Academic Rally

Part of the 400 students that were honored

 In the 2011 -2012 school year we realized that we were missing out on recognizing an entire group of students for their talents and gifts in education.  These kids have high academic achievement and great attendance records and nothing was done to recognize them.  Being the Activities Director for the school for 23 years I knew better but I was so overwhelmed by everything else that it was hard to do yet another thing. I remember when I was a student that we received certificates when we hit high academic honors, and that alone was pretty cool to receive.  But why not recognize them in the same manner as the athletes?  The idea isn't a new one, many schools have begun to change cultures and create a positive spin on getting great grades.  A company called Jostens started a Renaissance Program that showed schools how to put on great rallies and how to recognize students differently.  This program is nationwide, and should be applauded for it's efforts.  Many schools have Renaissance Classes and Officers that work just in the academic part of the schools inner workings.

Color Guard before Assembly

At Loara we have taken that idea and made it our own.  For many years Loara has had an Educations Officer in Student Government and that role has morphed into a Renaissance type role.  We do student of the month, read birthdays on announcements and some other minor things but we never hit them all at once in a public setting. On September 28, 2012 we held an assembly to change the culture, and stepped up what we have been talking about ... recognizing high achievers in all they do.  The assembly is very similar to a spirit assembly.

Sammy pumping up the crowd

The kids with 3.5 and higher walk through the sports tunnel as the band and drum-line play them in, the cheerleaders cheer, the color-guard twirls and the band plays the Alma Mater.  The only difference is, we have keynote speakers, the Principal speaks about education and an Honors Teacher talks about how proud they are of all the hard work and accomplishments put in by these students.  The video we show doesn't show how we did at a football game but shows images of the students working toward education and the clubs they are involved in.  Watch the video "What makes you beautiful" 

(spoiler alert) there is one grammar error in the video, I left it there on purpose to see if people were truly watching, I recall hearing that  Disney does things like this so in Disney n  style they always put in some kind of thing just for the people that made the film.

Morning Announcements go Live Video

Jazlyn Lewis and Matt Argame during our test run

For the last 50 years our morning announcements have gone through some changes but none so big as today, September 26, 2012 at 8:54 am.  This mornings announcements were done as a live video broadcast.

The Broadcast Media Production Class led by Danny Klatzker (class of 90) has been working tirelessly for many years to make this a reality, and this year using ASB and others as anchors, his classes have finally gone live.  In an email to the staff on September 25, 2012 Mr. Klatzker adds:

"Tomorrow my Broadcast Media Production class and ASB are going to do the daily announcements live via a video feed and over the PA system. They have worked very hard over the last few weeks to put together a working television studio and coordinating with ASB to bring you our first Saxon TV news broadcast."

As we begin the next 50 years it seems only fitting to make some big changes in how we do things.

Our live editing crew

In the years past we have been using the telecom system built into the school all those many years ago.  As I wasn't at Loara until 1979, I can't be sure what all the Principals read on the bulletin but I do know that Tommy Thomason would read key Saxon news of the day, I also know that Tom Kenally in the early 80's didn't get on the announcements much, but in the late 80's Dr. Jerry Glenn used to have tidbits he read over the all call, in the early 90's Dr. Barry Escoe used to have his word of the day, Dr. John Dahlem in the 90's would do facts and alliterations like have a Marvelous Monday, Mrs. Pam Krey in the 00's always ended with "smile often" but now in the 2010's we have gone mobile.  Mr. John Briquelet, our newest principal, will be the first principal seen on video discussing hot topics of the day, and key educational and testing ideas.  However his first broadcast was just an introduction of himself and the goals this coming school year.

Along with the Principals I know that Alden Esping and myself have been on those announcements nearly every single day, helping ASB learn how to use their voices, project and make those announcements short, sweet and to the point.  As they are incorporated into the school day they do not take away from the academic minutes of a class.  By the early 90's I found a song by Oscar Brown Jr. called the "Friday song" we can not find it on iTunes and the likes so my dad had to listen to a local jazz station on Friday and record the morning show to get it so we can play it every Friday since.

How are video announcements set up?  Just like real news, we have our anchors, our beat reporters and closing remarks by yours truly.  When the school was modernized in 2006 and beyond, the classroom for the most part were equipped with a cable feed. Most teachers have the cable feed running into their classrooms, they just turn to channel 24 for the news.  If there isn't a video feed then they will only hear the announcements as read for the video over the loud speakers.   Here is a typical lineup:

Camera Two

1. Opening
2. Greeting
3. Pledge
4. Bulletin
5. Sports
6. Clubs
7. Other bulletin
8. Video Interviews (if any)
9. Joke of the Day
10. Birthdays
11. Closing

I'm proud to be a part of this process and these kids are to be commended for all their hard work.  It is great to be a part of sweeping, positive change that is happening on Loara's campus.

Alumni in the Olympics

When looking back to our alumni it's often hard to find their personal histories unless I call them up or facebook them, and I just can't find myself to be their personal stalkers.  So with the help of Wikipedia we can reminice about our alumni and how amazing they are.

