In keeping with its mission “to promote and support opportunities and programs for the benefit of AHS students,” the Anaheim High School Alumni Association named senior Kimberly Alvarez as its first Colonist Spirit Award winner. Kimberly, who received a $1,000 scholarship toward her four-year degree, was selected from a field of 34 applicants for her well-rounded background in academics, extra-curricular activities and pride in being a Colonist.

Top six finalists of the first AHSAA Colonist Spirit Award were Irvin Rodriguez, Ana Montoya, Stephanie Ibarra, Reyna Hernandez and Kymberly Alvarez.

Two other Anaheim High graduates who benefited from alumni-funded scholarships were Luis Amaya and Melissa Mateos, male and female athletes of the year. These students were selected by their coaches to receive the Bud Fassel Memorial Scholarship. Each received $1,000 toward their educational expenses.

Luis Amaya, recipient of the Bud Fassel Memorial Scholarship, is congratulated by Jerry Woodward from class of ‘59. A star athlete in football and track, Jerry was mentored by the Bud, a ‘36 AHS grad who returned to his alma mater in 1956 as the first full-time equipment manager at the high school level. Bud’s son is ’67 AHS graduate Jim Fassel who went on to quarterback for the Chicago Bears and coach the New York Giants.

A 1936 grad, Fassel was the football team manager and basketball captain. He returned to his alma mater in 1956 as the first full-time equipment manager at the high school level and was an important member of Anaheim football program for the next 25 years. He greatly influenced the career of his son, ’67 graduate Jim Fassel, a Colonist football star who went on to quarterback for the Chicago Bears and coach the New York Giants. Both father and son are inductees of Anaheim High’s Hall of Fame.