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Woodrow Wilson High School Alumni Update - February 2012
http://www.wilsonalumni.com



ALUMNI ASSOCIATION UPDATE

WILSON ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Consider joining fellow alums as we continue on our path to form an alumni association. All welcome to attend and contribute your ideas, and in addition either offer services or recommend an alum whom has experience with a tax-exempt organization. To date, during our meetings, we have made headway toward drafting bylaws, filing for tax-exempt status, and discussed a dues/membership structure. Questions, contact Jack Bertell ’58 at: jrbertell@comcast.netNext meeting: Tuesday, February 21, 2012, 7:00 p.m., O'Connors, The Annex, Multnomah Village, 7850 SW Capitol Highway Portland, Oregon.

 

CURRENT SCHOOL NEWS

WILSON FOUNDATION UPDATE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
Thanks to participation in the House Party Extravaganza, restaurant nights (Pizzicato, Baja Fresh, Chez Jose, Pizza Hut), registration donations, on-going monthly contributions, corporate matching, and additional non-event-related donations, the Wilson Foundation has (so far) raised approximately $34,842 in the 2011-12 school year! Thank each and every one of you who have contributed to reducing class sizes and increasing course offerings. Our students are benefiting from funds donated last year, which are supplementing core classes such as English, Science, and Math, as well as electives like German and Graphic Media Design.

Upcoming events:

- Harvey's Comedy Club will be hosting our next big event on February 25. Wilson supporters (over 21 years old) are invited to join the fun at the 5:00 show; Wilson family/Harvey's owner will donate 100% of the ticket revenue to the Foundation. Tell friends and family!! Tickets are $15/ea and include all three comedians in a one and a half hour show. Food/beverages available but not included. Buy tickets at the door or pay online for a guaranteed seat: harveyscomedyclub.com; reservations tab.

- Pizza Hut (Barbur/Terwilliger) - March 14 - It's just so easy. Great grub for your hard-working student....Barbur/Terwilliger PH will donate based on sales between 5-8:00.

- Pizzicato (Hillsdale)- April 10 - Stock up on gift cards and treat your family to specialty pizza and salad! Pizzicato will donate 20% of proceeds from April 10's sales at the Hillsdale store.

- Sasquatch Brewery (Hillsdale)- May 22- Wilson family-owned and new-kid-on-the-block; treat your taste buds and support the Foundation. Sasquatch will donate 15% of all sales that day from 5:00 till closing.

 

WILSON AUCTION, APRIL 21, 2012
Wilson High School PTA Auction 2012 presents " A Picnic in the Park", Saturday April 21, 2012, 6PM at Mittleman Jewish Community Center. For the past 4 years the Wilson auction has been evolving into an all community event. It is a unique hybrid of the former sports auction, a more traditional PTA auction and an all school community celebration. This year we have approximately 20 different volunteer groups representing various WHS organizations participating in the auction along with the PTA, Foundation and Athletic Department. We are fortunate at Wilson to have so many alumni, like yourselves, who have helped create the wonderful, supportive community that Wilson has thrived in over the past half century. We would love to have us join us in April for this fun and fruitful event! For more information and to purchase tickets please go to: http://wilsonhighschoolpta.tofinoauctions.com/2012auction/homepages/show.


HELP NEEDED TO CREATE FANTASTIC GRADUATION NIGHT PARTY
Every year the Graduation Night Committee of the Wilson High School PTA holds an all night event to offer a drug and alcohol free venue for seniors to celebrate this significant event in their lives. This safe and supervised environment affords students a final opportunity to enjoy each other's company and acknowledge their accomplishments before embarking on their respective pursuits. This program is in the fourth decade of existence and has proven to be a proactive tool to reduce risk often associated with graduation celebrations. We offer scholarships to those who can’t afford to pay the ticket cost. One goal of the event is to have every Senior attend the event, whether they can afford it or not. 40-60 parent volunteers are involved in the planning, fundraising and running the event. The celebration will take place on June 6, 2012. Your donation can be used to offset expenses. Thanks for your enduring support!

There are several opportunities for giving to this event. Grants/Cash Donations: If you have a business or organization, you could give a grant or cash donation to the event. We can also accept private cash donations. Deadline: April, 2012, but would prefer earlier contact. Contact person for grants and donations is Leslie Baird: leslieb@aracnet.com. Your business/organization will be recognized at the Grad Party event, the school bulletin, and the school newspaper.