Dana Schoenfield (class of 71)

Dana Schoenfield (71) Dana was born in Harvey, Illinois and spent her childhood in Schererville, Indiana. She first learned to swim at the local Sherwood Golf and Swim Club, where she began to excel in the breaststroke. Her family relocated to Anaheim, California in 1963 where Dana, along with her brother Michael, actively swam on the Disneyland Hotel Swim Team. She qualified for the Women's Senior National Championships in the 200 meter breaststroke at age 12 years, the youngest swimmer to participate. At 14 years, Dana was the second fastest Women's 200 meter breaststroke swimmer in the country, and just missed making the 1968 U.S. Olympic Team. She would have been the youngest swimmer on the U.S. Team. After semi-retiring for the next 3 years, she was a varsity cheerleader for Loara High School in Anaheim, California.
After graduation, Dana, along with her swim coach Ray Woods, began a 1-year regimen of serious training in an effort to make the 1972 Olympic Team. At the 1972 Chicago Olympic Swimming Trials, she qualified first in the 200 m breaststroke, with a personal best time of 2:43.7. At the Munich Olympic Games, Dana was not expected to 'medal' as she had just the 4th fastest time/ranking for 1972. She placed fourth in the qualifying heats, and was in lane 6 for the Munich final. With her swim idol, Galina Prozumenschikova-Stepanova of Russia swimming in lane 3, Dana out-touched Stepanova with a time of 2:42.03, another personal best. Beverly Whitfield of Australia, on the outside #7 lane, beat Dana for the gold medal at 2:41.7.

Lauren Lappin (class of 02)

Lauren Lappin

Lauren Lappin (b. 26 June 1984 in Anaheim, California) is an American softball player who won a silver medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Lappin attended Stanford University from 2002-2006 playing shortstop and catcher for the softball team and graduated in December 2006 with a degree in American Studies. She also played with the USA National Elite Team in 2003 and 2005 and was an alternate for the US Olympic Team in 2004. Prior to the 2009 season, Lappin joined the Northwestern University team as a volunteer coach.

A Few Accomplishments
• Olympic Silver Medalist (2008)
• Pan American Gold medalist (2007)
• World Cup Champion (2007)
• Alternate on 2004 Olympic Gold Medal Team

At Loara, Lauren was in student government and was a 4 athlete Letterman on the Varsity teams each year for Soccer, Volleyball, Softball and Basketball.  In talking to Loara coaches while she was there and former principals that have seen the school grow from the 70's to the 2000's there is a common feel that Lauren just may be the best Athlete overall that Loara has ever seen.  As a four sports varsity Letterman and Most Valuable player in them all she has truly left her mark on Loara's history.

Banners hanging in the Saxon Palace honoring our Olympians

Anaheim Achieves

Today, Sept 24, 2012, marks the return of Anaheim Achieves for its 5th consecutive year on Loara High School's Campus and I couldn't be any more thrilled they are here!

What is Anaheim Achieves?

Anaheim Achieves is an afternoon program, sponsored by the Anaheim YMCA, that came to Loara in 2008 and it has since become a mainstay on the Loara campus. It started as an elementary program but with good hiring and some great philosophical changes the program is something that Loara really can't live without.

Anaheim Achieves is a place where students can get help with their academics, CAHSEE prep, community service hours, social skills and also focus on their creative side with art projects, dance, hanging out, career workshops, games, music and video production. One of their goals is to introduce students to traditional and nontraditional professions to prepare them for life after high school. Throughout the year, they plan to have career workshops, where the students will be able learn and explore different types of professions in the work force to see if they would like to continue after high school.

Last year they had photography, dj and music production, dance, art design, and this year they would like to grow with cosmetology, sports management, and movie production. It’s a fun place to be after school where students have the opportunity to understand who they want to be and find out where they want to go.

This year we are looking for people to come and talk to the kids once a week for about a month on topics like:

Anaheim Achieves Jonathan Abbas @ Sign Up Day 9.21.12

1. Cosmetology
2. Art
3. T Shirt Screen Design
4. Photography
5. Graphic Design



Promotional for the Kick Off Event

6. etc.

OR One Day Presentations for the kids job fair style so if you are a:

1. FBI Agent
2. Fireman
3. in the Music Industry
4. Television and Movies
5. Sports Athlete
6. Miliatary
7. Make Up Artist
8. Stunt Man
9. in Theatre
10. Dance
11. Education 
12. Disneyland
13. etc!

and have an afternoon free contact Jonathan Abbas at jabbas@anaheimymca.org.

Last year, Loara was lucky to have many volunteers come and help out. We had an art program where students learned different art skills and how to present their art. Artist from Hybird Apparel has a non profit program called "Blackbook Sessions", they visited Loara to help the students with their art. After a three month art program at Loara, the students where able to enter their art into a contest at a Blackbook Sessions event at Westwood College. It was a great event with food, live art, and a challenging art contest. When the day was done, one of our own students Mohammed Bibi won third place. Students found a college to explore their art oppertunities for life after high school because of this program and the visit to Westwood College.

If you would like to volunteer at Anaheim Achieves to share your occupation or a life skill with the students please contact Jon Abbas at jabbas@anaheimymca.org. 

Jonathan Abbas working "Join a Club Week 2012"

Who is Jonathan Abbas?

Jonathan was the key that turned this elementary idea into a High School program.  Along with Loara graduates Chris Moses and Chris Kent who work at other school sites, he was able to recruit kids that really wanted a home after school. Jonathan has worked at YMCA for 5 Years and has been 3 years at Loara High School. He is married with a 8 month son named Micah.  Furthermore Jonathan is involved with programs at the YMCA like Camp Fox and Miehana, Youth Institute, and Volleyball Coach. He likes volleyball, high fives, soccer, video production, long walks on a short pier, and does hardcore parkour only in his sleep.

QUICK FACTS

Program began in 1999
Serves 4,600 students in 46 school sites each day (37 elementary sites, 6 junior highs and 5 high schools)
Award-winning Collaboration
The Anaheim Family YMCA is the lead facilitator. Other partners include the City of Anaheim, California and O.C. Departments of Education and dour school districts (Anaheim City, Magnolia, Savanna, and Anaheim
Union High School)
Provides a balanced curriculum of academics, enrichment, character and fitness/nutrition
Keeps kids safe from 2:37 to 6 p.m., the hours where kids are most susceptible to negative influences.
Provides students with tutoring and mentoring
Quarterly community events: Student Showcase, Student Film Showcase

A VALUABLE COMMUNITY RESOURCE: 

Keeps kids safe and our community safe
Gives parents peace of mind during the work day
Builds community pride by involving students, parents, business leaders and volunteers in the lives of our young people.

