COLUSA HIGH SCHOOLALUMNI ASSOCIATION

July 2013

Aki was an “A” student at Colusa High School.He wanted to be a high school math teacher. Racialprejudice ensured that there would be noemployment for him in this field.

Prior to World War II, amandatory draft into the militarywas instituted. Aki was inductedinto the United States Army. AfterPearl Harbor, all men of JapaneseAncestry were discharged from theservice and sent home. The UnitedStates Government then decreed thatall Japanese had to be interned inConcentration Camps with highbarbed wire enclosures guarded withmachine gun towers. Aki was sent toone of these camps.

Soon America had a great need for people whocould speak and understand the Japanese language thatwould be willing to assist in the war with Japan. Akivolunteered and was again in the United States Army.He was assigned to a unit of 3000 vol-unteers who were sent to Burma andwho soon became known as “Merrill’sMarauders”, one of the most famousunits in our military history. The mis-sion … fight the Japanese and elimi-nate them so a military road could bebuilt to send war supplies to China.

They encountered many problems like walkinginto a heavy jungle that was deluged by monsoonalrains of 150 or more inches of rain a year. They foughtthe Japanese in these heavy jungle surroundings filledwith disease and rat infested areas. Their only suppliesfor survival came by air and mules as the terrain was

so dense and overgrown. Aki became very necessary to this unit, and wasawarded a Battlefield Commission or in other

words was made an officer. Hisunit achieved its goal. However,the casualties were so heavy, thatmost survivors were in the hospi-tal at the end of the war.

A 600,000 man JapaneseArmy, which had never beendefeated in battle, remained

active in China near the end of thewar. A small delegation of United States high rankingofficers were ordered into Nanking, China, to take thesurrender of this army. Aki Yoshimura was the officialinterpreter during that surrender. The airport runwaywas lined by thousands of Japanese soldiers in full bat-tle array with all of their military equipment to showthat they had never been defeated in battle.

Aki returned to Colusa after the war and workedwith his family at the Vogue Cleaners until he died. Hebecame very active in the Colusa Rotary Club as sec-retary and President. He participated in District RotaryPrograms and led several Rotary groups on trips toJapan. He became a National Vice President of theJapanese-American League and was a fabulous masterof ceremonies at many events.

All in all, Aki Yoshimura was a great talent. Onlyfamily and loyalties kept him here in Colusa. He wastruly an “Unsung Hero” and a very proud alumnus ofColusa High School.

Respectfully Submitted ByGeorge T. Egling CUHS Principal 1955 - 1973CUSD Superintendent 1955 - 1977

A GRADUATE OF THE CLASS OF 1935“An Unsung Hero”

1950Barbara Comfort Conner

Bonnie Farnsworth GrussenmeyerDonald L. MichenerTommy Morrow

1951Pat Fendt ConnollyTom W. Schwartz

Zelleta Gay McCullough SmithHarold B. Tennant

1952Elizabeth Phillips Berry

Jim DavisonShirleen Wood Dean

1953George Chan

Joanne Zoller HolmesCarleen Yungling LeiseDewey Ray Moore

Barbara Smick Sanderson

1954Jimmie Lee

Vince Sargentini

1955Dr. & Mrs. George T. Egling

Jerd FerraiuoloCharles O’RourkeLarry O’Rourke

Robert L “Bob” TennantDale Townzen

1956Donna Brown-Critchfield

1957Tony GomezGary Moore

Donna NicolettiFrank NicolettiPeter Steidlmayer

1958Pat Skinner Cull

Marlene Moroni EttlJudith S. GeyerJerry HulbertAl Raitt

Jerry RandolphConnie Fitch SchererBob Steidlmayer

1920Robert J. Tennant

1934F. Calvin Locher

1937Lucius F. Fitch

1938Wanda Fitch Capalbo

1939Fred J. Luzzi, Jr.

1941Fred Graham

1942Peggy Davison Graham

Kenneth KellerGerald (Joe) Livermore

1943Bob Ash

1944Joyce Braly-Keller

Yoneko Kasai-Shintani, R.N.

1945Donald HeardKirk Messick

1947Barbara Betterton Messick

Lloyd Westphal

1948Robert Weast

1949Nellie Ann Highstreet Carey

Bertha Nelson Westcamp FontesMargaret Roper HeardCarolyn Crane Henry

Masako Hashioka KanazawaVincent Walker

1965Jeri Jarnagin Benson

Don BransfordJean Dunham Delgado

Buster DiggsGreg Dowden, Sr.

Gary Huffman EvansMary Ann Stokes Nation

Fred NielsonRichard Stevenson

1966Edee Westfall Silva

1967Frank Briceno

1968Jerry AbreuJoyce Candito

1970Terry Sartain HarterJanice Staple LauppeRobin Heuer Rogers

1971George SandridgeCathy Schulback

Julie Hubbard TullyLynne Galentine Weber

1972Terry BresslerMark Fisher

Susan Omaye Johnson

1973Kathleen Disney Hart

Greg Weber

1974Richard L. Johnson

Mardel Tucker Sandridge

1975Guadalupe ChavarriaGerald P. Davies

1976Mary Cook Carp

Ed HulbertBrady Myers

Colleen Davies RonanEarl StegallKirk Wilsey

1977George Hulbert

Ben KingDiane Fusaro MabrayJamie Wheeler MyersMarta Gibbens StegallKenneth Alan ThompsonDavid Brian Whitesell

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1959Ralphane Waterman Boggan

