loss of Mike.”

Glen said his grandmother is his hero. “My Grandmother  (Francis) lost a brother in WWII and a son in Vietnam.  Today, at age 99, she is still a strong woman of faith. She volunteered with her church and the Gold Star Mothers for years and brought strength to others.”

Michael, who is buried in the Anaheim Cemetery, is remembered by his sister, Debbie Nance McCommons, an AHS Class of ’77 graduate: “He is missed every day by his family and friends who will never forget his smile, humor, love of life and joy in living. We learn from his example.”

Filed Under: Colonist Wall of Valor

Anaheim High Vietnam Veteran Fallen Heroes

March 12, 2019 by

Please join the AHS Alumni Association in saluting these Colonist Vietnam War K.I.A. service members. These Fallen Heroes will be honored at a March 29 Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Pinning Ceremony at Anaheim High. The 4 to 6 p.m. ceremony will be held in front of the gymnasium. Several of their family members will be in attendance. Their photos and stories will be posted in the near future. To RSVP for the event, please click here.

GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN!

ANDERSON, JAMES HOWARD -1941-1968

U.S. ARMY – CLASS OF 1959

 CULLEN, DENNIS JOHN-1945-1966

U.S. ARMY – CLASS OF 1965

 EASTON, JOHN WILLIAM-1941-1968

U.S. ARMY – CLASS OF 1959

 FIGUEROA, FRANK N.-1945-1970

U.S. ARMY – CLASS OF 1964

 GRAHAM, GILBERT JAMES-1946-1967

U.S. NAVY – CLASS OF 1965

 GUERRERO, JOSES F. JR.-1949-1970

U.S. ARMY – CLASS OF 1969

 KENNEDY, JACQUE-1942-1969

U.S. ARMY – CLASS OF 1960

 LINN, DAVID WILLIAM-1942-1967

U.S. ARMY – CLASS OF 1960

 LOPEZ, MAX ANDY – 1944-1967

U.S. ARMY – CLASS OF 1963

 MCCOMMONS, MICHAEL RAY-1943-1966

U.S. ARMY – CLASS OF 1961

 MOORE, ROBERT NED-1947-1968

U.S. ARMY – CLASS OF 1966

 REYNOLDS, MICHAEL MONROE-1948-1968

U.S. ARMY – CLASS OF 1968

RODDAM, RODDNEY ALLEN-1948-1968

U.S. ARMY – CLASS OF 1966

SCHMIDT, STEVEN WARREN-1947-1968

U.S. ARMY – CLASS OF 1965

TALLMAN, GEORGE L. – 1945-1967

U.S. ARMY – CLASS OF 1963

WATTS, THOMAS-1948-1969

U.S. ARMY – CLASS OF 1966

Filed Under: Colonist Wall of Valor

AHS Holds Record for Alumni Super Bowl Appearances!

February 3, 2019 by

Anaheim High alumni have made history as players or coaches in the Super Bowl. In fact, Anaheim High holds the record for the most grads from  an Orange County high school to participate in pro football’s ultimate game.

Now  let’s put the icing on the cake by adding that Anaheim High’s 1967 Drill Team made an appearance in the first Superbowl! Hard to top!

But first let’s talk about the players.

Anaheim’s Reuben Droughns, Class of 1996, played on special teams for the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII. The most prolific running back in Anaheim Colonists football history, Droughns is the only Anaheim running back to surpass 1,000 yards rushing three times, and ended his career with 4,958 yards, the second highest total in Orange County history up to that time. Check out the Hall of Fame listing on this website to learn more about his pro career and what’s he’s doing now.

Gerry “Moon” Mullins, Class of 1967, is the main man when it comes to playing in Super Bowls. He played in Pittsburgh’s first four Super Bowl champions (IX, X, XIII, XIV). Playing under Chuck Noll, Mullins established himself at left guard, and was an integral part of the Steelers’ dynasty of the 1970s. He started in all four of Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl victories, blocking for the Pro Football Hall of Fame backfield duo of Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris. Mullins spent his entire eight-year career with the Steelers, retiring after Pittsburgh’s victory in Super Bowl XIV. Read more about this Anaheim High great in the Hall of Fame list on this website.

Jim Fassel, Class of ’67, was named NFL Coach of the Year in his first season at the helm in New York, when he led Giants to Super Bowl XXXV.  He’s stilling winning football games as head coach of the Las Vegas Locomotives, leading the United Football League team to two back-to-back championships. You can read more about his career on this website under the Hall of Fame listing.

 Better yet, meet Jim in person at the Feb. 21 AHS Alumni Association Golf Classic and Dinner. This President’s Day event at Western Hills Country Club is not just for golfers. All alumni, family and friends are invited to enjoy a day on the course, in the club house, at a post-game reception, silent auction and dinner. Jim will lead a live auction of items he’s donating, including a Las Vegas package. Jim is a true “Blue and Gold” Colonist and donates an annual scholarship in the name of his father, Bud Fassel, also an AHS graduate who served as equipment manager and was part of the legendary Clare Van Hoorebeke football program.  

Now back to the Drill Team . . .Becky Scott, a Class of ’67 grad, well remembers the experience of performing during the half-time show for the first Super Bowl, which was played in Los Angeles. 

Green Bay and Kansas City were the opposing teams and the Arizona and Grambling University Bands were featured in the half-time ceremony, along with the AHS Drill Team. Becky remembers that the bands and AHS Drill Team formed an outline of the United States and several of the AHS girls were picked to carry NFL team flags and march onto the “map” where the teams were located.  Becky carried the San Francisco 49er’s flag. 