SERVES STUDENT NEEDS 

Safe, on-site after-school environment
Fun and engaging learning activities
Highly-trained staff
Career Academy Program (CAP)
Homework assistance and tutoring
Academic enrichment that supports state and district standards
Activities designed to build assets in students and support their success
Character-building activities
Fab 5 fitness & nutrition program
Mentoring programs
Student interest clubs (art, music, cooking, dance and many more)
Life skills, goal setting, and more!

AWARDS & RECOGNITION 

Top collaboration in California by the Cities, Counties & Schools Partnership in 2001
Regional Learning Center through the California After School Partnership (serves as one of 13 outstanding “learning hubs” in the region)
Award for Educational Excellence from the Association of California School Administrators in 2003
Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association in 2003
National nomination as a promising after-school program in mathematics by the Southwest Educational
Development Laboratory (SEDL) in 2005
Certificate of Congressional Special Recognition, 2007

Kids enjoying the day

Why do a blog about it?

Anaheim Achieves has changed the landscape of the school.  When Loara started the nuclear family was a nuclear family.  Now we have split families, multiple families under one roof, Motel kids and the likes.  These kids need a place to be and Anaheim Achieve fills that void.  As stated above the programs they offer truly connect kids to the school, and as a teachers day is long, they no longer can hang in one room for a group of students to hang with them.  Programs like this aren't just cool they are essential.  As the Anaheim Achieves liaison I'm truly happy that they and especially Jonathan are on our campus.

Back to school dance

I am always amazed at the first dance and how much fun the kids seem to have yet everyone isn't here. For the upper class men, it's like a "cool" thing if you don't come and yet the ones here seem so much cooler than the ones that choose not to go.  The dance is free if you have an ASB card and only $5.00 if you don't.  We lose money a bit on this dance but it's all about the spirit and welcoming everyone back to the school year.  Plus we want to sell ASB Cards.

Freshmen get their taste of a night time dance and they try to be all tough on the outside yet they are just as thrilled to be here, more than most ... They'll never admit it though.  Junior High Dances these days (if there are any) are held right after school, they don't have night time dances. I had only 2 altercations with Freshmen trying to find their place in High School, it's expected really, but boy is it silly.

It's 9:17pm and they are dancing away.

DJ Brought a Trailer with a Outdoor lighting package

About 500 kids are in this picture alone enjoying the dance ... notice the 4 LCD Televisions streaming videos in the back

Space Shuttle Endeavour's Final Mission

Where were you when the Space Shuttle Endeavour made it's final flight over Loara?

Today September 21, 2012 Marks the day that the Shuttle Endeavour flies its final mission.  What makes this notable is it flew by Loara High School at 12:30 pm, leaving a mark on all the faculty, staff and student body.  The shuttle flew piggyback flight on a 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft from Florida to California on its way to the California Science Center in Exposition Park, where it will make its debut on Oct. 30, 2012.

When things of this magnitude happen during the school day, it always has the campus in a buzz waiting for it's arrival.  I recall seeing the Space Shuttle challenger explode back in 1986 and that vision has left a mark in my memory, it's nice to have a positive memory to sit side by side with it. School's are filled with many moments good and bad, and when a good moment comes we need to celebrate them, rejoice in them and be thankful for them when they come.

The kids were apathetic until the large 747 and Shuttle flew directly over head ... the stir on campus and the IPhones, Droids and Blackberrys came out in force.  Some teachers snuck on the room, students were atop benches .. If only the fence around Sammy was removed.

When I was a child in the 70's airplanes and space were always a thing for me.  My dad worked for Autonetics before it merged with Boeing and the pictures and stories I remember seeing always fascinated me. In the years that followed Star Trek, Star Wars and Science Fiction become passions and loves of mine (along with many kids I grew up with).  It's sad to see these amazing machines put in museums to no longer fly, yet it fills me with wonder to what is to come?  Will Teleporters pull me into space?

I love being a teacher, I have loved it since I started in 1987.  I have seen the Berlin Wall come down, I have see terrorists take down the Twin Towers, I have seen wars start and I have seen wars end.  Nothing and I mean nothing makes these events more thrilling than when you get to experience it first hand and watch them through your students eyes.  My parents generations question used to be "Where were you when Kennedy was shot?" now we can ask "Where were you when the Shuttle Endeavor flew it's final mission?" and these 2600 kids can answer, I was at Loara High School watching it with my teacher.

Orange County Register September 19, 2012

Endeavour at a glance
Endeavour was built as a replacement for Challenger, which was destroyed in an accident that killed seven astronauts in 1986.  NASA lost a second shuttle, Columbia, and seven more crew members in 2003.  That orbiter was not replaced.
Number of missions: 25 missions over 20 years
Total time in space: 299 days
Total number of orbits: 4,671
Total miles traveled: 122,883,151
Firsts: First service mission to the Hubble Space Telescope, as well as the first mission to add a US component to the International Space Station.
How it got its name:  The shuttle was named by schoolchildren after the ship that 18th century British explorer James Cook sailed during his first voyage of discover in the Pacific Ocean.

sources: California Science Center and NASA

As mentioned int he graphic on the left (OC Register):

The permanent display for the shuttle will be called the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. The shuttle will be displayed vertically, with its boosters and external tank, as if prepared for launch.  It is expected to open in 2017.