Beverly Yopp GabbertShirley Melis Hirsch

Marilyn Hoshaw HuffmasterRon “Fuzzy” Jarnagin

Dorothy H. Quick MurphyChris Nisioka

Lenda Morrow PechaNancy Tennant Potts

Robert QuickKen Townzen

Peggy Baker TownzenTom Tucker

1960Nancy Paletta Chelini

Linda Jaconetti RandolphJulie Weisbrod StiedlmayerPhyllis Lucchesi Winkler

1961Mary Kay Devine Hutchison

Penny Siler Parks

1962Betty Jo Marano BensonJean Clarke Campbell

Stan GoodinBetsy Westfall Harris

Sandra Mross HitchcockJanet Fendt MaggardSandra Diggs RicheyMatie Ann Spurgeon

Ralph Stegall

1963Georgeanne Feroah Hulbert

Robert HulbertHarrold Morrow

Verlyn Townzen O’Niel

1964Diane Foster Bransford

Jim DevineJoanna Moore GrafAmador MunozMike Prime

Wayne RamazziniKathy Harrison Revak

George SistrunkKirk Swim

Lani Yoshimura

MISSION STATEMENTThe Colusa High School Alumni Association is an organization that helps support the curriculums at the high school.All Colusa High School graduates are eligible to participate in the Alumni Association. Annual newsletters will encour-

age alumni to donate an amount equal to their year of graduation, such as 1963=$19.63, 1942=$19.42, and soon.

Donations received will be accounted for and directed to the area of scholastic interest at Colusa High School, sodesignated by the donating Alumni. These donations will be used to enhance the education of current Colusa High Schoolstudents

The success of the Colusa High School Alumni Association is dependent upon the ideas, volunteer work and donationsof the Alumni.

1978D’Ann Miller Bressler

Chuck Hulbert

1979Jeff MorescoRichard Tyler

1980Linda Crawshaw Bowers

Robert J. DaviesCraig Hill

Gina Calcagno MorescoRenee Rasmussen SmithKim Moorehead Tyler

Jim Wallace

1981Mary Davies O’Connor

Kevin ErdeltKelley Tucker Molitor

1982Lisa Rasmussen Hancock

1983ToniAnn Hernandez JohnsonDeDe Benoit Soekamato

1984Laurie Townsend Costa

Patrick KittleMonty Lee

Keri Randolph SteidlmayerMike Steidlmayer

1985Mike Davies

Sherri Pina Tanferani, Ph.DDarren Townzen

1986Daniel Bailey

1988Lisa Steidlmayer Bailey

Blake GrahamLindee Myers Hulbert

Clinton JewettCammie Townzen Simpson

1989Natalie Lee Chio

Amy Rasmussen SanchezJennifer Hulbert Shimabukuro

William Wallace

1990Nicole Fusaro Hulbert

1991Chris Hoblit

Christi Hall HoblitScott Hulbert

1992Darcie BransfordEric Steidlmayer

1994Scott Bransford

Amanda Randolph Steidlmayer

1995Geoff Hulbert

Mary Steidlmayer KessiLindsay Lee Mune

1996Pat Townzen

1998Nathan BransfordLucy Candito

1999Matt Forster

2000Beth BransfordBlake Stegall

2001Mike ForsterMolly Weber

2002Tara Forster

2003Tracey Stegall Chavez

Brian DaviesBrandon TylerNicholas Weber

2004Melissa JohnsonAbigail Yerxa

2005Katelyn DaviesHans HerkertAshley Stegall

2006Jonathon Tyler

2008Michael Moresco

2009Carinne Kelley Sines

2010Morgan BresslerKathrine Moresco

2013Mackenzie BresslerMattison MyersPaige Townzen

2014Hayden BaileyTaylor Davies

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Every year we contact over 4000 alumni with this newsletterasking for a small donation of $20. We appreciate all the sup-port we get from our alumni and we see a lot of potential inour numbers. If 4000 alumni send $20 we would generate$80,000 a year for our school. So let your small voice be oneof many that will give back to our school. Thank you for yoursupport.

How Can $20 Make A “Big Number?”

2015Brandon Woodring

2016Mollie Townzen

2017Alec BaileyJustin Davies

Donations made In Memoryof the following Alumni

Tommy MorrowHarold Morrow

Wayne RamazziniAnthony Gomez

John MyersNancy O’Rourke Regnier

Margaret Roper HeardCarroll Reed Doty

Verlyn Townzen O’NeilAki YoshimuraRichard Tyler

Greg Dowden, Sr.Mrs. Arlene Ponciano

Tom GuildMrs. Claire Pence

Zeletta Gay McCullough SmithIrene Erickson Gomes Fitch

Ryan E. WalkerWillam DunhamRobert J. Tennant

Robert L. “Bob” TennantJack Staple

Vince SargentiniGerald “Joe” Livermore

Mrs. Frances WhiteJerry Peck

2018Ben Davies

2021Mason Hoblit

2022Reagann Hoblit

STEIDLMAYERPeter Steidlmayer 1957Bob Steidlmayer 1958Julie Weisbrod Steidlmayer 1960Mike Steidlmayer 1984Keri Randolph Steidlmayer 1984Lisa Steidlmayer Bailey 1988Eric Steidlmayer 1992Amanda Randolph Steidlmayer 1994Mary Steidlmayer Kessi 1995

TENNANTRobert J. Tennant 1920Harold B. Tennant 1951Robert L. “Bob” Tennant 1955Nancy Tennant Potts 1959Susan Tennant Robles 1962

TOWNZENDale Townzen 1955Peggy Baker Townzen 1959Ken Townzen 1959Verlyn Townzen O’Niel 1963Darren Townzen 1985Cammie Townzen Simpson 1988Pat Townzen 1996Paige Townzen 2013Mollie Townzen 2016

TYLERRichard Tyler 1979Kim Moorehead Tyler 1980Brandon Tyler 2003Jonathan Tyler 2006

WEBERLynne Galentine Weber 1971Greg Weber 1973Molly Weber 2001Nicholas Weber 2003

