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

edited by Linda Doyle

THANK YOU
Dear Wilson Community: Thanks to the strong support of staff, families, students, local businesses, friends and neighbors, our students will enjoy a more diverse variety of electives and smaller class sizes during the 2012-2013 school year. Outgoing Principal Sue Brent was forced to make some tough choices. Her choices were based on a multitude of criteria: a significant drop in student enrollment, limited FTE as well as District mandates (minimum class size, maximum student/teacher ratio, etc.), student forecasting, and an eye on the future. During the 2011-’12 school year, our community raised approximately $78,000 for the Wilson Foundation. These funds are the only way to pay for additional certified staff positions. Those funds have already secured positions for next year’s courses based on the above criteria. Thanks to generous donations, we will be reinstating wood/metal shop and architecture/drafting. These classes have not been offered at Wilson for three years. When they were offered, approximately 125 students forecasted for these courses. We can fund .5 FTE with current funds. Not all students forecasting for these courses will be able to take them, but a significant portion will. Each of our students benefits when courses are added, whether or not our own child is enrolled in that particular class. 90 students in shop or drafting translate to 90 fewer students in other classes, thus reducing class sizes throughout the school. Additionally, more course variety means that more students are exposed to more potential interests. Drama, Chemistry, Shop, Computer Science, History…any of Wilson’s courses could open a door, stimulating students’ interest in school or a job, or turning them on to their dream. Your Foundation dollars have brought back this opportunity for students. Thank you! If you haven’t yet made a contribution to Wilson’s Foundation, know that it’s not too late! Contributions can be made online at: http://www.allhandsraised.org/ or by mail (2069 NE Hoyt St., 97232); please be sure to designate Wilson as the beneficiary. Again, a hearty thank you to Foundation Committee volunteers, wonderful House Party hosts and attendees, hordes of donors, multiple restaurant/comedy club night owners and supporters (Pizzicato, Chez Jose, Sasquatch Brewery, Harvey’s Comedy Club, Baja Fresh, Pizza Hut), and Principal Circle donors (Korkage, Verde Cocina)! Thank you to the many who helped with email/Bulletin/alumni/Spotlight notifications, web design, invitation/flyer design…the list goes on and on. Families and students thank you!  Linda Venti '83


WILSON BASEBALL SCORES STATE TITLE
Congratulations to the Wilson baseball team for their 7-6 win over Summit High School for the Class 5A baseball championship this past weekend (June 2, 2012) at Volcanoes Stadium in Oregon. During the play-offs, Wilson beat Pendleton 9-7 in the quarterfinals and Bend 3-2 in the semi-finals. Congratulations to the student-athletes, their parents, and coaches!  Mike Clopton named OSAA 5A Baseball Coach of the Year!


BASEBALL GOLF FUNDRAISER, JULY 1

Please consider joining us, bringing a friend, relative, or your child on Sunday, July 1. It is a 1pm shotgun start at Meriwether National in Hillsboro. More info is on the baseball website, www.wilsonhsbaseball.com, or contact Jeremy Shetler, jshetler@pps.net.  For $99, you get a tee prize, range balls before the event, a lunch, golf, golf cart, and dinner.
The money raised will be used to help pay for the Spring Trip to Arizona and a new tractor.  Golf registration open until June 29.


3rd ANNUAL IN THE BAG: BENEFIT FOR THE ARTS
   Sunday, November 11, 2012, all proceeds benefit the choir, band, orchestra, drama, visual arts at Wilson HS
   Donations wanted:   new . gently-used . purses . bags . clutches . briefcases
   Clean out your closet . go buy a new one to donate . ask a friend
   Drop off donations at:   Wilson High School or KeyBank (Hillsdale branch).   Questions: Linda Doyle, Jaci Evans


HILLSDALE SITE WAS ONCE A CAMPGROUND FOR TRAVELERS

According to Tim Lyman from the Multnomah Historical Association, Hillsdale, with a single bed and breakfast (Terwilliger Vista) isn't known for its accommodations for travelers. That wasn't always the case.  Click here to read all about the fascinating history at this site in Hillsdale, including the Portland West Side Auto Camp: http://www.wilsonalumni.com/newsletter/2012/Portland_West_Side_Auto_Camp.html.


