What’s New

1980s BAND & COLOR GUARD ALUMNI REUNITE, RAISE FUNDS

April 14, 2013 By AHSAA Leave a Comment

Members of the AHS Band and Color Guard from the class years of 1980-1985 gathered recently for a reunion that not only included an evening of sharing memories, but also raised $4435 for today’s Colony musicians.

Attendees, including Zig Kanstul, the band director from 1980-1985, shared memories of the hundreds of hours of practicing and performing in parades, half-time shows and numerous competitions, between bidding for silent auction items and purchasing tickets for the opportunity drawing to raise funds for Anaheim High’s Colonial Regiment.

The planning committee was headed by Dan Barragan. He is working to bring AHS Band, Color Guard and Drill Team members from all class years together to support current students in the AHS band program. He can be reached through “The Anaheim High School Band & Color Guard/Drill Team Alumni Group” on Facebook or via mrdano32@sbcglobal.net.

: Rick Garvey and Dan Barragan, ’80s AHS band alumni, present check for $4435 to current Colonist musicians.

: Faith Sadler Chocran ’80 was the winner of a door prize donated by a ’62 Drill Team member Jacqueline (Mills) Nolan.

: Joyce Pease and Teri Little.

: Color Guard alum pose for photo.

: Happy times had by all at ’80-’85 AHS Band and Color Guard Reunion.

: Zig underwent the traditional tie cutting ceremony.

: Breysi Garcia, today’s band director and an AHS graduate, thanks attendees for their support of today’s Colonists.

: Zig Kanstul shares an emotional moment with his former students.

: Zig Kanstul speaks to his former AHS students.

: Photos found in band room provided a blast from the past for ’80s alumni.

: Memories shared!

: The slide show provided a blast from the past.

: Teacher and students from 1980s.

: Today’s band director Breysi Garcia ’90 and 1980s director Zig Kanstul.

: Dalene Miranda-Fulk in person and in 1980s photo.

: Valarie Miranda Lopez and Teri Little.

: Lots of laughs and Colonist memories shared at ’80s band reunion.

: Joyce with more blue and gold spiritwear.

: Color Guard Captain Joyce Pease

: Joyce Pease in her Color Guard jacket.

: Committee Chairman Dan Barragan – Class of 1980.

: Mr. and Mrs. Zig Kanstul. Zig was the band director from ’80-’85.

: Darlene Miranda-Fulk and Teri Little at AHS Band and Color Guard Reunion.

: Twenty-plus years later!

: Reunion attendees enjoyed evening of Colonist commardery.

: Mama Cozza’s was the site of Colonist reunion.

: Memories shared by ’80s alumni.

: Band and color guard alumni gather for fundraising reunion.

: Rick Garvey and other reunion attendees.

: The girls are back!

: Colonist Band and Color Guard Celebration raises funds for today’s Colonial Regiment.

: Classmates from ’80-’85 band and color guard reconnect at reunion.

: AHS band and color guard students were top performers.

: 1980-85 bands were led by Zig Kanstul.

: Memories of trip to Hawaii was among reunioin highlights

: Blue and gold band spirit was displayed at the reunion, along with numerous awards and trophies.

: Band spirit wear from the 1980s

: Band alumni from 1980-85 gathered recently for a reunion to reconnect and help current Colonist musicians.

Filed Under: What's New Tagged With: AHS Band and Color Guard, AHS Class of 1980, Band and Color Guard, Colonial Regiment, Reunion

AHS ‘ 59 GRADUATE LEAVES LEGACY AS LIFE-LONG ENTERTAINER

March 9, 2013 By AHSAA Leave a Comment

Anaheim High School Class of ’59 graduate Rudy Pena, professionally known as Rudy de la Mor, passed away March 5, 2013, at age 73. Rudy enjoyed a colorful and exciting life as a professional entertainer.

A classically trained pianist, de la Mor was a child prodigy who, as a teenager, performed with the Orange County Symphony Orchestra and the Denver Symphony Orchestra. He later performed at Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland.

Rudy was discovered by the late vaudeville, film and television star, Jimmy Durante. As Durante’s protégé, de la Mor became close friends with a number of stars of the era, such as Martha Raye, Alice Faye, Christine Jorgenson and others.

It was Martha Raye who was the impetus for the outrageous hats and sequined attire that became his trademark. After catching one of de la Mor’s early sets as a cabaret performer, she suggested that he focus on the comedic aspects of his act.

“What’s more, she suggested that I wear some of the curtains my mother might have had and change hats all night long,” de la Mor reported on his website.

He was known for his interaction with his audience and had the phenomenal ability to remember the name of everybody in the room in which he was performing. He became a Chicago (and worldwide) cabaret favorite and played to packed houses at the Gentry in Chicago for more than 20 years, as well as locations throughout Southern California.

On Feb. 5, he posted on his official Facebook page, “To all my dear friends: Thank you all so much for your kindness and support as I slowly recover from my illness. Your thoughts and prayers have given me strength and encouragement. I shall see you soon!! Woooosh! Love Rudy.”