BAILEYDaniel Bailey 1986Lisa Steidlmayer Bailey 1988Hayden Bailey 2014Alec Bailey 2017

BRANSFORDDiane Foster Bransford 1964Don Bransford 1965Darcie Bransford 1992Scott Bransford 1994Nathan Bransford 1998Beth Bransford 2000

BRESSLERTerry Bressler 1972D’Ann Miller Bressler 1978Morgan Bressler 2010Mackenzie 2013

DAVIESGerald P. Davies 1975Colleen Davies Ronan 1976Robert J. Davies 1980Mary Davies O’Connor 1981Mike Davies 1985Brian Davies 2003Katelyn Davies 2005Taylor Davies 2014Justin Davies 2017Ben Davies 2018

FITCHLucius F. Fitch 1937Wanda Fitch Capalbo 1938Connie Fitch Scherer 1958

FORSTERMatt Forster 1999Mike Forster 2001Tara Forster 2002

HOBLITChristi Hall Hoblit 1991Chris Hoblit 1991Mason Hoblit 2021Reagann Hoblit 2022

HULBERTJerold E. Hulbert 1958Georgeanne Feroah Hulbert 1963Robert Hulbert 1963Ed Hulbert 1976George Hulbert 1977Chuck Hulbert 1978Lindee Myers Hulbert 1988Jennifer Hulbert Simabukuro 1989Nicole Fusaro Hulbert 1990Scott Hulbert 1991Geoff Hulbert 1995Brandon Woodring 2015

JOHNSONSusan Omaye Johnson 1972Richard Johnson 1974Melissa Johnson 2004

LEEJimmie Lee 1954Monty Lee 1984Natalie Lee Chio 1989Lindsay Lee Mune 1995

MORESCOJeff Moresco 1979Gina Calcagno Moresco 1980Michael Moresco 2008Katherine Moresco 2010

MYERSBrady Myers 1976Jamie Wheeler Myers 1977Mattison Myers 2013

RANDOLPHJerry Randolph 1958Linda Jaconetti Randolph 1960Keri Randolph Steidlmayer 1984Amanda Randolph Steidlmayer 1994Frank Jaconetti 1959

RASMUSSENRenee Rasmussen Smith 1980Lisa Rasmussen Hancock 1982Amy Rasmussen 1989Carinne Kelley Sines 2009

STEGALLEarl Stegall 1976Marta Gibbens Stegall 1977Blake Stegall 2000Tracy Stegall Chavez 2003Ashley Stegall 2005

FAMILY DONATIONS

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Qualify For A“Family Donation Listing”When three or more members of a fam-ily make a donation to theColusa High School AlumniAssociation, they will be list-ed as a “Family Donation.”We have many wonderfulfamilies that have graduat-ed from Colusa HighSchool. So contact yourfamily and encourage themto donate as a group.Thank you for the support!

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MEMORIES

I remember playing in the band atFriday night football games and wish-ing I were a cheerleader….Shirley Melis Hirsch, Class of 1959

The few left from the Class of 1953 arelooking forward to our 60th reunionthis year. Where have those yearsgone!! Keep up the good work. Ialways look forward to this yearlynewsletter.Carleen Yungling Leise, Class of 1953

Our Class of 1958 has held a reunionevery five years since graduation. Our55th year celebration will be held onSeptember 20th, 2013 at the ColusaCasino. It is always wonderful torenew old friendships. Thank you forthe great newsletter each year . . . thisis such a good way to stay connected toColusa High School!!Jerry Hulbert, Class of 1958Some of the most enjoyable times I hadwere in woodshop with Mr. Sterk. Stilluse some of the techniques that hepassed on to me. Chris Nishioka, Class of 1959

This donation was made in memory ofTommy and Harold Morrow.Lenda Morrow Pecha, Class of 1959

Was there any better times than theearly 48, 49, and 50’s??Liz Berry, Class of 1952

This donation is made in memory ofmy brother Wayne Ramazzini.Walt Ramazzini, Class of 1957

I remember when I was Colusa HighSchool Student Body President in1943.Bob Ash, Class of 1943

I recall 5:30 am or 6:00 am JV basket-ball practice with Mr. Faulk and Mr.Lindquist. Fog and rain! I am enjoy-ing the newsletter and hope to attendthe Vintage Reunion next year.Larry O’Rourke,Class of 1955

This donation was made in memory ofAnthony Gomez – Class of 1957.Jerry & Fay HulbertRobert & Georgeanne Hulbert

Dear Alumni:Once again I would like to thank you for your generous contributions to

our school! This year we have decided to purchase a new printer for theLibrary with the majority of the funds. The Library is not only a social cen-ter at CHS, but it also houses the largest computer lab on campus. Teachersbring English, Social Science, Science, Math, and Spanish classes into the lab

to complete a variety of assignments. The usage hastaken a toll on our printers, so we have decided topurchase one that can handle the tremendous amountof print tasks that are generated by our students.

The additional funds will be used to replace someof our paperback novels used in conjunction with theEnglish and Social Science classes. We are buyinghardback books because we have found that thepaperbacks haven’t held up well.

Neither of these purchases would be possible without your donations andwe cannot thank you enough for your continued support. Please know thatyou have an enormous impact on the students and staff at Colusa HighSchool.

Sincerely,Jennifer Corriea

Scenes from theVintage Picnic

Let there be no mistake! When we elder Redskin Kids have our year-ly reunion at the Elmwood-Sankey Park (4th & Parkhill), we have a ball!

Here's a photo of some of the fun that's generated at the VintageReunion Picnic. At this picnic Jack Staple’s cherished 1914 antique auto wason display. We were all quite happy to see at least one antique that was olderthan any of us!