SOLID HOMECOMING WIN FOR THE TROJANS

The Trojans beat Cleveland 47-16 in a driving rain storm, back in October 2011. According to Wilson Athletic Director Scott Aker, “the Offensive line helped establish a powerful running game led by Marshall Bakker with 104 yards on 17 carries. The Defense did their share as well with one interception by Anthony Foster. Chris Beard and Marshall Bakker each returned Warrior fumbles for TDs! A solid Homecoming win with Michael Reid as quarterback for the Trojans.”

Do you have Homecoming memories from your days at Wilson?  Send your stories to Linda Doyle for posting in the next alumni newsletter.


WILSON COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE HOMECOMING

“Friday, October 28th, was a great day to be a Trojan!” exclaims Kristin Chesnutt ’12 and member of Wilson Student Leadership. “Not ony did the football players lead us to victory on senior night, but there was a very successful tailgater bringing the whole community together and helping the crowd get ready for the big game! The dance was a fun ‘Throwback to the 90s as the student body embraced the athletic success and enjoyed the final Homecoming event. Thanks to all who were helpful in making this day a memorable Homecoming for all!”


WILSON ART TEACHER, SUSAN PARKER NAMED PACIFIC REGION SECONDAY ART EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR 2012
We are pleased to announce that Wilson art teacher Susan Parker was selected by the National Art Education Association (NAEA) as the Pacific Region Secondary Art Educator of the Year for 2012. The Pacific Region includes 11 states and is one of the four geographic regions of the NAEA membership.  She has been recognized by the National Art Education Association (NAEA) for her significant contributions to the Oregon Art Education Association (OAEA), NAEA, art education, and because of her dedication to her students. Serving as the President of Oregon Art Education Association, attending Pacific Region Leadership conferences and participating as a delegate for Oregon at the National conferences, Susan has proven to be a very active, devoted, organized and reliable leader. As Past President she continues to work hard to advocate for quality arts education for all students.  Susan will be honored in New York City at the National NAEA conference in March 2012.  She started teaching at Wilson in 1987.  If you would like to extend your good wishes, Susan can be reached at: susankp@pps.net.  Congratulations, Susan!

 

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

WILSON GRAD BEGINS SUBMARINE OFFICER TRAINING
Michelle Weaver '08
begins submarine officer training in 2012 after she graduates from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. According to Claire Oliver from The Southwest Community Connection newspaper, Weaver said submarines have been a lifelong fascination. Now a senior at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., Weaver has been assigned a coveted position as a submarine officer in training that she’ll assume after graduation next spring.
Click here to read the entire article.

 

FIVE NAMED TO 2011 PIL HALL OF FAME
According to the Portland Tribune, 52 individuals were added to the Portland Interscholastic League (PIL) Hall of Fame on October 16, 2011. Among those honored for their accomplishments are four Wilson athletes and one Wilson-area family. Congratulations to John Dunn ‘73, Dave Gammon ‘62, John Miller ‘66, Tom Sandt ‘89 and the Carl Cadonau family!

John Dunn graduated from Wilson in 1973 and played basketball and baseball (all-PIL West guard in basketball, all-PIL at pitcher and third base, all-state as senior, two-time all-NorPac in baseball at PSU, all-Northwest League pitcher in 1977 for Portland Mavericks); coached baseball.

Dave Gammon graduated from Wilson in 1962 and played football, basketball and baseball (all-state and twice all-PIL in baseball, State-Metro all-star); golf teaching pro.

John Miller (deceased) graduated from Wilson in 1966 and is honored for his achievements in wrestling (twice state runner-up, won two Pac-8 titles at UO with one NCAA crown to go with fourth- and fifth-place finishes).

Tom Sandt graduated from Wilson in 1989 and played basketball and baseball (member of 1989 PIL and state basketball title team, three-time all-PIL in baseball, all-state once, part of ‘89 PIL champs that placed second in state, State-Metro all-star, four years of baseball at Northwestern followed by one year in San Diego Padres organization).

The Carl Cadonau family, Alpenrose Dairy, was given a Merit Award for their efforts as longtime baseball and softball supporters.

To read the full story for all those honored go to: http://www.portlandtribune.com/sports/story.php?story_id=131785075247714600.