Andrew Exler & Gay Straight Alliance (GSA)

Andrew Exler from Blog

Andrew Exler / Crusader vs. Disneyland

In the 1980's, Disneyland policy over gay rights was a bit more restrictive than you'd find it today.  Actually many locations in Anaheim, Orange County, California and the Nation were a bit more restrictive that you'd find today.  Today's political scene has many things as their key issues and gay rights seems to still be the topic of discussion.

Loara High School had a former student that is known today as "Crusader" but during his High School years went by Andrew Exler. If you were to sign on to Andrew Exler's personal Google site you'd read:

"I am the 51-year-old activist formerly known as Andrew Exler who overturned Disneyland's ban on same-sex dancing in the 1980s. I reside in Palm Springs, California."

And then be directed on how to discover more details about any of the issues he has been involved with, leading you to links that will take you to news articles, commentary, and letters to the editor about most of the issues I have personally been involved with.

"Where are they now" date unknown

check out https://sites.google.com/site/crusading4u/crusaderbio
 

So how did Loara High School and Andrew Exler make history?  In doing research and looking at news articles from the Times and other local sites, I felt that his own words were the best testimony of the events.  I hope he doesn't mind me taking right from his site, but I mean no harm by him, just to enlighten our Loara alumni a little bit of info in regards to this "crusader."

"On September 13, 1980 ("Date Night"), I was disco dancing on the Tomorrowland Terrace dance floor with another teenage male (Shawn Elliott). Five security officers physically brought us to a halt, processed us at the security office and escorted us from the park. It wasn't until many years later that I learned the security office where we were detained is now referred to as the "Disneyland Jail."

 In 1984, a conservative Orange County jury found that Disneyland, under California law, violated our rights based on sex or sexual orientation. It was a landmark decision that made international news, and it was one of the first times a plaintiff won any type of case against the powerful Walt Disney Company, let alone one this controversial.

No monetary damages were sought, but the way Disneyland now treats their gay guests and cast members has hopefully changed for the better.

Immediately after the verdict, a Disneyland attorney insisted the jury verdict only applied to Shawn and I, and he vowed that Disneyland would "shut down the dance floors" before permitting other same-sex couples to dance together.

Although the park immediately filed an appeal, they dropped it after my attorney (Ronald Talmo) won a landmark California Supreme Court case where the court held that business establishments violated state civil rights laws by offering 'Ladies Day' or 'Ladies Night' promotions (Koire v. Metro Car Wash). Disney knew, based on the ruling in Koire, that if Exler v. Disneyland made its way to the California Supreme Court, Disney would have probably lost!

About a year after our victory, in 1985, The Happiest Place on Earth quietly dropped the policy altogether, claiming they couldn't tell "who was dancing with whom." They denied that the Exler v. Disneyland victory had anything to do with their decision. Like, duh."

Today Disneyland hosts Gay Days at the park.

Loara's GSA

Jump to the year 2009 and Loara High School establishes its very own Gay Straight Alliance (GSA).  Since the 80's, Loara itself has been through many changes.  I started student teaching in 1987 and found Loara to be a different place than I left in 1982 upon my graduation.  It seemed to be a little more accepting and a little more progressive but I know that it would be a long time til we got to the point where something like a GSA would be socially accepted.  I remember hearing the announcements on my first day, announcing there would be a Gate Club meeting at lunch, and the student reading didn't enunciation very well and I thought I heard Gay Club.  I was thinking, "I'd only been gone for 5 years, what other changes have happened at Loara?"

During those years leading up to a GSA we had several "out" students, ranging from all different people within the LGBTQ ( Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Questioning) community. I was well aware of the LGBTQ students, but the other students didn't really notice. They kept to themselves and seemed to be okay with who they were on the inside, yet still not comfortable enough to share on the outside. It wasn't until these courageously proud gay students found a voice that it became more of a scene, but the nice thing about it was those students used a voice of reason and passion. I'm certain there were many still in the closet feeling the pressure to stay quiet, but these open ones fought the good fight for all to follow. Sure they were teased by some, but our faculty and staff did a good job in allowing that voice to be heard, well at least I felt they did.  I don't want to write their names down because I haven't asked their permission to be in this blog.  As Mr. Exler is in the news I felt it okay to share his story.

One point I want to make perfectly clear before I get emails talking about the political scene today when it comes to LGBTQ.  Were talking kids here, students.  I'm not taking a stance on gay marriage, gays in the military or anything of the sort (even though if you ask me I would). As a high school teacher I am not to show any political leanings, I'm here to teach and to love my students. I am just pointing out what Mr. Exler had to do to gain acceptance as a human just to dance.  And as Loara High School is a public school, we as educators need to teach acceptance of all human being regardless of speech, age, religion, race or gender.  The world can decide the rest, the school chooses love.

These students following Mr. Exler were "crusaders" too, they changed minds and hearts along the way which made creating the Gay Straight Alliance an acceptable thing.  I recall the worry about making themselves public including the adviser, but once that club was solidified as part of our campus culture, their gender identity no longer became a topic of discussion.  It's that old motto to kill a stereotype make it part of the norm, and these pioneers did just that.  Our GSA has become one of the more popular clubs on campus, its name is its service they are an alliance for Gays and Straights alike and they don't just cater to one group over another.  They are raising awareness of who they are and where they'd like to fit into the Loara landscape.

Article on Andrew Exler: (you can find many others, just Google his name)

I hope Erica Davies doesn't mind but I found this article from OutHistory.org that help explained Andrew Exler's case.  I know it says all rights reserved, but I'm not selling anything, just enlightening.