Although we cater mainly to kids who have graduated 50 or more yearsago, everyone is welcome. Come visit us - We meet on the first Saturdayafter Mothers Day - Same park, every year.

Del Fullmer, Class of 1945

LIBRARY NEWS!

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My firm was holding a national salesmeeting in Pheonix, AZ, in the lateseventies. Our keynote speaker wasMerlin Olsen, a former member of theL.A. Rams “Fearsom Foursom”, and oflate at that time, colorful announcer ofNFL games as well as a TV actor.Before dinner I approached Merlin andasked if I could pose a question. Hereplied; “Go ahead”. I said we have akid from my hometown that playedfootball at utah State and I wonder if itwas during your time there. He asked;“Really, what’s his name”? I said DougMayberry. He looked down at mefrom his 6’6” frame and said;“Colusa?” I said “That’s right”. Andhe replied; “Big old Doug”. We wenton to discuss a little about Doug andthen about Merlin’s announcing andacting career at the time.A check to cover Merlin’s personalappearance was already mailed to himbut after his dinner speech, and sincewe were a manufacturer of telephoneequipment, we presented him with aspecial business telephone which wascovered in Italian leather. As the din-ner was breaking up I saw Merlin waswalking toward me. As we made eyecontact he put the phone under his rightarm and put the handset to his ear andsaid “Hello Doug”. We both laughedand again shook hands. I was sad tolearn that Merlin passed away thisyear.D.K. Heard, Class of 1949

The Class of 1962 celebrated their 50threunion up in Reno and had a greattime. It started with a cocktail party,then a picnic in the park followed by awonderful dinner at the Peppermill.I’m pleased to say that our class hasremained close over the years and itwas sure nice to see our friends again.We even had a couple of classmatesshow up that we hadn’t seen in 50years!!!Stan Goodin, Class of 1962

I appreciated reading the article “Afterthe Bell” because in 1959, I wrote afull-page article for the Arrow entitled“Before the Bell.” My observationsincluded students guarding the drink-

ing fountain, stacking lockers, readingsports and Dear Abby in study hall,girls removing pincurls in the rest-room, couples of the week holdinghands, those studying class notes whilewalking, and then running before thesecond bell to avoid getting a “pinkslip.”Nancy Paletta Chelini, Class of 1960

This donation was made in memory ofVince Sargentine a member of theClass of 1953. Sixty years.George Chan, Class of 1953

There were some great classic cars –Craig Nicolleti’s 57 Chevy, TerriSartain’s Mustang and of course therewas the .25 cent gasoline.Robin Heuer Rogers, Class of 1970

After 53 years, I still say “GoRedskins” !!!!!Ron “Fuzzy” Jarnagin, Class of 1959

Such fun wonderful times, growing upand learning with great friends. Happymemories!!!!Joyce Braley Keller, Class of 1944

This donation was made in memory ofJohn Myers, Wayne Ramazzini andJerry Peck. Class of 1964 – Thanks forthe good times. R.I.P.George Sistrunk, Class of 1964

MORE MEMORIES MORE MEMORIESMORE MEMORIES

How to Contact UsColusa Unified School District

Phone: 530-458-7791Superintendent’s Office

745 10th Street Colusa, CA 95932

Colusa High SchoolPhone: 530-458-2156

901 Colus AvenueColusa, CA 95932

COLuSA HIGH SCHOOLALuMNI ASSOCIATION

P.O. Box 1027Colusa, CA 95932

www.colusa.k12.ca.us

Ah the good old days! Our faculty con-sisted of 18 teachers and principal –Dr. Egling. I started to list myfavorites, Mrs. Pence and Mrs.Shoemaker and . . . I realized that Ireally liked them all. Go figure, Ishould be remembering jock stuff!Jerry Randolph, Class of 1958

This donation was made in memory ofRichard Tyler.Kim Tyler

Being in awe of the Big Five, as afreshman. Boyce, Summerbell, Fairlee,Raitt and Cooney. I think Mrs. Pencewould be quite shocked that I becamean English teacher.Joanna Moore Graf, Class of 1964

Why did we cut the square? What hap-pened to the beach at the Colusa Weir?Terri Sartain Harter, Class of 1970

In Mrs. Mellis’ Home EconomicsClass, our project was to make lunchfor the football team. As they werecollecting food on their plates, some-one saw the desserts (stuffed dates) andyelled out “Yuck they are feeding usdog poops!! Smartie Pants…..Marilyn Hoshaw Huffmaster,Class of 1959

Going into Colusa High School waslike being part of a family. Great mem-ories.Edee Westfall Silva, Class of 1966

This donation is made in memory ofNancy O’Rourke Regnier, a goodfriend and classmate. Nancy passedaway on July 19, 2012. Two weeksbefore our 50 year reunion. Betsy Wesfall Harris, Class of 1962

In fond memory of Mrs. Ponciano.Working with her during my four yearswas the best experience. Dolly Cook Carp, Class of 1976

I remember Colusa High School bas-ketball and football games and eatinglunch on the school lawn with myfriends.Kathy Harrison Revak, Class of 1964

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Colusa Class of 1963 marks lifetime of memoriesThirty-one classmates from the

Colusa High School Class of 1963, alongwith 18 spouses and guests, gathered fora 50-year reunion celebration onSaturday night, May 18 at Colusa Golfand Country Club. Though most atten-dees currently live within 100 miles of

the Colusa area, Tom and Ingrid Bennetttraveled from Spokane, WA; DennisLacert came from Las Vegas, NV; NickStephens from Rio Rancho, NM;Carolyn (Prater) and Lucky Carter fromWaldport, OR; Bill Christian from Erie,MI; and Sharon (Kidder) Pollinger fromCrescent City, CA. However, it was Col.Bonni Salatino Scudder who won theprize for coming the furthest fromRiyadh, Saudi Arabia, and also for serv-ing in the military the longest period oftime–30 years.