HALE ALEKA LOPAKA (HAWAIIAN FOR "ALICE AND BOB'S HOUSE")
Alice Walker (Wagar) '58 and her husband Bob are a retired couple realizing their dream of living in Hawaii. Prior to retirement, they were living in Tucson, Arizona.  Bob was an Electrical Superintendent with Hughes Missiles Systems and Alice was an Accounting Supervisor for Opto Power Corp, a lazer diode manufacturer.  Alice says that, "the very first minute Bob was eligible for retiriement, we beat it to Hawaii!"  On retirement life in Hawaii since 2000 Alice adds that, "there is an abundance of exciting activities on the Big Island," where they own two great vacation rentals. Both of the vacation rentals are on the north side of Keauhou Bay, just six miles south of the Old Town Of Kailua-Kona. Look them up on: www.vrbo.com/36533 and www.homeaway.com/240667. Next time you are thinking about a trip to paradise and need a vacation rental, check out Lale Aleka Lopaka and say hello to Alice and Bob!


1975 GRADUATE
Denise Fuller (AKA Susan Denise McCroskey) graduated from Wilson in 1975.  Her favorite teachers were Betty Golding (Social Studies teacher) and Elizabeth Borden (Arts & Crafts teacher). After Wilson, Susan graduated from Portland Community College with an Associates degree (A.A.) in 1978.   She married Dave Sharp in 1980 and in 1984 they had a son, Jamey Sharp. In 1990, Susan earned her B.A. in Pastoral Ministries from Marylhurst University. After a divorce in 2005, she legally changed to her name to Denise Hardy. Continuing with her education, Denise earned a M.A. in Library Science through Emporia State University. After that Denise spent several months in 2007 living in Mexico as a volunteer with an organization called Bibliotecas Hermanas that works to improve schools and libraries in Mexico. Upon her return to Oregon, Denise was hired as a children's librarian at Cedar Mill Community Library.  She married her current husband, Mark Fuller in 2008. Her son, Jamey graduated from Portland State University (PSU) with a degree in Computer Science and his wife, Sarah Sharp, graduated from PSU with a degree in Computer Engineering. They were married in 2007 and, Denise adds that they "have traveled all over the world since then to various computer conferences. Sarah developed the USB 3 for Intel.  She has presented at several conferences around the world, New Zealand, France, Australia, Tokyo, and Prague. Jamey has presented in Canada, Chicago, France, and a number of conferences in the northwest. He developed something called XCB (X protocol C-language Binding) to improve on X-Lib (X Window System protocol client library written in the C programming language) when he was 16. He and a friend are currently looking for someone who is as excited about business as they are about technology because they are developing a business solution. More info can be found at: http://apters.com/.  Denise says, "Be watching for James and Sarah to do great things!"


LONG LIFE OF ACTIVISM TO BRING ABOUT CHANGE
James Doig Anderson "Jim" graduated from Wilson in 1959. He was born in Caldwell, Idaho, in 1940 along with his twin sister Peggy, who also graduated from Wilson. Jim graduated from Harvard University, earned graduate degrees from Columbia University, was named one of 400 leading activists in the gay and lesbian liberation movement in 1984 in the U.S. by The Advocate, and is currently teaching for Rutgers.  Click here to read more about Jim and his interesting journey since Wilson: http://www.wilsonalumni.com/newsletter/2011/JamesAnderson2011.html.


1977 GRAD RECEIVES AWARD FOR DEDICATION AND COMMITMENT TO RESCUED DOGS
Dr. Libbi Hawkins
was presented with the Jim Charlton Award from the Golden Bond Rescue of Oregon. Libbi graduated from Wilson in 1977 and then graduated with honors from Kansas State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1995. She opened Gabriel Park Veterinary Clinic in SW Portland in 2006 and was honored with this award for all she has done for more than ten years for Golden Bond Rescue. Libbi's award reads, "In recognition of selfless dedication and commitment of herself, skills and staff to the care of rescued Goldens. Our dogs are blessed to have such a good friend." We understand that Libbi fell "in love with Goldens when she found out Jimmy Stewart had a Golden." Stop by and say hello to this Wilson grad at her clinic (Gabriel Park Veterinary Clinic) 4421 SW Vermont St, Portland or call (503) 245-7275. Congratulations, Libbi!