MULTNOMAH HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

Dedicated to preserving the history of Portland's Southwest Neighborhoods, the Multnomah Historical Association is looking for volunteers with an interest in local history. They have enough projects to fit anyone's interests/skills. To volunteer, contact Tim Lyman (President) at: tim@multnomahhistorical.com.

WILSON'S SCHOOL FIGHT SONG
Best in the Land
The Mighty Woodrow Wilson High
Throughout the League,
Opponents Hear Our Battle Cry Fight, Fight, Fight

Victory For You,
Each Gallant Trojan Brave and True
For the Green and White, We'll Fight, Fight, Fight
Our Loyalty Forever, Wilson High!

  Click here to listen to Wilson's fight song.

 

IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RENOVATE A STADIUM
We are excited to announce that Wilson High School has just received $77,000 in seed money from a Nike Ten Great Fields grant. Several fields in the area have already been replaced with artificial turf using this grant money and doing the necessary fund raising, and now it is Wilson's turn. While our grass field is beautiful and well maintained, that preservation comes at the cost of limited use in the fall and spring, and no use during the winter months. The projected cost to renovate the stadium, improve the parking lot (per city code, renovate the front entry gate and replace the grass field with turf has been estimated at 1.6 million dollars. This renovation and replacement would open up the Wilson Stadium to year round use and improve the presentation of the field and stadium, and ultimately, the school!  Here's an opportunity for you to give back to the school that helped you in your last years in free public education. If you work for a company that provides matching grants, are interested in helping with fund-raising, and/or would like to make a contribution, please contact Sue Brent. Naming options are available. We have an aggressive goal of one year from now to have all funds raised and to break ground! Thank you, and Go Trojans!



ALUMNI ASSOCIATION UPDATE

NEW WWHS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Alumni and community members are continuing to move forward to establish the WWHS Alumni Association.  Application process for tax-exempt status of association is progressing (with special thanks to Jack Bertell '58 and David Sly '89).  If you would like to join them, contact Jack Bertell '58.

 

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

ATTORNEY REFLECTS ON HIS JOURNEY
James Banko graduated from Wilson in 1977. He earned a Bachelors Degree from Reed College in 1981 and a Master's Degree from New York University (NYU) in 1987. James received his law degree (J.D.) from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1990. Today, James is a practicing attorney in Philadelphia. He is married and has a 16-year old son. James tells us that he had three influential teachers at Wilson: Francis Murray for English, Robert Larson for U.S. History, and Eugene Kaza for Orchestra. "All three fantastic, and to whom I owe EVERYTHING." When asked about words of wisdom for current Wilson students, James states that they need to focus on the college application process during the Junior Year by getting good grades, doing practice questions for the SAT/ACT, and visiting colleges. "Give the process the attention it deserves," adds James. If any Wilson student is considering applying to Reed College, NYU, or Penn and would like to talk with James, he can be reached at: jamesbanko@msn.com.


GRADUATE DARES TO PLAY WITHOUT A SAFETY NET
Luis Perez graduated from Wilson in 1986. He later graduated from Portland State University (after a short period at Purdue University) and went onto graduate school at both Yale University and Princeton University. Luis taught at Reed College and Columbia University before moving to France where he lectured at the Sorbonne, Sciences Po, the Ecole Normale Superieure and eventually became Dean of International Academic Affairs for a world-renowned design school in Paris. Luis is presently a Gates Scholar at the University of Cambridge, with St. Catharine's College and the Centre of Latin American Studies. He is a specialist in Caribbean Cultural Studies (literature, politics, economics, anthropology, urbanism and history) and deals with the English, French and Spanish countries in the region. His current book project is on Aesthetics and Ideology in contemporary Cuban cultural productions. Luis is a proud father of a two-year old named Gabriel (who understands English, French and Spanish) and, "can roar like a good Trojan warrior!" adds Luis. He fondly recalls that George Penk and Ron Zaraza changed his life. "Mr. Penk showed me that one must be in control of the internal self, Mr. Zaraza showed me that one must let the chaos of the universe flow through you". He tells us that both teachers challenged his intellect: "I was, at best, a normal student," Luis remembers, "but that did not lessen the respect, care and dedication with which they taught me." Wilson classmate David Edelstein was his best friend. Luis says that David allowed him to be awkwardly funny and uncool, and "showed me that strength is largely intellect and to a lesser extent physical (though he had large quantities of both), and shared with me the richness of his jewish culture (I am catholic) and the kindness of his family." When asked about advice for current students, Luis suggests that "the best one can do to prepare for life is to play hard, to work harder and most of all to not take 'no' for an answer". He says that "what I have learned through my varied and -yes, very lucky- educational and professional experiences is to focus not on the problems/the questions, but on the answers. It matters not that the impossible figures among these (it's called brainstorming for a reason) but limiting yourself to only consider the possible leads to mediocrity and complacency. Innovation requires spiritual creativity as much as intellectual rigour: think outside of the box, and dare to play without a safety net."


