Serving others, from her family to her community and country, is a way of life for Lydia Cano. Trials she faced when her family moved to Anaheim in 1957 from Las Cruces, New Mexico, made such an impression on Lydia that she ultimately became a lifelong voice to help people overcome bigotry and obtain education, housing and medical services.
Lydia Cano – Class of 1961
August 29, 2011 by
Jon Urbanchek
August 29, 2011 by
Many times USA Olympic Swim Coach, Jon Urbanchek’s 50-year career included a stop at Anaheim High between 1964 and 1978, an era when the Colonist swimming and water polo teams achieved CIF championships and All American honors.
Many of his Anaheim athletes went on to play water polo and swim on NCAA Championship teams in college and, indeed, some went on to make their mark internationally.
[Read more…]
Dean Philpott – Class of 1954
August 28, 2011 by
Dean Philpott – Class of 1954
Athletics were the key to success for Anaheim High Class of ‘54 graduate Dean Philpott. From humble beginnings, Dean learned early in life that hard work and discipline, on and off the playing field, were necessary to attain a better life for himself and his family.
His character and determination helped him achieve his dreams and earn Dean the status of one of Anaheim High’s and Fresno State University’s most outstanding athletes. His considerable talents also led to a career as a pro football player. When Dean suffered a career-ending injury, he turned his energies and abilities to helping children though teaching and coaching. [Read more…]
Bobby Hatfield – Class of 1958 (1940-2003)
August 28, 2011 by
Bobby Hatfield – Class of 1958
Anaheim High’s most famous graduate is undoubtedly singer Bobby Hatfield, a member of the legendary Righteous Brothers.
Bobby and his partner Bill Medley both grew up in Orange County, Bobby graduating from Anaheim High in 1958 and Bill from Santa Ana High School. The duo performed together for the first time in 1962 and went on to sell millions of albums. Their 1964 track, You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feeling became an instant hit and still holds the record as the most-played song in the history of American radio.
Dubbed the founders of “blue-eyed soul,” the Righteous Brothers unique sound led them to become a leading act and a favorite group among millions of fans. Their musical relevance continues to be a staple in American pop music culture.
Bob Hasenjaeger
August 28, 2010 by
A loyal Colonist up until his passing on Jan. 27, 2010 at age 68, Bob was known as the “Voice of the Colonists” for his tireless behind-the-scenes work for numerous Anaheim coaches. He served as a dedicated volunteer for 28 years, announcing football, basketball and baseball games.
Born in Orange, Feb. 21, 1941, Bob attended Santa Ana High School and Santa Ana College. His worked for numerous years at the video coordinator for the Anaheim Angels baseball program.
Bob asked to be buried wearing his AHS baseball cap. His support of Anaheim High and its students was unwavering and his friendship was a benefit to all who knew him. His voice and presence at Colonist games will be sorely missed.
Larry Quille – Class of 1930
August 24, 2010 by
When Larry Quille graduated from Anaheim High in 1930, it’s unlikely that even with his talents as a writer could he have created the story about the amazing life he would live, a tale that included being captured as a Japanese prisoner of war to returning to his alma mater as a teacher with a distinguished 27-year career.
Larry was born on May 12, 1912 in Odessa, Missouri. It was truly Mother’s Day as the modern celebration of Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May began on May 12, 1912. His family would eventually turn their eyes west and move to California.
[Read more…]
Steve Mora – Class of 1986
May 13, 2010 by
Steven Mora, M.D.
Anaheim High School
Class of 1986
Inducted into AHS Hall of Fame in 2005
Dr. Steven Mora is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon practicing in Orange County, California. He’s a founding partner at Restore Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Group. He has a unique experience that led him to choose Orthopedic Surgery as a career.
He completed his undergraduate studies at California State University Fullerton, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiological Sciences and minor Biochemistry. He then pursued his medical education at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) School of Medicine, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. He was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.
Dr. Mora believes that his personal experience as a trauma patient helped him to become a better, more empathetic physician. Both of his legs were run over by a commuter bus while living in Peru. He underwent multiple complex surgical procedures and continues to suffer with pain. He feels this experience has helped him empathize better with his patients. This near tragic experience also introduced him to orthopedic Surgery.
Dr Mora also credits his experience in wood-shop class at Anaheim High School as an introduction to the tools that he fell in love with and continues to use as an Orthopedic Surgeon. He later found out that his experience at AHS under his teacher, Mr. John Rush, made a big difference for him during his surgery training.
His areas of expertise include sports medicine, arthroscopic surgery, knee and shoulder surgery, and orthopedic trauma. He’s a world-renowned expert for treating chronic Pectoralis Major Tendon tears.
He routinely goes on medical missions Peru where he had spent the first 7 years of his life. He feels that he can make a huge difference in the health of others, especially those with little resources. On these missions he also strives to motivate young students to pursue college and a career in medicine.
He is a sought-after speaker at national and international conferences on the where he shares his knowledge and experience with fellow healthcare professionals topic of chronic Pectoralis Major Tendon reconstruction.
Dr. Mora is active on social media. In 2020 he was named a top Orthopedic Surgeon influencer on Twitter. He frequently posts on Instagram under @SteveMoraMD.
More information about Dr. Mora can be found on his website MyOrthoDoc.com
Senior Class portrait – 1986
Foreign Language Major
Computer Programming
Steve Mora was an important part of the Class of 1986.
He was greatly active in various clubs on campus.
Steven Mora, M.D. – Class of 1986
Reuben Droughns – Class of 1996
May 13, 2010 by
Class of 1996
The most prolific running back in Anaheim Colonists football history, Droughns is one of only five players to have his jersey retired. As a sophomore, he rushed for a team-record 2,083 yards and propelled the Colonists to the quarterfinal round of postseason play. He followed that performance with 1,752 yards as a junior to break Mickey Flynn’s career rushing record. 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. He was a three-time All-Orange League first teamer, and twice earned All-CIF recognition. His excellence was not limited to the gridiron, as Droughns was a CIF champion wrestler in 1996 for the 189-pound weight class.
Renee Therese Kenneth-Sams – Class of 1981
May 13, 2010 by
Renee Therese (Kenneth) Sams – Class of 1981
Joe Anton – Class of 1937
May 13, 2010 by
Joe Anton was born in Anaheim, July 14, 1918, to Lebanese parents Abdulla “Tony” and Noora Anton. An only child, Joe was partially raised by a Hispanic man, while Tony and Noora worked in their store. (Anton’s Market was the first supermarket in Anaheim, and maybe Orange County.) Because of this babysitting arrangement, Spanish was Joe’s first language.
Joe attended St. Boniface Elementary School in Anaheim and then transferred to Anaheim Union High School, graduating in 1937. He moved on to Santa Ana Junior College, then upon his graduation in 1939, enrolled at San Diego State University, earning his degree in 1941.