OutHistory.org

Dancing at Disneyland: Gays in the Fast Lane

Copyright (c) by Erica Davies, 2008. All rights reserved.

In 1980, 19 year-old Loara High School graduate Andrew Exler of Palm Springs sued Disneyland in 1980 for encroachment of his civil rights because of discrimination based on sexual orientation. Exler and his male date, Shawn Elliot, were escorted off the premises after security guards intervened on their "homosexual fast-dancing" and told them, "This is a family park. We do not put up with alternative lifestyles here."^[1] The legal matter was dragged out in court for four years until May of 1984 when a Superior Court judge ruled that Exler's civil rights were impinged upon by the guards. Since the court verdict was in favor of the plaintiff, Disneyland consequently was ordered to abolish its ban on same-sex dancing and pay Exler's legal costs – which amounted to $25,000.^[2] Yet, following the ruling, Disneyland's attorneys insisted it applied only to Exler and Elliot; others who engaged in "homosexual touching" thereafter at the theme park were not exempt from expulsion.

In February of 1988, three UCLA students filed a lawsuit against Disneyland citing another civil rights violation for similar discriminatory acts regarding sexual orientation. Christopher Drake, Eric Hubert, and Jeffrey Stabile, Jr. claimed their rights to slow-dance with each other at the amusement park was infringed upon in late 1987 by security guards who stated that "touch dancing is reserved for heterosexual couples only." The lawsuit was dropped by the plaintiffs shortly after being filed and before the case was submitted to the Superior Court in Orange County because of Disneyland's motion to reassert its non-discriminatory written policy for the public media.^[3] In disbelief of this almost identical incident, Exler was appalled by the recurring discrimination and Disneyland's failure to preach tolerance among its staff and visitors. "I'm surprised that it took nearly 10 years for the Happiest Place on Earth to admit that they must operate under the civil rights laws just like any other business."^[4].

Exler is currently a civil rights activist in Southern California who legally changed his name to "Crusader" in 1995. He operates an established controversial column online called "Crusader's Corner". The website features an array of civil rights lawsuits and social change cast in a humorous light and his writings chronicle witty remarks about politics, consumer rights, celebrities, and sex.^[5]

References

1. ↑ Griffin, Sean. Tinker Belles and Evil Queens: The Walt Disney Company from the Inside Out. Pg. 126.
2. ↑ Heuberger, Frank W. and Kellner, Hansfried. Hidden Technocrats: The New Class and New Capitalism. Pg. 171.
3. ↑ Krupat, Kitty and McCreery, Patrick. Out at Work: Building a Gay-Labor Alliance. Pg. 220.
4. ↑ Exler, Andrew. "The Civil Rights Webring: Crusader's Corner.” Accessed November 20th, 2007.http://u.webring.com/hub?ring=civilrightsforal
5. ↑ Exler, Andrew. "The Civil Rights Webring: Crusader's Corner.” Accessed November 20th, 2007.http://u.webring.com/hub?ring=civilrightsforal

Neil Blender

Saxon Shield February 17, 1981

Saxon skates towards success

The more I dig through the History of Loara I find alumni that are doing some amazing things.  However this one is closer to me because I went to school with Neil Blender (class of 81).

Neil skated in parks like the Concrete Wave, Skatetopia, Big O Skate park and back yard pools.  Soon after Neil's senior year he went pro.  Brad Jackman (class of 81) also was influential in the skate world and got Neil introduced to the team Powerflex which led to Neil's road to success.

Our very own Saxon Shield on February 17, 1981 did an article on Neil just prior to him going pro.  In the Article they write of the old skate parks, punk bands, and art.

During Neil's skateboarding career he felt that the sport of skateboarding had changed (see interview below) so he turned to designing skateboard and working on his art and photography.

Neil Blender original

Today if you Google Neil Blender there are an over flow of article praising Neil Blender and the athlete he is.  From Thrasher Magazing to Transworld Skateboarding all seem to have a respect for Neil in the industry that makes me proud that his was and is a Saxon.  Also you will get a glimpse at his art of skateboards and the art he puts on canvas.

Articles on Neil Blender

The 30 Most INFLUENTIAL Skaters of All Time

by Transworld Skatboarding Magazing

Neil Blender / Transworld 12.11.12

In their 30 Anniversary edition, December 20, 2011, Transworld Skateboarding Magazine decided to chose the 30 most influential skaters of all time.  Neil Blender was number 19.  On the website they posted the picture you see on the left and this was the caption under the photo: 

He was one of the first guys to draw his own graphics. He was the first one to give tricks different names. He was our ringleader. Neil’s myth is more hidden and harder to find, but there would be no Mark Gonzales without Neil Blender.

***

NEIL BLENDER INTERVIEW
By Transworld
Tue, Dec 21 1999

Not only was Neil Blender a skateboarder, but in the early and mid 1980s, Neil was skateboarding. An artist, a creator, a laugher at people, a namer of tricks, he made skateboarding fun in the lean years before the boom of the late 80s. He opened the door for the skater/artist, who, to this day, keep skateboarding as much a lifestyle as a sport.

But change is constant, and to Neil’s dismay skateboarding’s direction turned toward hot pink, then gigantic clothes, then hip-hop music, and Neil wasn’t having any part of it. Sometime in the late 80s, he stepped away from the spotlight, but he didn’t abandon it completely, doing artwork and mindwork for Ohio’s Alien Workshop, skateboarding on his own time, and probably laughing whenever possible.

What was your favorite year and why?

That’s hard to know. I don’t know the years that much. Probably the sponsored years–’80 to ’86–just because you get flowed free shit and you’re already stoked on what you’re doing, so it just makes it easier.

What did you think of contests?

They were good at first–getting to go around to places and experience everything. After a while, it kind of wears on you.