He is survived by his sister Aurora “Penny” Pena Lucio, AUHS class of 1952.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, March 17, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Phoenix Club, 1340 S. Sanderson Ave., Anaheim.

To view a video on Rudy’s life, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPOzgMsbtsI

For a video of Rudy’s performing, click on the following link:

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=rudy+de+la+mor&mid=5DB221170FDF8A3406E65DB221170FDF8A3406E6&view=detail&FORM=VIRE1

Filed Under: What's New Tagged With: Chicago, Class of 1959, Gentry, Martha Raye, Rudy de la Mor, Rudy Pena

Class of ’44 Grad Shares Love of Books

March 3, 2013 By AHSAA Leave a Comment

In celebration of “Read Across America,” a national observance of Dr. Suess’ birthday, a gift of 1500 books was presented to the Anaheim High Performing Arts Conservatory to share with area elementary students.

“A book for every child” is the goal of 1944 graduate Reggie Massey, who delivered the treasure trove of books to her alma mater just in time for the March 1 reading celebration at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School.

AHS drama students, with costumes, props and books in hand, walked to the nearby elementary school to perform tales from around the world and to serve as reading buddies to the K-6 students. The troupe, accompanied by AHS drama instructor Sharon King, was welcomed by Benjamin Franklin Principal Gregory Smet.

Along with teachers and students, parents also joined in the party by create props for the reading celebration observed by thousands of students across the country in honor of Dr. Seuss, the man who gave the world classic children’s books like “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “Green Eggs and Ham.”

When not sharing their time and talents with the community, Anaheim High Performing Arts Conservatory students are preparing for their May 2, 3 and 4 production of “Fame” at Cook Auditorium.

For more information, contact the Anaheim High School Alumni Association at anaheimalumni@yahoo.com.

Filed Under: Alumni Spotlight, What's New

Community Support, Colonist Spirit Combine for Successful Golf Classic

February 19, 2013 By AHSAA Leave a Comment

Community support and Colonist spirit combined to create the best AHSAA Golf Classic in the event’s four-year history.

Anaheim High alumni, teachers, administrators, coaches and many others who caught the “Colonist Spirit” turned out in record numbers for the Feb. 18 fund raiser at Western Hills Country Club.

Participants included legendary AHS football star Mickey Flynn ’58; former NFL New York Giants Super Bowl coach Jim Fassel ’67, Golf Committee Chairman Phil Anton ’63, a former player with the Dallas Cowboys and many more golfers who came from across the country to play.

They were joined by AHSAA President Gerald “Woody” Woodward Class of ’59, who drove an AHS Spirit Mobile to deliver beverages to the golfers along with Hall of Famer Ron Davini from Class of ’65.

Event sponsors included Chick-fil-a of Fullerton. Owner Mark Howery golfed with his father, Ken, a Class of ’57 AHS grad. Miller Toyota of Anaheim sponsored the hole-in-one and many businesses and individuals donated numerous prizes for the opportunity drawing and auction.

: George Fraser, Jim Fassel, and Bob Abbott

: Sallie Vravis (’63) checking in golfers.

: Sue Pebley

: Sue Pebley

: Dee Ann Chance (’64) with Sallie Chance Vravis (’63)

: Bob Abbott (’65) and his old coach, Don Liebhart (’45)

: Ron Davini (’65). Mickey Flynn (’57), Don Liebhart (’45), Bob Abbott (’65)

: Karen Wisser Walters (’72) taking chances on opportunity drawing

: Miller Toyota of Anaheim team

: Go Big A!!!

: Bob Abbott and Terry Morales warm up before hitting the green

: The Quarterbacks: Bob Abbott (’65), Jim Fassel (’67), George Fraser (’70)

: Miller Toyota of Anaheim: Kevin Fujiwara, Juan Garcia, Tom Lu, Martin Miller

: George Fraser (’70), Tim Keller, Jerry Stifle

: Dr. Liz Novack (’71), Van Novack, Barb Lohman (’69), Jeffrey Riel

: Dan Miller, Lanny Booher (’81), Dan Miller, Dave Torres (AHS Athletic Director)

: Paul Bruce (’63), Jim Bruce (‘72), Rich Bruce (’70), Gil Travis

: Chris, Kelly, Don, and David Liebhart

: Marty Bielefeld, Jim Fassel (’67), Bill Walker (‘66), Jeff Severson

: John Overbeck, Clay Kilbarger, Thom Kilbarger (’64), Kempton Kilbarger

: Bob Abbott (’65), Terry Morales (’63), Jerry Pharris (’65), Phil Anton (’63)

: Ken Howery (’57), Mark Howery, Clint Stark (‘59), Gary Wimberly (’63), Dale Andersen (’61),

: Kevin Ray, Jim Shigenaka (’59), Margaret (Kishiyama) Shigenaka (’59)Brent Shigenaka

: Gene Foucher (’68), Matt Long, Pat Blanco (’72), Tim Thorn (’70)

