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

2019 Reunions

March 27, 2019 by

Sept. 28 – Classes of 1954 – 65th reunion (1953 and 1955 Welcome)

Oct. 5 – Class of 1979 – 40th reunion

Oct. 12 – Class of 1989  – 30th  reunion –  www.ahs89reunion.com

Oct. 19 – Class of 1964 – 55th reunion

Oct. 19 – Class of 1969 – 50th reunion – spendfreak@aol.com

Oct. 20 – Class of 1959 – 60th reunion

 

Sept. 21 – Class of 1974 – 45th reunion – anaheimhs1974@gmail.com

Other Events

Oct. 11 – Homecoming game: Friday, Oct. 11, 2019 vs Century at Glover Stadium

Oct. 19 – AHSAA 8th Annual Colony Classic Car Show – Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019 – 10A-2P on AHS campus

 

2020

Oct. 16, 2020 – Class of 1970 – 50th reunion – SAVE THE DAY Friday, Oct. 16, 2020

www.anaheimcolonists.com

 

Filed Under: Reunions Tagged With: , , , ,

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

Super Bowl Coaches to Join Golfers at AHS Alumni Association Golf Classic & Auction

February 10, 2019 by

In Classic Colonist style, New York Giants Super Bowl Coach Jim Fassel ’67 and his son, John, the LA Rams Special Teams Coach who recently made his Super Bowl debut, will be among participants at the 10th Annual ASHAA Golf Classic & Auction, Monday, Feb. 18, at Western Hills Country Club.

Jim Fassel ‘ 67 holds the NFL Golden Football sent to AHS for his contribution to Super Bowl history. His son, John, is Special Teams Coach for the LA Rams.

The tournament’s Hall-of-Fame lineup will include many other outstanding Colonist athletes like football legend Mickey Flynn ’57. AHS Coaches, many of whom are Anaheim alumni, are forming golf foursomes, and will be joined by Dan Miller, former athletic director and head basketball coach.

A day of sunshine is predicted for the President’s Day tournament that will raise funds for the AHSAA’s Spirit Scholarships and the Athletic Department’s facilities improvement campaign.

Along with a day of golf, the event includes a 2 p.m. lunch, awards, and an auction and opportunity drawing, both featuring an array of donated prizes. All are welcome to attend, with lunch tickets available for $30. To signup, click here or contact the AHSAA at anaheimalumni@yahoo.com.

A big thank you to the sponsors and donors who make this top fundraiser possible!

The AHS Alumni Association is pleased to welcome first-time GOLD sponsor Selman Chevrolet.

Thanks also to Pride Sponsor Al Rodriguez and his AHS Foursome; and Blue Sponsors Boydstun Realty & Property Management, owner Reon Boystun Howard ’74; Gerald Woodward ’59, Michael La Torre ’65.

Colonist cheers to our beverage sponsor Jerry Zomordian from Anaheim ARCO, as well as to Ron Davini ’65, an AHS Hall of Famer who has sponsored lunch for several years to feed our event volunteers.

Tee-signs will be displayed through course, thanks to sponsors such as Jeff Morris ’67 in member of his classmate Mark Uhlich ‘67.

Questions may be directed to anaheimalumni@yahoo.com or by calling AHSAA Events Director Debbie Vidana, 714-883-2389.

Filed Under: AHS Football Legacy, Alumni Spotlight, Hall of Fame Tagged With: ,

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: , , , , , , , , ,
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