Others recognized during the eventwere Richard and Wanda Kelly for beingmarried the longest, 49 years (though itwas learned later that Carolyn and LuckyCarter were actually married threemonths before the Kellys); Rowena“Rusty” (Mena) Sandoval and Rosalyn(Lee) Zaragoza for each having the mostchildren, seven; and Rosalyn (Lee)Zaragoza for having the most grandchil-dren, 21. It was Max Young ofSacramento who had one of the mostintriguing stories to tell of his solo sailingexpedition around the world in 2012which ended abruptly off the coast of

Mexico when his craft was struck by abreaching whale and he was rescued bythe u.S. Coast Guard just prior to theboat’s sinking.

Many of the graduates and invitedguests who were not able to attendextended their greetings through emails

and telephone calls, including retiredSuperintendent/Principal George T. Eg-ling, 95, who lives in Ft. Bragg and hadjust returned from a road trip to Nevadato see his two-month-old great-grandsonfor the first time. Messages received havebeen posted on the reunion link to theColusa High School website and can beaccessed at http://colusahigh-colusausd-ca.schoolloop.com>Parents, Community& Alumni>Alumni>Class of ‘63 Re-union.

Bill Dolstra, Senior Class President,

served as emcee for the reunion. In addi-tion to welcoming attendees, expres-singhis thanks and encouraging those presentto share the mic. and address the group,he paid a special tribute to the 32deceased classmates. Their photos weredisplayed on a memory board along withyearbooks, picture albums and assortedmemorabilia. Committee members inaddition to Dolstra who were responsi-ble for planning and preparationinclude Vivian (Speck) Reading, Janis(Stinch-field) Ramazzini, Brenda(Harris) MacPherson, Bonnie (Critch-field) Marshall, Georgeanne (Feroah)Hulbert, Russell Fusaro and CharlieBailey, with Nancy (Tucker) Vierra andBob Hulbert serving as co-chairs.Dinner for the event was catered byTommy’s Market Street Grill, andRichard Garcia tended bar.

Earlier in the day, some of the ’63alumni attended the annual VintageGraduates Picnic held in SankeyElmwood Park and chaired by DelFullmer, Class of ’45. This was theirfirst year of eligibility, since partici-pants must be Golden Grads Plus. RussFusaro who had covered the Golf Clubrental fee also arranged to host a roundof golf for all who were interested onSunday morning following the reunion.However, it was cancelled due to Northwind.

As Dolstra appropriately toastedSaturday night, “Here is to those whotaught us and encouraged us; those whoare with us tonight; those who could notmake it; and those who are no longerwith us. Lift your glass with me . . . tothe Class of ’63.”

Members of the Colusa High Class of 1963 attend their 50th reunion at the Colusa Golf & Country Club. Frontrow, left to right: Tom Bennett, Bill Dolstra, Max Young, Rick Bruggman, Rowena (Mena) Sandoval, Judy(Fishback) Durbin, Georgeanne (Feroah) Hulbert and Bob Hulbert.

Middle row: Curtis Birge, Ron Hiegel, Bonnie (Critchfield) Marshall, Barbara (Gilmett) Orozco, Bonni (Salatino)Scudder, Rita (Mora) Goolkasian, Grace (Cortez) Cerillo, Nancy (Tucker) Vierra, Brenda (Harris) MacPherson,Rosalyn (Lee) Zaragoza, Carolyn (Prater) Carter, Nick Stephens and Bill Christian.

Back row: Dennis Lacert, Leo Steidlmayer, Jean (Stark) Drane, Richard Kelly, Russ Fusaro, Janis (Stinchfield)Ramazzini, Vivian (Speck) Reading, Sharon (Kidder) Pollinger and Charlie Bailey. Vince Garofalo, not pictured,attended the event as a former classmate, but he graduated from Red Bluff High. Ten members were unable to attend,and 32 members are deceased.

Alum Vince Sargentini RememberedVince Sargentini, a 1954 Colusa High

School alum passed away on February20, 2013. He was born to Ivo and NidaSargentini in Bozzano, Italy on August31, 1934.

His family moved to Colusa in 1947and Vince attended Our Lady ofLourdes School, Colusa High Schooland Yuba College.

Vincent was an avid sportsman andloved baseball as he and his classmatesplayed on championship teams duringtheir time at Colusa High School. He

then continued on to play baseball atYuba College and later in life donatedmany hours of coaching and umpiringof Little League games in the Hercules –Pinole area. He was employed by SunsetScavengers of San Francisco and retiredfrom that business at an early age toenjoy many years of hunting in theColusa and Willows area.

We will remember his strong supportfor our alumni association and passionfor the athletic programs at Colusa HighSchool.

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I learned to drive my boyfriend’s (ChetComfort) model T with 3 pedals. Iwent to the prom in it. It was noisyfun!!Barbara Comfort, Class of 1950

50 years ago – I can’t believe it!!!Jean Clarke Campbell, Class of 1962

Please accept this donation to theColusa High School math departmentfrom the Townzen Family in memoryof Dale Townzen’s sister VerlynTownzen O’Neil – Class of 1963. The Townzen Family:Dale Townzen, 1955Peggy Baker Townzen, 1959Darren Townzen, 1985Cammie Townzen Simpson, 1988Patrick Townzen, 1996Paige Townzen, 2013Mollie Townzen, 2016

The Colusa High School teachers al-ways tried to stimulate critical thinkingin their students. A very fine staff ofteachers.Dewey Ray Moore, Class of 1953

