Big A

August 24, 2024 by AHSAA

A trademark that was at Colonist football games for decades is coming back, but WE NEED YOUR HELP!

The Anaheim Colonists football team running through the Big A was a regular tradition for many years. The new Big A will be as iconic as the one built by Mr. Dardarian and his students that was used from 1966 through 1987.

Our goal is to blow up the new inflatable BIG A by September 20^th at the Varsity Football Homecoming Game, so we need to work fast!

New head coach Gus Martinez and his staff are working hard with a talented squad that returns nearly a dozen all-league players Together they are excited to initiate a new chapter in Anaheim Football, Orange County’s all-time winningest public school football program.

The new BIG A will give our current team an unforgettable experience before every home game. In addition to football games, the new BIG A will be used at other athletic and school events to provide a BIG dose of Blue and Gold Spirit, Pride and Tradition.

Any funds raised beyond the cost of the new BIG A will be donated to the Football Program. The goal is $12,000!

Help us bring back the BIG A with a tax-deductible donation to the Anaheim High School Alumni Association, a 501(c)(3) organization. Any amount is welcome and may be paid via check or by using the VENMO code below.

If you want to take it to the next level and have your name or message added to a special panel that will be seen by everyone who walks under the Big A, support this effort at a donor level listed below:

SPIRIT LEVEL: $150 – Individual Name and Class Year (if applicable)
BLUE LEVEL: $300 – Family Name or Message to Team (e.g., Go! Fight! Win!)
GOLD LEVEL: $500 – Business Name or Graduating Class Year (e.g., Class of 1966 – CIF Champions!)
PRIDE LEVEL: $1000 (Individual, family name, or business name (in largest bold lettering)

NOTE: Each level is allowed a certain number of message lines from 1 to 3. The PRIDE LEVEL is allowed a business logo or a symbol, such as a letter “A” or the Colonist Crest. Font size will correspond with donation amount, increasing with each level. Click here for a letter that provides more details.

THE DEADLINE FOR PUTTING YOUR NAME ON THE NEW BIG A IS SEPTEMBER 10!

To donate between $150 to $1000, please fill out the BIG A Donor Form by clicking here. Mail the form with your tax-deductible donation made payable to AHS Alumni Association to P.O. Box 389, Anaheim, CA 92815.

Donations can be made online via Venmo using the following QR code (note BIG A in your memo). Send the filled out Donor Form to anheimalumni@yahoo.com. We will contact you to review your message and provide a mock-up for your approval. Thank you for your support!!!

2013 Anaheim Halloween Parade

November 5, 2013 by AHSAA

Anaheim High showed plenty of “Spooktacular” Colony Spirit and Pride in the 2013 Anaheim Halloween Parade. The AHS line-up included Anaheim Performing Arts Conservatory students as “Zombies on Parade”. They lurched their way down Broadway from Manchester to Anaheim Boulevard, providing scary entertainment for the thousands of spectators who lined the parade route.

Another parade highlight was the newly formed AHS Alumni Band and Color Guard. The 30-plus member group gathered for regular practices before taking to the streets for the annual parade. The group has raised several thousand dollars for the current Colonist band.

The Anaheim High Cheer Squad, with beloved Clem Colonist mascot, provided plenty of pep for the parade. The Anaheim B.R.O.S., a group of students who band together to provide community service and inspire their peers to pursue higher education, served as banner carriers.

Also representing Anaheim High in the parade were Diane Rodriguez ’77 as Connie Colonist; Steve Valdez ’79 and Jim Olenick ’76, who created a “Big A” float; and Janet Brown ’77, Cynthia Roybal ’73, Debbie Vidana ’76, and Sallie Vravis ’63, all line-up chaperons.

Colonist VIPs who joined the line-up included AUHSD Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Novak, an AHS Class of ’71 graduate; AHS Principal Dr. Anna Corral; AHSAA President Gerald Woodward ’59; Elmer Thill, a 99-year-old Colonist from Class of ’32; and AHS Homecoming King and Queen Oscar Garcia and Daisy Dorado. The Colonists VIPs were convened through the parade by Andy Ersek in his ’66 red Corvette; Mac Burke, 1953 MG; Bill Utter, red Mustang; John Dade, ’75 burnt orange Mustang; Doris Trenary, ’63 Chevy Nova. Another featured vehicle was the 3rd Annual Colony Classic Car Show Winner, a ’56 VW Bug owned by Rick Litchie.