JOE POWERS '96 FEATURED ON OREGON ART BEAT
Wilson's own Harmonica Virtuoso Joe Powers '96 has toured the world, playing everything from traditional classics to tango music.  He is just back from a tour in Italy playing with the argentine band, "Narcotango".  Joe was recently featured on Oregon Art Beat with excerpts from his recent performance with the Ichikawa Symphony in Japan.  Click here to watch the episode on Joe: http://www.opb.org/programs/artbeat/segments/view/964.  If you're on Facebook check out some of his photos: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Joe-Powers/6873706737?ref=ts.  Joe also has a performance at the Walters Cultural Arts Center in Hillsdale, with koto master Mitsuki Dazai.  Here's more info:  Mitsuki Dazai and Friends featuring Joe Powers. When: Fri, February 3, 2012, 7:30pm – 10:00pm. Where: Walters Cultural Arts Center 527 East Main Street, Hillsboro, OR, 97123. Ticket info: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/191491.


ERIC SMITH '92 STILL LOVES TO RUN
Eric Smith graduated from Wilson in 1992, where he was on the Cross Country, Ski, and Track teams. After Wilson, he moved to Bellingham, Washington to attend Washington University where he studied Anthropology. After graduating he became an English teacher and volunteer coordinator with the Peace Corps in Mongolia. Eric currently teaches at Western Washington University as an English instructor-curriculum coordinator for international students. Eric states that his most influential teachers at Wilson were Larry "Bobo" Allen and Hal Jackson (Cross-Country and Track coaches). "I still love to run," he adds. When asked about any words of wisdom for current Wilson students, Eric says, "Get involved!".


WILSON GRAD LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE AS PART OF MENTORING WORK
According to Claire Oliver from the Southwest Community Connection newspaper (Feb 2012), Keri Murphy '93 is no stranger to the spotlight.   She has made a name for herself with TV stints on The Golf Channel and E! Entertainment Television. She has coached Miss America contestants and even owned her own Portland-based modeling agency before being forced to declare bankruptcy when the economy turned sour. Two years ago, however, she decided to channel this charisma into a more fulfilling vision – inspirational speaking and life coaching.  She says that, “Everyone faces challenges, but it is what you do during and after those challenges that creates your success path in life.”  Click here to read Keri's story


SHARE YOUR S
TORY
Send us the details on where/what you have been doing since graduating from Wilson, and we'll post in an upcoming WWHS Alumni Update e-newsletter.  Send details to Linda Doyle.

 

MESSAGES FROM CLASSMATES

MS. KAREN KELLY TURNED STUDENTS ON TO SCIENCE (1948-2011)
Ms. Kelly is definitely one to be honored. She, without a doubt, forever changed the direction of my life by turning me on to science. I had avoided taking the minimum one year of science my freshman year, but after dragging my feet to the first day of biology at Wilson with Ms. Kelly, I found out from her that I absolutely loved science! And spent the rest of my high school years catching up for the year of science I lost! I went on to complete a B.A. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Lewis and Clark College, and have been hard at work at a career with the Forest Service ever since, where I spend many of my days outdoors and all of my days loving what I do. Ms. Kelly was passionate, highly intelligent, a bit crazy and cared about us kids. I owe her so much and I always thought I'd get to thank her some day. I'm very sad to find out I'd waited too long. Please honor her in some way in an update. Deana Wall (Schneider), Class of 1993


CLASS OF 1971 UPDATE
Check out the photos from their recent event at: http://s1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff363/wwhs71/. They also have a Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/groups/190862110930075/.


1974 GRAD CHECKING IN
Looking forward to seeing everyone in 2014, Married 1975 to date (36 years) have (7) grand kids and have been with Boeing for 34 years. Happy and life is good !!!   Charles (Chuck) Fox '74


LOOKING FOR MEMBERS OF THE "STATESMAN NEWSPAPER GANG"
1986 grad, Luis Perez would like to reconnect with David Edelstein, Darrell Shaw and members of the "Statesman Newspaper Gang". If you have any information, contact Luis.



IN MEMORY OF

KNOWN CLASSMATES/TEACHERS NO LONGER WITH US
Please send an email with details to Linda Doyle if you have an obituary that should be posted here.  Below is a list of classmates who have passed away.  Here are the names for those who have just been added to the list:

KAREN KELLY (BIOLOGY TEACHER)
BRET MCCONNELL '92
FORREST 'JOE' RIEKE 1960
GARY HANAFIN 1971
BRUCE DECKER MOON 1968
ELVA MARTIN, VP JACKSON HS AND WILSON (1921-2012)

Click on this link to read more about classmates, teachers, community members who have passed away...  Once on the page, scroll down to find the class year.