I’ve lived in England for 30 years, butstill think back to the fun in Mr. Bean’sart class with my friend Helen RosalesGersbach (1960) who is a very giftedartist. I also have fond memories ofMrs. Mellis, Mrs. Pence, Mrs. Shoe-maker and Mr. Casey.Penny Siler Parks, Class of 1961

In Memory of Carroll Reed Doty–Agreat Giants and 49er Fan! He died ahappy man, the Giants won the pen-nant!Very good to see past classmates at thepicnic in the park.Dorothy Murphy, Class of 1959

Memories of great teachers: Mary J.Baker, Charles Lindquist, ArtNewman, Amy Lance, LorraineOpedahl and our great coach BrunoPellegrini.Barbara Betterton MessickClass of 1947

This donation is in memory of GregDowden, Sr.Sheri Pina Tanferani, Ph.D

MORE MEMORIES MORE MEMORIES MORE MEMORIES

Remembering the June day of gradua-tion 50 years ago (1963) we went tograduation at the fairgrounds, had aparty at festival hall, then went toColusa Theater to watch a moviewhere a drawing was held to win a car,then went to a breakfast as a final cel-ebration. Great memories!Robert & Georgeanne Hulbert Class of 1963Miss seeing you at the picnics – Surewish we could attend.Fred J. Luzzi, Jr., Class of 1939This donation is made in memory ofTom Guild.Rob J. Davies, Class of 1980Mr. Heliker’s band practices werealways positive and supportive. I donot recall that he made a single nega-tive comment about any person or theirperformance. That is a rare talent,indeed.Al Raitt, Class of 1958

Thank you as always for the fabulous,fun, informative newsletter! Pleaseaccept this heartfelt donation on behalfof all the Bransfords.Diane Foster Bransford, Class of 1964Don Bransford, Class of 1965Darcie Bransford, Class of 1992Scott Bransford, Class of 1994Nathan Bransford, Class of 1998Beth Bransford, Class of 2000

I saw Coach Gilkey a few months ago.He turns 90 this year and fondlyremembers his time in Colusa. . .Harold B. Tennant, Class of 1951

Went to my older sister Sandra’s 50thyear reunion and was shocked that WesShockley and Ralph Stegall didn’t beatme up!Buster Diggs, Class of 1965

This donation was made in memory ofMrs. Pence.Richard Stevenson, Class of 1965

In loving memory of Jack Staple, along, friendly presence in Colusa. Hewill be missed. Also, it is so specialreading news of life-long classmatesand friends in the newsletter!Pat Fendt Connolly, Class of 1951

Many great memories from my yearsin Colusa schools. Friendships startedin kindergarten are still maintained 50years later. How lucky I was to growup in Colusa.Matie Ann Spurgeon, Class of 1962This donation was made in memory ofIrene Erickson Gomes Fitch, Class of1954.Lucius F. Fitch, Class of 1937JuST A FuN TIME FOR ALL!!!!!!Ralphene Watermann Boggan,Class of 1959In memory of Ryan E. Walker.Vincent E. Walker, Class of 1949I remember riding my horse to schoolon Sadie Hawkins Day and parkinghim in back. Not many girls can saythey’ve ever done that before. Thankyou Colusa High School for somegreat memories.Julie Hubbard Tully, Class of 1971I remember fondly, sitting in thestands rooting for our “Redskins”football team and playing in themarching band under Mr. Heliker.Good times and great memories!!I would also like to include a donationin memory of William Dunham whowas a member of the Colusa Board ofEducation.Jean Dunham Delgado, Class of 1965

In memory of Zeletta GayMcCullough Smith. July 17, 1933 toApril 13, 2012. Class of 1951.Gay’s best friend as a senior in highschool was Lena (unknown Maidenname) Wilson. She was from Jamaicaand lived with a family in Colusa tofinish her high school. She later mar-ried an airman from Beale AFB andwhen his enlistment was up they wentback to Philadelphia where westopped visited her a few times. Thecoincidence is that Lena and Gay bothpassed away on Friday, April 13th2012.Ken Smith

A donation was made to the athletic,agricultural and music department inmemory of Robert J. Tennant andRobert L. “Bob” Tennant.Nancy Tennant Potts, Class of 1959

Concert Band, Choir and Jazz Bandhave all been busy performing at suchevents as: Football games, weekly morn-ing concerts in the CHS quad, ChristmasTyme in Colusa, Holiday Craft Faire,Christmas caroling at the hospital, play-ing at christmas parties, in restaurantsand churches inColusa, Concertsin the park, musicweek performanc-es, a memorialservice, a wedding,a cabaret dinner show, and that's just intown.

The music department went to a com-petition in Southern California in April.The choir earned a Bronze medal, theJazz band got Silver, and the Concertband took the Gold!

Alexia Vargas, my senior trumpetplayer and band president, marched atthe BCS national championship collegefootball game (Notre Dame vs Alabama)in Miami this past January.

Our own "Carnegie Quartet" (ThomasCritchfield, Lupita Ramos, EfrenFuentes, Alexia Vargas) all auditionedfor, and were accepted to the AmericanHonors Performance Series at CarnegieHall in February, and we all spent 5 daysmaking music and playing in snow inCentral Park. Very cool!

In May, eleven students participated inthe California State Solo and Ensemblefestival in Sacramento. In order to qualifyfor this event, musicians must earn a supe-rior rating at a qualifying event. Of theeleven performances, 4 earned silvermedals, 7 earned gold, and two got unani-mous superiors to get a CommandPerformance!

We are very grateful for the past alumnidonations you have given us.   We haveused past funds to purchase music, bandinstruments, and to help pay for trips tosolo festivals, band and choir events, andeven a broadway musical in Sacramento.Thanks to your help, music is thriving inColusa!