: Brad Pettigrew, Carlos Perez, Trevor Dixon Beard, Brian Chwan (’94)

: Sycamore Jr. High: Danny Fernandez, Dave Blakney, Kevin Carlson, John Lombardi

: Mitch Carty, Gary Humphries, Shawn McBride, Chris McQuerrey

: Barry Hofstetter, Phillip Batiste, Ginny Bolle (’67), Betty Heukrodt

: Gary Lough and Susan Pebley

: Gerald Moulin, Rosemary Moulin (‘77), Maggie Salisbury (‘77), Rand Salisbury

: Jeff Ernsting (’65), Kelly Bryan, Jim McCullough, Mike Schirm, Paul Colvin (’69), Tom Mackey

: Ted Butler, Ryan Butler, Grant Moulden, Wayne Moulden

: John Douglas, Rick Edwards, Jerry Blose, Larry Larsen

: Tom Buffum, Brady Heidenrich, Aaron Karp, Peter Janke

: AHS Class of 1972: Jack Ohanion, Jim Liberio, Chris Loudon, Paul Kott

: Jim Burns, Lawrence Cabral, Rex Klopfer, Luis Rojas

: Speedy Castillo, Michael Castillo, Joe Kozak

: Leo Belanger, Jerry Labuda, Benito Ramirez, Tom Shewman, Hugh Wood

: Jerry Woodward (’59) and Ron Davini (’65)

: Rand and Maggie Salisbury, Janet Brown, Rosemary and Gerard Moulin. Ladies are Class of ’77.

: Speedy Castillo lines up a drive…

: 2013 Golf Classic (click here to learn more)

: Snowy Egret among wildlife at 4th Annual Colony Golf Classic.

: Ron Davini (’65) and Phil Anton (’63)

: Jerry Pharris and Bob Abbott (Class of 1965)

: Tim Thorn (’70) and Patrick Blanco (’72)

: Former AHS principal Carl Hecht, Larry Larsen (’64), and Jack Ohanion (’72)

: Dr. Liz Novak (’71) purusing silent auction items

: Class of ’63 Gary Wimberly(far right) with Mike Smith.

: Kitty Fassel and George Fraser

: Ron Davini and Phil Anton

: Lanny Booher, AHS Football Coach, was among golfers who enjoyed prime rib dinner.

: Reunited old friends and classmates: Al Anton (’65) and Terry Morales (’63)

: The Brothers Anton: Al (’65), Phil (’63), and Ron (’73)

: Class of ’63 Sandy Meyers Rowe and Dennis Branchaud

: Jim and Kitty Fassel

: Jim Fassel, Kitty Fassel, Ron Pharris, and

: Beth Flynn ’58; Carl Hecht, former AHS Principal, and Mickey Flynn ’57.

: Chris McQuerrey made the straighest drive

: Kevin Carlson hit closest to pin

: Tom Thorn ’70 made the men’s longest drive

: Ginny Bolle wins longest drive for women.

: Bob Abbott (’65) winner of Dixon Golf Longest Drive

: Paul Colvin (’69) and Carlos Perez (AHS AP) winners of putting contests

: Carlos Perez winner of Putt for Points and Paul Colvin for Long Putt

: Danny Fernandez and Kevin Carlson take runner-up prize. Missing team mates are Dave Blakney and John Lombardi

: 1st place winners – Susan Pebley and Gary Lough with Chairman Phil Anton

: Jim beginning the live auction

: A great turnout!

: Jim takes charge

: Jim working the crowd

: Colonist memorabilia

: Paul Kott auctioning exclusive tickets to the famed Magic Castle in Hollywood

: Paul Kott raises scholarship funds during live auction

: Kitty and Jim Fassel raffling off prizes

: Coach Liebhart and his players from his career at Anaheim

: Tim Thorn (’70) and Mickey Flynn (’57)

: Tim Thorn (’70) and Mickey Flynn (’57)

: The Brothers Pharris, Ron (’67) and Jerry (’65)

: Colonist star ball carriers Ron Pharris (’67) and Tim Thorn (’70)

: George Fraser (’70) and Tim Thorn (’70)

: Coach Don Liebhart and his son Kelly, and his grandsons Chris and David

: Coach Don Liebhart was an honored guest at the 2013 AHSAA Golf Classic

: Phil Anton and Coach Don Liebhart

: Kathie (Soden) (’67)and Barry Hofstetter, and Kitty Fassel

: Kathie (Soden) Hofstetter and Kitty Fassel

: Brad Pettigrew and Carlos Perez

: Ken (’57) and son Mark Howery, Chick-fil-a sponsor

: Phil Anton (’63) Golf Chairman

: Silent Auction items donated by generous community members

Filed Under: What's New

AUHS 1940s Grads Celebrate 70-Decade Reunion

January 27, 2013 By AHSAA Leave a Comment

Anaheim High graduates from the 1940s celebrated a multi-year reunion on Jan. 25, 2013 at Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel. Grads from 1940 through 1948 shared memories from their days at “Old AU.”