Many Anaheim High alumni, students and faculty have displayed heartfelt spirit and pride for “Old AU,” but few have equaled Betty Fee’s devotion to her alma mater as a student and later as a school staff member.
Anaheim-born, Betty was a graduate from the Class of 1938 and an active participant in school activities, including cheerleading and athletes. The Class of ’38 yearbook lists her as GAA Board 1; Girl’s A Club 2, 3, 4; Treasurer GAA 3, Vice President 4; Class Secretary 4; Commissioner of Girl’s Athletics 4; Yell Leader 4; Girl Reserves 4; Girl’s Sports Editor Anoranco 4; Sports 1, 2, 3, 4.
She returned to AHS in the late 1950s as the girls’ equipment manager. Betty was an important member of the athletic department, supporting Coach Van Hoorebeke throughout his tenure. She created a student group to hold Pride Flags to form a tunnel through which the football team ran onto the field while the band played the fight song. She further instigated the Alumni Tunnel in 1972, made up of people 30 deep and going from La Palma Street, entrance of Glover Stadium, to the goal posts around the 50-yard line and the players’ benches.
Betty decorated for all the Booster Club banquets, making personal place settings each year for the team members, coaches and managers. She also collected news clippings throughout her decades-long tenure at Anaheim High and created large displays boards that were housed in the boys’ team room.
Her legacy still lives on at the school and the numerous “spirit” booster items she created, including banners, flags and Big A blue and gold cut-outs, are still stored at the school and brought out for reunions and rallies.