Michael PhenicieColusa High School

Muisc Director—9—

The Colusa High School MusicProgram has been busier than ever thispast year!  Combined, we've done about

50 performances this year, in Colusa,around the county, around the state, andaround the country. Members of the

Music Department Thanks The Alumni For Donations

Ancient and usually isolated valleyoak trees (Quercus lobata) can befound in the few remaining undis-turbed grassy plains, and in farmers’fields where they were protected, ofCalifornia’s Central Valley. Thesetrees also grow as a riparian (riverside)species at a slightly higher and drierriverbank elevation than thecottonwoods and willowsthat grow directly adjacentto the Sacramento and othervalley rivers. Valley oaks area very stable and long livedtree and very important to both theriparian and valley savannah commu-nities they inhabit. Next to rivers, theyoften grow in groups with the oldertrees’ canopies shading out the valleyfloor and reducing competition fromother plants, providing a nursery foryounger oaks that will eventually takeover.

The Colusa unified staff remindsme of a group of valley oaks. We havemany veteran teachers who retired thisyear and others who are getting closeto the end of their careers, includingyours truly. I see these individuals asthe mature oaks that play a key role inthe success of their community, but arealso preparing the way for new andyounger teachers who will eventuallyreplace them. I’d like to introduce oneof these new teachers; AmandaSpencer, who taught freshmen science,chemistry and physics this year atColusa High. Amanda grew up inLancaster, CA and earned a degree inbiochemistry at Chico State univer-sity. She hit the ground running thisyear and offered almost daily “handson” labs and demonstrations in all herclasses, while also coaching girls’ soc-cer and boys’ tennis as well as being ateacher in the Environmental Sciences

Academy and attending the JSHSyoung science scholars symposiumwith three students, Yosemite Institutefield trip with a group of ESA seniorsand the Angel Island field trip with agroup of academy juniors. Ms. Spencerteaches science the way I believe isbest, by providing interesting hands on

lessons while covering thestandards; soon to be commoncore. Like the young oaks, shewill grow and thrive, takingher place in the educationalcommunity, and is deserving

of all the help I/we can give her.With Amanda and the future of sci-

ence at Colusa High School in mind,I’d like to both thank the alumni foryour generous contributions to theCHS Biology Program last year andask you to consider a donation this yearthat will be shared by all science class-es taught by Amanda and me. Betweenthe Environmental Science Academygrant and alumni donations, all scienceactivities were funded last school yearand we have even acquired a donatedlaminar hood for microbiology andhave also purchased a PCR (poly-merase chain reaction) DNA duplicat-ing machine to expand our biotecheducation. Ms. Spencer has someexciting plans for her classes, includinga new freshman geosciences course,and any donations will be applied tothese activities as well as the existingprogram.

Please consider making a donationto Colusa High Science.

Thank You!Craig Richards

CHS BiologyHYPERLINK"mailto:crichards@colusa.k12.ca.us"crichards@colusa.k12.ca.us

Valley Oak &Community School

riculum to the new standards, develop-ing strategies for helping students com-municate what they know in a newways and purchasing new textbooksand materials to support our efforts.

While large school districts havestaff dedicated to the implementation ofthe common core standards we will beworking with our administration togather information and make importantdecisions on our own. Our plan is tosave the generous donations that wereceived from the alumni in 2013 andcombine them with donations from2014 to send representatives from our

“YOU INSPIRED ME”Nominate Someone Who Inspired You

Is there a teacher, coach, advisor, staff member or administrator that inspired you during your time at Colusa High School?You can now honor the person that made such an impression on your life. The person selected by you, or your donor group,will receive a plaque and recognition at a Colusa High School home event and have their name placed on the Donor Wallat the Colusa High School Football Stadium. The price to express permanent appreciation for a person who inspired youis $500. For more information, please contact the Colusa unified School District Office at 530-458-7791 or mail a requestto CRAF/Alumni Association, P.O. Box 1027, Colusa, CA. 95932. Also view this program on our Alumni Link of theColusa High School web page. You can locate us a www.colusahigh.org and find us under the alumni section.

Current List of “You Inspired Me” RecipientsDave Dana Honored 10-16-10 Donor Ben King-Class of 1977Barbara Boggs Honored 01-12-11 Donor The Class of 1980Georgia Raczniak Honored 01-12-11 Donor The Class of 1980Art Heliker Honored 01-12-11 Donor The Class of 1980Joe Unzueta Honored 02-03-12 Donor The Alumni AssociationLarry Yeghoian Honored 06-01-12 Donor CUSD Board of TrusteesJuanita Roberts Honored 12-13-12 Donor CRAF

—10—

Fourth Annual 3F Century Bike RideOn May 4, 2013, the Colusa Lions Club hosted the annual 3F Century bike ride. With the retirement of Principal Dave

McGrath (founder and chief organizer of the annual event), the Lions accepted responsibility to maintain this growing tradition.3F, which stands for Flat, Fast and Fun, gave riders a choice of riding 100 miles, 63 miles, 37 miles

or 22 miles courses throughout Colusa and Sutter counties. We had 190 registered riders this year, whichtripled last year's high of 63 riders.

Once again, School Board member and 1972 CHS grad Terry Bressler provided a delicious pulledpork, rice and salad lunch at the end of the ride. Retired Principal McGrath also returned to provide invalu-able assistance.

The date for next year's event is Saturday, May 3, 2014. You can learn more about the ride by visiting www.3Fcentury.com.Proceeds from the event continue to support CuSD projects at all district schools.