LONG JOURNEY OF SERVICE
Anthony Boyum (class of 1977) played football in high school and left Wilson his senior year to join the U.S. Army. He served in the Military Police stationed in Fort Lee in Virginia, Fort Hood in Texas, and Camp Casey in South Korea from 1977 to 1982, taking time to earn his G.E.D. in 1978. Anthony became a police officer in 1982 with the Lake County Sheriff Department in Michigan where he was injured in a high speed chase in 2004. He is now a police chaplain for the Metro Nashville Police Department in Tennessee, working with the Office of Emergency Managements as a training officer. He also works with the Red Cross as an "A" instructor teaching First Aid/CPR/AED. Anthony has been with the Red Cross for over 20 years. Anthony has been married since 1978 and has three children and two grandchildren. He has two sisters, Deena Boyum and Krisite Hensley, and one brother Mark Boyum. Anthony has lived in Tennessee since 2006. When asked about words of wisdom for current Wilson students, Anthony says, "stay in school, believe in the Lord, and stay loyal to yourself."


HARMONICA VIRTUOSO PERFORMS
Harmonica virtuosos, and 1996 Wilson High School graduate, Joe Powers, will perform for this years' Oregon Bach Festival with his Tango Quintet featuring: NYC based pianist, Octavio Brunetti (Yo-Yo Ma's collaborator) and San Francisco based guitarist, Guillermo Garcia (Trio Garufa) both from Argentina, as well as Bernardo Gomez (bass), Jesse Brooke (percussion) from Portland, and some fabulous guest dancers.

The dates for the Oregon Bach Festival concerts are:
July 11th (W) Portland State University, Lincoln Hall (Portland, OR)
July 12th (Th) Tower Theater (Bend, OR)
July 13th (F) University of Oregon, Beall Hall (Eugene, OR)
July 14th (Sat.) Southern Oregon University Recital Hall (Ashland, OR)

Tickets go on sale, Visit: http://oregonbachfestival.com/events/detail/1678/. For more information visit: http://www.joepowers.com.


GRATEFUL TO THREE INFLUENTIAL WOMEN AT WILSON
Irene Grace graduated from Wilson in 1967.  She attended Lewis & Clark College in Southwest Portland and graduated in four years with a B.A. in German and a B.A. in English, with certifications to teach both subjects. Irene taught high school briefly before switching to social work, where she worked for the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) program in Eugene. She later moved to Southern Oregon and worked for the Intermediate Education District (IED) as a high school vocational counselor. After a move with my husband, Richard Goldszer, to Boulder, Colorado, Irene continued working as a counselor with mentally challenged and emotionally disabled populations in vocational settings. Later in Detroit, Michigan, she completed a two-year certification in Waldorf Education and taught at three different Waldorf Schools in the Detroit area. After having two children, Irene headed off to graduate school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she completed a M.A. in German Literature and took all of the coursework for an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in German Expressionism. Irene worked for 28 years in Michigan providing food and shelter to 40 foster kids who were not subsidized by the government. She taught high school German and English for 16 years in public high school in Ann Arbor before eventually retiring at age 60.  When Detroit was hit hard by the economy, Irene moved with her husband, who took another Engineering job in his home town of Pittsburgh. She is currently focusing her energies on bio-dynamic agriculture (raising chickens in the city), plus putting the finishing touches on three books that have been burning inside her for years.  When I think back on my years at Wilson adds Irene, "I am especially grateful to three tough women who influenced greatly my decision to become a high school teacher. Rae Dodge whose etymological assignments sparked a love for words and the relationships between languages; Enny Schultz who demanded that her students read, read, read world literature; finally Elisabeth Borden a creative original if there ever was one, who exposed me to the real gems of German literature- Goethe, Lessing and Schiller."  Irene's advice to current Wilson students is simple. "I was a real melancholic kid who wasted a lot of time feeling sorry for myself. UNTIL one day, I figured out that the only solution was to immerse myself in the sufferings of others less fortunate than myself. When I was 15 years old, I started volunteering with other girls in my Delphi service club on Saturdays with the disabled kids at the Neighborhood House across from Lair Hill Park. These activities helped me to put my own life in perspective and to be grateful for what I was given."