Who’s been your biggest inspiration?

That’s a weird question–a lot of people I guess. When we first started skating, it was just whoever was older and better. People like Ray Rodriguez and Alan Gelfand. Any of those good guys who did tricks and you were just in awe, who you’d see photos of and stuff. It’s weird. Andrecht, Caballero. Eddie Elguera–he was like a guy to be like. Chris Strople was, too. He was a sketcher. And Duane Peters, he was hot.

What’s the stupidest trend you saw skateboarding go through?

Mixing rap in with it. The mixture of rap and skateboarding is pretty dumb. Freestyle (laughter). Street freestyle is what the modern shit is. That’s kind of dumb. Too much inconsistency can be really annoying.

What do you feel your biggest contribution to skateboarding was?

I don’t even know.

I was thinking about it, and I think the artwork.

Simple cartoon graphics?

Yeah. And art being done by the skaters themselves. You kind of set that whole thing up. And then the tricks you did, too, they were just a little off. There’s a picture here of a contest, and you’re doing a rocket air over this wooden hump.

Something that probably wasn’t makeable.

And then your ramp inside the house.That was Stacy’s idea.

You can’t think of any contributions you gave to skateboarding?

No. I just skated … did my part.

Did you get disillusioned with the whole pro scene?

It was mentally hard. You can only do so much.

Did it cease to be fun?

Kinda. The pain of putting on pads and everything smelling like shit all the time. Actually, ammonia. That was depressing. But if things were set up right … the Del Mar Keyhole would be fun. But only at night.

Have you been skating?

A little bit. I tried to skate those parks–the new ones they’ve built.

Did you go to the one under the bridge in San Diego?

Washington? Yeah. I rode around in that thing. There wasn’t much there when I went. I went to Carlsbad and Vista–Vista’s fun, you can cruise more there. At Carlsbad you run into dead ends. You’re doing a line, and there’s this one spot where you’ll ride right over the stairs if you’re not looking. Have you seen that?

Describe the current state of skateboarding.

It just seems like a bunch of video kids. It doesn’t seem like there’s much feeling coming out of it.

Do you think they’re skating for personal freedom, to show people up, or “look at me”?

Maybe a little of everything. All their clothes, and chain wallets, and shit, I just don’t understand. But that’s what will happen. MTV. Everything’s open for attack. Kids are really mean, and they don’t respect anyone very much.

What do you think about the pro side of skateboarding?

I don’t know about it.

It seems like in the 70s and 80s there were more characters, people had more personality, and it didn’t seem so robotic.

Yeah. It seems more cloned right now. It’s weird–all these handrails and stuff.

What are your predictions for skateboarding’s future?

I thought it was going to be dead years ago, but it’s not. It just changed its mold. Maybe there’ll be some hotter stuff. I’d like to see some slide-and-roll parks being made specifically for sliders–boards with no wheels. Picture roller-coaster tracks, and you’d just show up with a deck with rails on it, set it on the tracks, and pump through this weird roller coaster course. That’d be fun.

Neil Blender today

Oh yeah! I was thinking about the future: In malls, restaurants could all face toward the middle where there would be skate trannies that go up over windows. People would eat, and skaters would be hired to come in and skate in different shifts–two to four, six to seven. The skaters are pros, and they get paid, and everyone shows up at these modern, indoor malls. I picture it happening in Japan.

That’s kinda like Vans skatepark in Orange.

Yeah, but I’m picturing it more personal. The people are in a restaurant, and there’s like …

It’s like a dinner theater.

Yeah. Tony Jetton doing a f–kin’ loop!

That sounds good to me. And then, after that, you could shoot at the skaters. Or they’d ride over and you tuck a little dollar bill into their underwear.

They could skate in G-strings.

No Doubt

They're back!

In anticipation of the new album I felt it only appropriate to remind us of the biggest commercial band that features one of our alumni.

OC Weekly, Sept 13, 2012

This month marks the return of No Doubt, and the buzz for this new album is putting Gwen Stefani (class of 87) and the band in the spotlight once again.  Just check out the OC Weekly Article "No Doubt - In Their Own Words" An oral history of OC's greatest band, and their newest album "Push and Shove" By LILLEDESHAN BOSE Thursday, Sep 13 2012.

The lead to the story reads:

The biggest band to ever come out of Orange County have come to terms with juggling parenthood with their music careers, their OC roots and international fame, Gwen's solo career, and the realization that No Doubt have been together for 26 f*@#ing years. All that, as Gwen Stefani, Tony Kanal, Tom Dumont and Adrian Young get ready to release their sixth album, Push and Shove. Of course, everyone has an opinion about No Doubt, so OC Weekly talks to the band, their producers, their peers, their fans, and the movers and shakers of the OC ska scene from back in the day.

Reflecting back:

Personally I'm quite proud of Gwen's accomplishments.  Although she hasn't made a huge presence at Loara High School, I find that they way she is approaching stardom is quite successful, she successfully stays out of the spotlight and I think that's a cause for not being seen or going to certain places.  She seems to be left alone by the media in a way that other stars aren't.  Her relationship with Gavin, her kids and her stardom seem to be in check.  Sure the paparazzi chase her and snap up photos as much as they can, yet the articles all seem to be on the positive side, and for that we love her, she is always true to herself.

Make sure you checkout and Google Gwen Stefani to see all that she has become in the past 25 years after leaving Loara High School and read the early blog about alumni in music.