Soon To Be Honored in the Fall of 2013Ron & Susan Rassmussen

Soon To Be Honored in the Winter of 2014Mrs. Claire Pence and Mrs. Frances White

COMMON CORE KNOCKING AT THE DOORThere are big changes planned for

mathematics education over the next fewyears. New math stan-dards have been adoptednationally that will bringdrastic changes to the cur-riculum and standardizedtesting system inCalifornia. The California Departmentof Education plans to test students underthe new system starting in the spring of2015. For those of us in the Colusa HighMath Department this means we have alot to do over the course of the nextschool year. We will be aligning our cur-

department to the 2014 NationalCouncil of Teacher of MathematicsConference. By attending the confer-ence we will be able to examine andevaluate textbooks, talk to publishersand learn about implementation of theCommon Core standards from leadingexperts in the field of mathematics edu-cation.

Thank you again for your generosityin over the past few year and yourfuture support.

Darren TownzenKim Olson and Eric LayColusa High Math Department

Dear Alumni:Moving to a new school and community is always interesting.  Making the leap from Colorado to California has been a whirlwind of

learning and new experiences for me and my family. I have a six-year-old son, Alden, who just finished his Kindergarten year in Colusaschools. My wife, Nicole, is the principal of Orland high school. To say this year was busy would be an understatement. But we have grownto love California, and particularly Colusa. 

I have been in small rural districts for my entire career. As I reflect upon my twenty years of experience, I see many similaritiesbetween Colusa and other places I have served. Small towns are full of friends and neighbors who know one another and can be counted onto lend a hand when help is needed. It has been wonderful to see how the parents and community members help out here.  The high schoolhas a new landscape design and is getting an LED marquee sign to advertise events–all from donated funds! Volunteers help us do every-thing from classroom reading instruction, to fundraising, to grounds maintenance. Colusa is a small town full of people with big hearts whocare deeply for their schools. 

We are making some changes in Colusa Schools. Looking to the future, we must expect more from our students, and do more to pre-pare them for a world much different than the one in which we grew up. In some regards we are simply re-emphasizing what used to be themission of schools–teaching students the power of critical and creative thinking. Our main focus remains the same; a safe and student cen-tered school where expectations are high.

As a Colusa Alumni, you have made a tremendous impact on our programs. Alumni donations helped fund materials and supplies foracademic and athletics. You helped current students generate memories like the ones so fondly related in the newsletter. 

On behalf of myself, the staff, the Board, and our community, I would like to thank you for your generosity. I would also encourageyou to continue helping make Colusa High School a place graduates will remember for the academics, and for the experiences that a caringsmall town has to offer its students. Thanks Again,

Dwayne Newman, District SuperintendentDear Alumni,

In my first year as principal of Colusa High School, there were many pleasant surprises along the way. One such surprise was the enor-mous positive impact the Colusa Alumni Association continues to have on instruction and students at the high school. This year we beganto take photos of materials purchased through the generosity of the association and posting them on our new Colusa High School Facebookpage. We posted pictures of kids in our shop classes with equipment purchased this year and will continue to advertise and inform the AlumniAssociation where exactly the donations are going this year and just how appreciative we all are for your efforts.

I encourage all of you to follow CHS on our Facebook page as we will continue to update everyone where exactly your contributionsare going and how the students are benefiting from the donations. Simply log into your own Facebook accounts and search “Colusa HighSchool.” When you see the Redhawk icon, click on it and like our page so you are updated regularly on all school events.

On behalf of the entire school, I want to thank you for continuing to care so much for our kids and programs. We are so grateful foryour passion to Colusa High School. Sincerely,

Darren Brown, Colusa High School Principal

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AGGIEALUMNI!The Colusa FFA Chapter we would

like to take this time to thank our FFAAlumni for their generous donations toour department. This year’s donationswere used to help students at the live-stock unit and the shop classes. We wereable to continue building new pens forthe sheep and goat students. In shopAlumni funds helped acquire 10 newwelding jackets and several new piecesof equipment for our students.

Your continued support of our FFAprogram provides leadership and educa-tional opportunities for all FFA mem-bers. Please follow us on the ColusaFFA Facebook page and see yourAlumni donations at work. As alwaysour gratitude is extended to Jerry Daviesand his continued support and develop-ment of the Alumni Association.

Dear Colusa HS Alumni Association;On behalf of the Colusa HS Athletic Department I’d like to thank all of you foryour generous donations. Your donations allow us to keep up the proud traditionof athletics here at Colusa High School. Our programs had an outstanding yearin 2012-2013. Some of the highlights included playoff appearances for football,volleyball, girls and boys basketball, and softball. In the Fall our Cross Countryteam had competitors make it all the way to the State Championships. Our JVGirls basketball team earned a league championship this year as did VarsityBaseball and Softball. Our Varsity Baseball team set a school record for wins at26 and also captured the first Northern Section championship in baseball since1997, downing Winters HS for the Div. 3 crown. I’m excited to be heading into

my second year here at Colusa HS as we have many great thingsin front of us. I’m also ecstatic to be moving forward as the newAthletic Director for the Redhawks. With your support we hopeto continue building on our proud tradition here at Colusa HS.

Sincerely,Eric Lay

Colusa High School Athletic Director

Thank You From TheColusa High School Athletic Director

”From the Desk of the Superintendent & Principal ”

My 2013-2014 GiftPlease return this portion with your gift to:

Name: Class:

Address: Donation of Graduation Year$

Email: Other Amount:$Ad

dress Update

Yes I will support

the Alumni Fund

Please share a memory:

Please direct my donation to the following:ATHLETICS SCIENCE AGRICULTURE BUSINESS ARTS MUSICLIBRARY/ENGLISH MATH

Be specific on contribution choice, otherwise donation will automatically be applied to the ath-letics department. Thank you!

Colusa High School Alumni AssociationP.O. Box 1027, Colusa, CA 95932

FIND US ON THE WEB WWW.COLUSA.K12.CA.US

P. O. Box 1027, Colusa, CA 95932

P. O. Box 1027, Colusa, CA 95932Old High School located

on 10th Street

Old High Schoollocated on 10th Street