Minard Duncan ’50, Gary Wimberly ’63, Peggie Fariss ’65, Nancy (Ott) Rennie ’76, Mike Reeske’63 and Janet (Young) Brown ’77 shared career advice with 2010 Colonists at the AHS ROP Career Fair.
AHS graduates responded to the invitation to share career advise to current Colonists at a January 2010 AHS Regional Occupation Program Career Fair. Students spoke to alumni, as well as representatives from area colleges, trade schools, military recruiters and other occupational advisers.
Alumni in attendance included (from left) Minard Duncan ’50, Gary Wimberly ’63, Peggie Fariss ’65, Mike Reeske ’63, Nancy (Ott) Rennie ’76 and Janet (Young) Brown ’77.
Minard shared his experience as an educator and administrator who dedicated 41 years to the Fullerton School District (FSD). Upon retiring as a school principal in 1998, he went on to supervise student teachers and interns for four years at CSU Fullerton. He remained involved with the FSD, serving on various committees and for two terms on the FSD Board of Trustees. He’s also serves on the boards of numerous community non-profits.
Gary Wimberly, a member of the AHSAA Board of Directors, shared his background in agricultural science and golf course and park management. His career included overseeing the grounds of Dad Miller Golf Course, Ram’s Park (practice field for former LA Rams) and Angel Stadium.
Peggie Fariss shared information about her current position with Disney Imagineering as director of Participant Services. Peggie started as a Disney ride operator shortly after graduating from AHS. She continued working at the park while attending college. After graduating from CSU Fullerton with a bachelor’s in English, she transferred to Walt Disney World in a salaried position, then returned to California in 1976 to work on the development of EPCOT. Her current responsibilities include working with creative teams and corporate sponsors on the integration of their brands in Disney parks and resorts around the world.
Nancy Rennie represented Fullerton College Printing Technology Department at the Career Fair. She is a FC instructor and a professional graphic artist with her own firm, Good Image Advertising.
Mike Reeske, currently a science writer at UC Berkeley, taught chemistry and science at this alma mater between 1968 and 1972. He is the author of 13 books, and taught chemistry at Vista High School for 25 years. He visited with current science instructors during his campus visit and toured the new Science and Technology Building science labs.
Janet Brown, AHSAA secretary, shared information about her career as a journalist, freelance writer and public relations specialist.
Students visiting stations set up in the campus central quad were eager to speak to their Colonist classmates and talked about their future plans. The alumni guests also passed out applications for the AHSAA Spirit Award and encouraged students to apply for the scholarship and to continue their educations after graduating from AHS.