Clubs and Organizations

1962 - 1963 Student Congress

Throughout History people have wanted to belong, belong to something bigger than themselves.  There are many studies that show kids involved in school are more likely to succeed and become better participants in our society.  A group of friends of mine, that I respect highly, began an organization called "The Alliance for Student Activities" and they have gathered data and had a discussion to create what I think is the core of all education.  They have discovered that without students being actively involved they are more likely to drop out of school and society.  Their Let x = Student Activities is beginning to revitalize what I do for a living and direct me on a path to create a school where everyone on the campus is involved in something.

This week is join a club week, and Loara has plenty to join.  Each year a group decides to start a new club because they feel they aren't being represented or they just want to belong to something that is more "them".  We have seen clubs like a "sofa society" in which kids just hung out in a classroom, on a sofa everyday and talked.  We have clubs like the Socrates Cafe in which very similarly they sit in a classroom and talk everyday.  In looking at where we started to where we are, kids have many options to be a part of the bigger Saxon experience.

In the 1963 yearbook the clubs and organizations were:

1. Student Cabinet
2. Student Congress
3. Spanish Club
4. Honor Society
5. Girls Athletics Association
6. Boys League
7. Debate Club
8. Science Club
9. Drama Club
10. Lettermans Club
11. Electronics Club
12. Future Business Leaders of America
13. Coin Club
14. French Club
15. Homemaking Club
16. Annual Staff
17. Newspaper Staff
18. Marching Band
19. Orchestra
20. Chess Club
21. The Chandelors
22. Mixed Chorus
23. Girls Glee Club
24. Cheerleading

Kendra Lappin Inter Clubs Commissioner getting ready for Join a Club Week

Today the landscape looks quite different, our clubs include:

1. Academic Decathlon
2. Anaheim Acheives
3. American Heart Association
4. Auto Club
5. Best Buddies
6. Bible Club
7. Black Student Union
8. Book Club
9. Bridges
10. California Scholarship Federation
11. Campus Crusaders
12. Club 34
13. DECA
14. Education Academy
15. Fashion Club
16. French Club
17. Freshman Senate
18. Friday Night Live
19. Garden Club
20. Gay Straight Alliance
21. International Club
22. Halo Halo (Philippino Club)
23. HOSA (Health Occupation Student Association)
24. Japanese Club
25. Junior Senate
26. K Pop Club
27. Key Club
28. Leos Club
29. Make A Wish Club
30. Loara Media Arts Club
31. MeCha 
32. Music Speaks
33. National Honor Society
34. Nexus (Saxon Shield)
35. PAL (Peer Assistance Leadership)
36. Ping Pong Club
37. Polynesian Club
38. Recycling Revolution
39. Red Zone
40. Salsa and Swing
41. Senior Senate
42. Sophomore Senate
43. Student Store
44. Thespians
45. World Cultures / TOK
46. Upward Bound
47. Vietnamese Club
48. Yearbook

Join a Club Week September 17 - 21, 2012

Organizations like band, choir and cheer become organizations that have long standing so they are no longer considered clubs.  Cheerleading is being considered a sport as well.  Yearbook and Leadership (Student Congress) becomes a class and not a club.

No matter what the club, the important thing is involvement.  Something that connects them to our campus so they can have a significant amount of experiences to become rich humans in our global experience.  Since I can remember, I have heard the saying "Once a Saxon, Always a Saxon" and it has rang true (many other schools have now taken the saying as their own, but I know better ... it all started at Loara).  We also have another saying painted on the wall in the ASB Room that reads "Involvement Together ... the Key to Success - Alden Esping", this has been our mantra since I have taken the helm of activities. Alumni take note, your school is in good hands and in fact maybe just a little better, but it wouldn't have been so without the ground work you have all laid.  We are standing on your shoulders trying to enrich the Loara experience.

Associated Student Body 2012 - 2013 (Student Congress)
FRONT ROW: Matt Argame, Rachel Thomas, Marvin Flores, Cierra Boaz, Jasmin Brito, Alex Krebs, Ysabel Gatuslao,
Noelle Sadsad, Alex Valadez, Amanda Lenhardt MIDDLE ROW: Pauline Vibal, Hanna Summy, Hannah Simpson,
Sydney Duarte, Rachel Monroe, Taylah Padilla, Michelle Ngo, Jodee Phan, Erica Phommolysack, Mayra Montufar,
Nick Fortinberry, Daniel Paige, Jazlyn Lewis, Jonathan Vargas BACK ROW: Marcus Harris, Kendra Lappin,
Dillon Simpson, Esther Ochoa, Brooke Kibel, Bella Lee, Marco Perez, Austin Rivera, Krista Morales, Erick Pineda,
Leo Frias, Nidhi Venugopal, Alvin Tu, Raul Heredia, Alessandra Abraham, Miguel Baligod, Monica Fernandes,
John Quintos, Dustin Kawasaki.

Leadership Development

Leadership

In the 23 years that I have been here at Loara as a contracted teacher (25 years total subbing / student teacher) I have been personally involved in the leadership development of many students.  Whether it be through Student Government, classroom curriculum, Yearbook, Newspaper, on the pool deck coaching Water-polo and Swimming or the short lived Conflict Management, my goal has always been to show anyone willing to learn what it means to be a leader at school and in society.

Loara has always had a strong sense of self and has always had a strong student led philosopy.  We have many organizations now that have stepped up to show our students a pathway to self leadership and a pathway towards service.  Whether it be through Key Club, Bridges, JROTC, Production Media, Avid, Band and the likes, our kids take the lead.

Leadership Development Day

AUHSD Junior High School Delegates

Today, September 14, 2012, Loara had the opportunity to train 216 Junior High delegates with advisers from Ball, Brookhurst, Dale, Lexington, Orangeview, South, Sycamore, Walker and Buena Park.  We did all this using 25 Loara High School Student Government (ASB) kids and 10 California Association of Student Leaders State Board members.  This marks the first time in several years in the current history of the Anaheim Union High School District that all of the student government classes have been together for a day of training.  In the years prior to 2000 ASB's would attend workshops and conferences to train their kids for the leadership of the 21st century, but with redevelopment of schools and programs it has been hard to get them all together under one roof.