 

REUNIONS

Class of 1962 ... 50th Reunion in 2012
Wilson Class of 1962 is planning a 50th reunion and are in the process of searching for "lost" classmates. The reunion will be held Friday, August 24th and Saturday, August 25th 2012. SAVE THOSE DATES! More information regarding the details will follow as soon as we have everything set in stone. Keep checking this website. Please contact Cherie Viggers Sanville '62 by email if you did not receive a "save the date" email from our committee and she will forward it to you.Current physical addresses are also needed to send out invitations this spring. They are putting together a class booklet. It will be the first one since the 30th reunion so we hope everyone will participate. Please send your "physical" address so we can "snail" mail the information and make sure you are in the booklet. We want to try an find as many classmates as possible and with your help we can do that. Please send email addresses or physical addresses for any classmate you are in contact with.

Also we have a list of 26 deceased classmates on our list and we are worried that we may not have them all since our list is significantly smaller than most classes at the 50 year mark. They are listed below....if you know of anyone else who is no longer with us PLEASE let us know.

One more thing.... Cherie Viggers (Sanville) has offered to host a "golf scramble" at Charbonneau on Saturday, August 25th.... IF we have enough participants. By, host, she doesn't mean pay for..... she means organize....LOL.  She thinks a "9" hole event ($15.00) would be the best bet considering we have a huge event to prepare for that night! If you are interested in participating please let Cherie know!!

Thanks everyone, I am looking forward to seeing you all. We are excited for the events we have planned and hope that you are too! If you have never attended....NOW IS THE TIME!! Looking forward to seeing you ALL at this "historic" event!

Cherie Viggers (Sanville) Please respond.....ASAP! sanville@centurytel.net

Participating Commitee Members
Carol Stahl Korpinen, Karl Wustrack, Leslie Averill, Karen Hanley Wilson, Joanne MacDougal Waldenberg, Judy Engrebretson Murphy, Lynn Arnett, Sharon Mitchell Arnett, Judy White Fisher, Cherie Viggers Sanville, Twila Johnson Shakespeare.

In Memoriam Class of 1962
Corrine Berg Gross, Janice Bramwell, Bill Brown, Maureen Butler, Phil Copeland, Tom Davidson, Carol Furry Shillito, Mike Grady, John Harrow, Joyce Johnson Don, Julie Johnson, Matt Kemeny, Steve Kerr, Karen Larson, Ron Lorenzen, Ernie Maruska, John Miller, John Moke, Vicki Oliver Whipps, John Schuster, Deanna Shirley Schworer, Wayne Smith, Steve Summersett, Arthur (Jim) Todd, Karen Willsey McDaniel, Dottie Davis, Tom Swanson, Jack Pattee, Bill Olsen.

Class fo 1972 ... 40th Reunion Plans ... Classmates are hoping to get a committee together to meet sometime in the next couple of weeks. Email Casey (Sue) Moffett-Chaney '72, if you would like to be involved.

Class of 1982 ...30th Reunion Plans ... Friday, June 22nd through Sunday, June 24th. Details to follow.

Class of 1992 ... 20th Reunion Plans ... Friday, August 3 and Saturday, August 4, 2012.  For more info and to get on the classmate list, contact Valeicia Herman or text/call her at: 503-890-1730.

Class of 2002 ... 10th Reunion Plans
... Tentatively scheduled for Saturday, August 18th at On Deck in NW Portland. Class organizers will be sending invitations via Facebook, contact Lori Parks '02.

 

MILITARY SERVICE

WILSON GRADUATES WHO HAVE SERVED OR ARE SERVING IN THE MILITARY

Please check out the WWHS Military Alumni page and read all about our amazing military graduates.

To add your name and information to the WWHS Military alumni page, Send your information to Linda Doyle at LSDOYLE@EARTHLINK.NET.

Name:
Year graduated from Wilson:
Military branch:
Years of service:
Service description:
Photo (optional):
Do you give permission to post this information on our website (required):


STAY IN TOUCH

WWHS ALUMNI - WEBSITE
Check out the WWHS Alumni website and don't forget to complete the simple online form to join the WWHS Alumni database. To help us reach as many graduates as possible, please consider adding the link to our website (http://www.wilsonalumni.com/) from your website. Pass the word along to your Wilson High School classmates about the Wilson High School Alumni website and the opportunity to register. Tell your friends.

UNSUBSCRIBE
If you are receiving the WWHS Alumni Update, please make sure to add the following email address to your address book (lsdoyle@earthlink.net). This way your internet/email provider will not view the e-newsletter as spam. Thanks! If you would like to be removed from the list, just send an email to Linda Doyle.