1999 GRADUATE NAMED RESERVE ENLISTED PERSON OF THE YEAR
Wilson graduate Scott Rattay '99 was named the 2011 Coast Guard Pacific Northwest Reserve Enlisted Person of the Year during a ceremony held at the Coast Guard base, in Seattle, on April 13, 2012. Petty Officer 1st Class Scott Rattay, a boatswain's mate stationed at Coast Guard Port Security Unit 313, in Everett, Wash., received the award which is given to exemplary men and women from the active and reserve enlisted work force. In his civilian position, Rattay is an environmental specialist providing environmental monitoring, permitting and erosion/pollution control expertise and oversight on many projects. In 2011, he was recognized for “Environmental Excellence” and “Internal Client Service” for his involvement in the Oregon Dept. of Transportation’s efforts to repair and replace more than 250 bridges. Scott also played baseball at Wilson.  Click here to read Scott's full story: http://www.wilsonalumni.com/newsletter/2012/Scott_Rattay_1999.pdf.


WILSON BASEBALL COACH PICKS UP 567TH CAREER VICTORY
According to The Portland Tribune, Wilson’s baseball victory over Franklin last week did more than help the Trojans in the PIL standings. “It also was win No. 567 for coach Mike Clopton – moving the Southwest Portland mentor into fifth place on Oregon's all-time pre list. Congratulations Mike! Congratulations to all those baseball players, coaches, and parents who have been by your side all these years! Click here to read all about this career achievement: http://www.portlandtribune.com/sports/print_story.php?story_id=133445145430437400.  Since the publication of this article, Mike Clopton has added to the number of wins.


WILSON GRAD WINS NATIONAL LITERARY AWARD
Local Author and 1960 Wilson grad, Brian D. Ratty, has been selected as an award winnter in the 2012 Eric Hoffer Awards for his new book, Tillamook Passage–Far Side of the Pacific.   Tillamook Passage is historical fiction that journeys back to the early days of the coastal Indians. This new novel is the latest book in an adventure series by Brian Ratty.  The novel’s storyline is spun around the 1787 passage of the ship, LadyWashington, under the command of Captain Robert Gray, and his discovery of the Tillamook Indians and their large, pristine bay. After some friendly trading with the natives, the ship suffers a surprise attack. During the ensuing battle, two young lads become separated from the ship. Captain Gray holds off the Tillamooks with musket and cannon while getting underway. From the rocks above the bay, the two young men watch in frightened disbelief as their ship slips out onto a foggy sea. The two lads are now marooned in this remote, primitive land. Two worlds… one destiny Tillamook Passage is available at local bookstores, libraries, and online.  For more info: www.Dutchclarke.com.  Contact: Brian@DutchClarke.com. Click here to read the full press release: http://www.wilsonalumni.com/newsletter/2012/Brian_Ratty_EricHofferAwardPR.pdf.


MOBILE APP DEVELOPER HELPS PEOPLE TAKE BACK CONTROL OF THEIR PERSONAL INFORMATION
Rob Banagale
graduated from Wilson in 1998. He co-developed the first Baby Names application for the iPhone. Rob climbed to the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro with his brother Ryan Banagale ’96. Today, Rob is running his own startup company, Gliph (a "digital identity" that lets you connect with someone without having to share your personal information, -think Craigslist or dating). Click here to read all about his interesting journey and new company: http://www.wilsonalumni.com/alumni-spotlight/banagale_98.html.


2009 WILSON GRAD RECEIVES GRANT FOR STUDENT-PROFESSOR RESEARCH PROJECT
According to Whitman College, Peter Mullins, 2009 Wilson graduate, recently received a Louis B. Perry Research Award from Whitman College. The Perry Grant, an award ranging from $2500 to $3000, gives undergradute students the opportunity to work with professors on a summer research project. Grants are awarded to student-professor teams in many different academic fields. Mullins is collaborating with Associate Professor of Chemistry Frank Dunnivant on studying PCB and DDT concentrations in remote alpine lakes in the Pacific Northwest.. Next fall, Mullins will return to Whitman College as a senior chemistry major. Whitman College, in Walla Walla, Wash., is an independent, non-sectarian residential college that fosters intellectual vitality, confidence and leadership in its 1,450 students. Also noted for its commitment to environmental principles, Whitman is characterized by intellect, down-to-earth sensibilities, collaboration over competition and active lifestyle. Congratulations to Peter and to his parents, Grethe Larson and Jim Mullins.