Anyone with photos or addtional memories of this Super Bowl appearance is encouraged to share them. Please email anaheimalumni@yahoo.com with your special memories of Anaheim High.

Filed Under: AHS Football Legacy, Alumni Spotlight Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Happy 100th to Colonist Centurion Jeanette VanDelden

December 29, 2018 by

Anaheim grads joined with Jeannie’s family to celebrate her 100th birthday!

Born Dec. 21, 1918, in Shelton, Nebraska, Jeanette (Jennie) Rose Campbell Van Delden’s was 6-years-old when she moved to Anaheim with her family in 1924.

Called Jennie by her family and friends, she attended Citron Elementary School and Fremont Junior High. She graduated in 1936 from Anaheim Union High School.

In 1937, she married Henry Van Delden. They had twin daughters, Bonne Mae and Bette Lou.

One of the many memories she shares about growing up in Anaheim is being rescued by boat, along with her husband and baby daughters, from the roof of their home on Wilhelmina Street during the 1938 flood.

Jeanette and Henry were married for 61 years, until he passed away in 1998.

Jennie worked for Anaheim Laundry from 1947 to 1952. In 1952, she went to work for Northrop Aircraft in Anaheim for 19 years, retiring in 1970.

Her community activities include serving as a volunteer for 26 years with the Friends of Anaheim Library. She retired as the group’s treasurer in 2014. She is also an active member of the Anaheim High School Alumni Association and rarely misses a meeting of the month Alumni Breakfast Club.

Jeanette is an avid card player and often wins games of Rummy against her daughter, Bonne Stevens, and Bonne’s group of friends, who are 1955 Anaheim High graduates. Jeanette also keeps busy by reading novels and regularly playing solitaire on her IPad.

Jeanette said her secret to a long life is having a good sense of humor and a nightly cocktail.

Please join the AHS Alumni Association in toasting to the continued health and long life of this lovely lady, who is the quintessence of grace and elegance. May she continue to touch the lives around her with her kind spirit and gentle manners.

  • Jeanette and daughter Bonne Stevens ’55
  • Jeanette with Margret (Hein) Peter ’38
  • Dee (Sagan) Carter ’55, Jeanette and daughter Bonne
  • Jeanette with Larry Macaray and Elmer Thill at a 2015 Alumni Breakfast
  • Jeanette was honored for her 28 years of service as treasurer for Friends of the Anaheim Library.
  • Mother – Daugher Bonne Stevens and Jeanette Van Delden
  • Class of ’36 Jeanette Van Delden with Class of 2014 ASB officers
  • Jeanette with Jo An Burdick Gottlieb ’51, Geri Kirk Bumpass ’58, and Bonne Van Delden Stevens ’55
  • Jeanette Van Delden ’36 and her daughter Bonne Stevens ’55 enjoy evening of celebrating with fellow grads
  • Jeanette with 2007 alumni Brian Agredaro and Katherine Navarrete
  • Jeanette with daughter Bonne
Filed Under: Alumni Spotlight

Everything’s Coming Up Roses for AHS Student Selected to Ride Parade Float

December 29, 2018 by

Anaheim High sophomore Evelyn Maldonado, 15, said she’s been practicing her wave for the millions of viewers who will be watching the 129th Rose Parade.  

Along with her love for music and singing, Evelyn was selected to be part of this year’s Rose Parade festivities because she’s a role model who inspires others.  A “Student of the Month” who’s on Anaheim High’s honor roll, Evelyn  was  18 months old when she was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, an eye cancer that claimed her vision.

Evelyn said she discovered her love of music around age 3, when she started singing along to a CD of Disney princess songs her mother brought her to listen to during her treatments.

By age 7, Evelyn started classes at the Anaheim Braille Institute. For the past nine years, she has been thriving in the school’s performing arts program, singing lead in her school musical and in the Johnny Mercer Youth Choir.

Evelyn will be joined by two other Braille Institute students on the Lions Club International  float, which celebrates the Club’s “Rocking the Vest” rap video, which Lions International  created so younger potential members can view Lions in a new and fun way. The rap lyrics focus on what wearing the yellow Lions Club vest means: “Whenever a Lions Club gets together, problems get smaller and communities get better.”

The Lions Club has been supporting the Braille Institute since 1925, when Helen Keller named the Lions “Knights of the Blind” for their good work to prevent blindness and help those with vision loss. For the Braille Institute’s students, riding on a float that’s in keeping with the Rose Parade theme, “The Melody of Life,” is also symbolic of their journey.

Braille Institute President Peter Mindich points out in an article on the Institute’s website (www.brailleinstitute.org/anaheim) that for these young students, vision loss doesn’t mean loss of doing what you love, adding that his three students inspire others through their “positivity and confidence through their musical and singing talents.”

The Rose Parade appearance of these young ambassadors is also serving as a special kick off for the Braille Institute’s centennial celebration.  The Los Angeles-based nonprofit was founded in 1919 and began offering free programs and services to blind and vision-impaired Orange County residents in 1934. 

Other activities marking the 100th anniversary will take place throughout the year, including the Feb. 28 grand opening of a completely made over Anaheim Center at 527 North Dale Ave. The new 14,000-square-foot center will support more than 37,000 people with vision loss through 300 classes and programs.

Evelyn’s mother and older sister plan to be among the thousands of parade-goers cheering for all the Lion’s Club float, as it proceeds down Colorado Boulevard. The Colonist community will also be applauding Evelyn for her courage and Anaheim High spirit and pride as she rides with her head held high in the 2019 Rose Parade.

(Photo courtesy of the Braille Institute)

 

Filed Under: Alumni Spotlight Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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