Why is it significant to write a post about this you may ask?  Today marks a turn, a change, a movement into the right direction in this district that supports the idea that the x factor in schools today is teaching Student Leadership to all.  As the current Past President of a state wide organization CADA (California Association of Directors of Activities) I have re-discovered, with the help of the Alliance 4 Student Activities, that the x factor in schools is student activities ... x = student activities.  Today we are using a model developed by CADA to bring Leadership Development to the Junior High Schools Directly, CADA calls them Leadership Development Days and with the help of the state coordinator Sandi Kurland, Leadership Development they got.

A Leadership Development Day is a day of leadership training delivered in a partnership style while working in small groups of school student leaders. Using experiential activities and the related applications this teaches specific skills and enriches group dynamics.

250 Student Leaders

The curriculum centers on skills related to teambuilding, communication, learning through experience and evaluation, including more students in the leadership base, utilizing individual’s strengths, risk taking and getting involved in a positive way! The day concludes with a unique group activity pulling together all of the components of the day.

The Alliance for Student Activities has created an engaging presentation that pulls together the most current research, dialogue and thinging about the impact of co curricular activities on student performance.  Participation in student activities increases students' standardized test scores, GPAs, graduation rates, college acceptance rates and college success rates.  It practically eliminates the likelihood that a student will choose to drop out of high school.  Studdent activities develop core social and emotional skills while reducing high-risk behavioral problems and long term puclic assistance needs.  Student activies are a bargain, as the average school district spends less than 3% of their overall operating budget to support them. (and 100% of student budgets, not federal or state but student generated, are spent to support other kids)

A Big Deal

In the past 28 years at Loara, there have only been two Activities Directors and during those years (both have worked side by side all of those years, Paul as Alden's assistant and Alden in retirement helping Paul).   Both have won the state and regional title Warren E Shull Adviser of the Year and Alden Esping, has won the National title.  The region covers California, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah and Hawaii.  This is a big deal for one school and it's a big deal for the nation. Both have served as the President of CADA State Board, and both have spoken Nationally about Student Leadership and student empowerment.  This being said, we care about cultivating leaders at Loara and that is a big deal.

In recent years with the team of Paul Chylinski (class of 82), Assistant Activities Director David Sporn (class of 90)  and Accounts Technician Toni Stroud (who is celebrating a birthday today) Loara has been truly dedicated in continuing the active leadership development of all at Loara High School.

Today Loara salutes the Junior High's in the hopes that in their journey they find a lifetime of service and leadership.

Hangouts (Malls)

The Malls

Since 1962 the landscape of Anaheim has changed along with the landscape of Loara High School.  Each group, clique, class or social set had their place to be after school that they called home.  What makes a place a good hangout?  By definition it doesn't even seem like hanging out would cause any harm:

the Dictionary:
hang out
vb (adverb)1.  (intr; foll by with) Informal to frequent the company (of someone) 
2.  Slang to relax completely in an unassuming way (esp in the phrase let it all hang out)
3.  Informal a place where one lives or that one frequently visits

even Urban Dictionary is rather calm about it's definition
hang out
Less serious than getting together or dating. Spending time with someone in the context of friendship or in the context of casually exploring whether you like someone as just a friend or maybe more than a friend.I'm gonna hang out with my best friend this weekend. We should hang out some time.

I posted up a question on Facebook and got so many fun answers that I'm not going to be able to write them all in one setting, I would love to hear your comments through the Loara High School Facebook account or even just leave them here ... What was your favorite Hangout?

Anaheim Plaza (indoor and outdoor)

Anaheim Plaza circa 1960

Anaheim Plaza circa 2010

In and around Anaheim there seems to be a consensus that we Saxons congregated around three Malls.  Probably the one that has the most memories for the older graduates would be The Anaheim Plaza.  Today the Anaheim Plaza is an outdoor shopping area with Walmart as its flagship store with a small food court and other retail space throughout.  The only thing that is there from the old Anaheim Plaza is the Marie Callendar's in the parking lot.  When it sat as an indoor mall there was Broadway at one end and Robinson's at the other and once they added the Mervyn's the mall was complete.  Inside you could walk around in the air conditioning eating Carls Jr. or a Bobs Old Fashion Ice Cream.  There was a Sunland Skiiers inside that every year hired high school kids to run it's annual sale at the Convention Center and a quirky store that sold knick knacks of every kind, it was like a Hot Topic before Hot Topic came around.

Buena Park Mall

Buena Park Mall

As Anaheim Plaza transition kids had two other choices to choose from and Buena Park Mall seemed the most convenient.  From the postings I've seen most used the mall for movies and food court more than a shopping experience.

Santa Ana Main Place Mall

Santa Ana Main Place Mall

This mall became more the place to really shop, with Nordstrom as it's flagship and a movie theatre on the third floor kids got the entire experience.  Students were begging for a place to shop for clothes and buy things other than the ordinary.  Our students were never the South Coast Plaza Type and once this mall was renovated our students started showing up.  It doesn't have it's stronghold like it used to but it still is a drawer for the food court and shops.

The City Mall

The City / Block / Outlets of Orange

The Outlets at Orange

The Block at Orange

For those that can remember the Outlets of Orange being called The City, this is a throw back.  This property has always been a local favorite no matter what the name it is under.  Close to the Anaheim Stadium, The newest rendition has brought in stores like Nordstrom Rack to change it's culture once again.