LIFE SINCE HIGH SCHOOL
Richard Small graduated from Wilson in 1962. As a shy and introverted kid, the first year of high school was tough. But, with the help of friends he found his way. He played in the band, played football, baseball, joined the US Coast Guard in 1964, worked for Southern Pacific Railroad, went back to college to earn his degree, had a few jobs, started a label company (IdentiGraphics, Inc.), started a software company (AmiSoft, Inc.), and is now a consultant. To read more of this fascinating journey since high school, click here: http://www.wilsonalumni.com/newsletter/2012/Richard_Small_1962.pdf.

SHARE YOUR STORY
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

ENJOYING RETIREMENT
I retired at the begining of 2012 and am enjoying it very much. I am currently spending some time on restoring a 1968 Camero RS convertible and having good time working on the car. Richard Dunlap '63

1960 GRAD MOVES SOUTH
I moved to Mazatlan, Mexico in 2004 and am a permanent resident here, with Mexican health care under their social security program. I will be applying for dual citizenship next year. Ronald Surles '60

GREAT TIMES AT WILSON
I will remember my years at Wilson with a smile in my heart. Great times with great friends. Dale Jackson '83

APPRECIATES THE EFFORT TO KEEP ALUMNI INFORMED
Thank-you goes out to all those hard workers on the team of Wilson High Alumni.  Cindilee Baseman (Nelson) '71

STAN STANTON ... KIND, UNDERSTANDING, TOUGH-AS-NAILS TEACHER
Stan Stanton was a man's man. A former marine and built like he could take on 10 students with one hand tied behind his back. But he was a kind, understanding, fair, encourging, tough-as-nails teacher and only wanted the best for his students. My buddy Mike S. and I had a great relationship with him. Even to the point where Mr. Stanton took us out on his boat and taught us how to water ski. That's above the call of teacher-duty. And can you remember where you were when you heard that President Kennedy was shot???... I was at lunch and immediately went to my 'best friend' teacher, Mr. Stanton, because I knew He would have an answer to this shocking news. But he had left his class and went to the teachers lounge where I found him in tears. As I was. He was the best. He made my whole high school experience worth the four years I spent at Wilson. My only regret is that I never went back to see him after graduation. I lost out on the rest of his life experiences. I could have used his advice. He will be with me till the day I leave this life. Webb M. Goetze, Class of 1964

 


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:

COACH BEACHELL, 71, Coach Dick Beachell, 71, died August 13, 2007 after battling mantle cell non-Holdgkin's lymphoma for nearly three years.

PETER REYNOLDS 1966
JOHN D. "SAM" KARAMANOS 1969
CAROL MARGARET HARTSOOK 1965
LINDA OLSON JUCKETT 1967
MARY E. BOYCE (BLUE) 1989
ROBERT E. BROWN, WILSON TEACHER
MARIAN HARA, WILSON TEACHER

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 1957 ... 55TH Reunion
If you missed the reunion held on May 19,2012Click here to read about the event.

CLASS OF 1962
... 50th Reunion
The reunion will be held Friday, August 24 and Saturday, August 25, 2012.

CLASS OF 1964 ...
ENJOY THE MOMENT ON OUR ROUTE 66! August 3, 4, 5, 2012

CLASS OF 1967
... 45th Reunion
The reunion will be held August 10, 11, 12, 2012

CLASS OF 1972 ... 40th Reunion
The reunion will be held August 3rd, August 4, August 5, 2012

CLASS OF 1982 ...30th Reunion
The reunion was held: June 22, 2012, June 23, June 24, 2012.  Check out their Facebook page:
Wilson High School (Portland OR) Class of 1982: https://www.facebook.com/groups/267259416635186/

CLASS OF 1992 ... 20th Reunion
The reunion will be held August 3 and August 4, 2012 

CLASS OF 2002
... 10th Reunion
The reunion will be held August 18, 2012

Click here for all the details on these reunions: http://www.wilsonalumni.com/reunions.htm



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.