Homecoming Queens 1962 - 1987

Saxon Shield / November 18, 1965

The First Queen to 1987

Patti Williams - Saxon Shield Dec. 9, 1965

As the school opened in 1962 there was no Homecoming held until they graduated in 1965, the class of 1966 got the first Queen.  Often times people are confused as to who was Queen their year, because Graduation is the calendar year after Homecoming ever happens. This means during the 1966 year the Queen is crowned in 1965.  

Loara's first Homecoming was November 19, 1965.  Loara played Kennedy High School at Handel Stadium and it also marked the night that the Larry Lawrence Memorial Circle was dedicated.  The dance was held after the game in the Gym from 10:30 pm - 12:30 am and cost $1.00 with ASB and $1.50 without ASB to attendees and free to all alumni.

Patti Williams / First Queen

To keep things simple (I hope) I've listed the Queens in their graduating years not their crowning year, and I've separated them in 25 year chunks (which means more to follow).


Enjoy the video montage of the first 25 years of crowning.  Oh and before I hear any chirping I stuck some other photos from other dances in there just to make the video flow with time, see if you can spot them and which dance they were from.

Loara High School Homecoming 1962 - 1987 Video
 (click here)

I apologize that I can't seem to get a video to insert, I believe it's because of special graphics, so you'll need to click through to the video by clicking the link or graphic.

The Queens

1963 - First Class enters Loara
1964 - Sophomores & Juniors only
1965 - First Graduation
1966 - Patti Williams

1967 - Cheri Lessley
1968 - Nancy Freedman
1969 - Anne McDonald
1970 - Dorothy Bye
1971 - Nancy Ribacchi
1972 - Robin Humphry
1973 - Silvia Haaz
1974 - Dean McDonald
1975 - Sue Lee
1976 - Laurie Hoffart
1977 - Linda Emond
1978 - Sara Schantz
1979 - Robin Ray
1980 - Dana Krygler
1981 - Christie Dubach
1982 - Sheryl Sutherland
1983 - Wendy Fowke
1984 - Nancy Reiss
1985 - Ange Andros
1986 - Robyn Gorrie
1987 - Kathy Rodrigues

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.

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

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.

Sammy Saxon Sculpture

Original Sammy Statue with flames

The Centerpiece of Campus (for now)

The Sammy Saxon Sculpture in what has been called the Senior Circle, was constructed in 1969.  The statue was featured in the 1969 Seaxe (see photo) showing the progress from armature to completion.  The statue's surface is brazed bronze and if it had been cared for properly it would be a beautiful patina today.  The artist was Ron Tracy, ceramics and crafts instructor for many years at Loara.

The following is the text written in the yearbook:

The Saxon odyssey is three years long, an eventful journey kept in motion by one special promise: the promise of personal growth.  Sometimes, with a glance over the should from the midst of routing, there seems little reason to hope that anything new can emerge from such uncertainty.  Yet we do know that often a mysterious change takes place between sophomore orientation and senior graduation.  there exists a finite moment which is now, the time in which we decide what we will become, how far we will take ourselves.  the outcome of future events eludes control, but the present is ours in which to shape ourselves for the future.  The making of a Saxon is the sum of all the "nows" of daily life at Loara.  Awareness of where each moment is taking him is the beginning of personal freedom and of individual expansion.

Seaxe 1969

The cost of the statue was around $1,000.00, $600.00 to the artist and $400.00 for materials.  This amount was very low even in 1969 for a sculpture this size and technique.  It took over 400 hours and 9 months to make the statue which is 8 feet high and weighs 850 pounds.  The sculpture was dedicated that year by Vice Principal, Don McKim.  It was unveiled in a special ceremony with the faculty and students of Loara present.

The sculpture was installed in the Senior Circle after the fountain pool was covered up.  It was originally equipped with butane gas so that the torch, carried high in the right hand, could be lit.  The motto, Forever Upward," is on the shield held by the left arm.  The torch was lit after a football victory.  In a few short years the sculpture was progressively vandalized by rival schools.  Eventually, Sammy Saxon was pulled all the way down, the metal torch broke off, and a hole punched through the bronze skin.  Fortunately, it was re-mounted to it's present site and condition after much work and physical effort.  The sculpture finally had to be painted to cover up the scars of repeated vandalism.  No estimate exists on the number of coats or amount of paint used to continually apply to the damaged or altered surface.

Today, Sammy Saxon stands tall as a testament to the spirit of all Loara Saxons and as a fine example of the art produced by the Loara art department.

With modernization taking place early this century Loara has gone through many physical changes.  Trees have been remove, grass removed and new foliage has taken it's place.  There has been much talk about the fate of Sammy.  In the 23 years that I've been here they have mentioned how worn Sammy has become and how the materials they used have become a safety issue.  Not to mention the amount of paint on Sammy is weighing him down.  There is serious discussion to bringing in a new and improved statue, one made of bronze.  The good news is that with the strong presence of alumni on the campus both as teachers and supporters I am confident the current Sammy will not be removed from the campus but moved to a different location.  We will see, only time can tell.

Ronald Reagan and Loara

photo shows future Orange County Supervisor Bruce Nestande, Governor Reagan, and Coach Herb Hill 
on the field at Loara High School in Anaheim in 1970. Happy birthday, Mr. President.

As the Presidential election of 2012 fast approaches we are reminded of a simpler time and when the State, Federal and Local Government all came to a stop and Loara High School stood in the limelight.

On October 20, 1970, Ronald Reagan, then governor of California and on a campaign tour, stopped by Loara High School's practice filed to wish the Saxon Football players good luck and to give them his famous, "Win One for the Gipper Speech" (Ronald Reagan played the part of Gipp in the 1940 film Knute Rockne: All American.) Head coach Herb Hill had his picture taken with the future President, caught a few of his football passes and then proceeded to lead the Saxon football team in a cheer for the Governor.  The Saxons were victorious in their game that week.

Newsweek, November 2, 1970

Ronald Reagan returned 20 years later to Loara High School as the President of the United States on October 31, 1986 for a special speaking engagement at the Anaheim Hilton Towers (as seen in the Orange County Register Nov. 1, 86 archives).  The Loara football field was a nice open are to land his Marine Helicoper on.  He landed on a Saturday and students and parents lined both sides of Euclid street to view the President who was surrounded by numerous secret service agents.

Anaheim Bulletin Monday November 3, 1986

"It was supposed to be a secret, but the band found out," said Becky Hannum, Loara's student body president as she waited for the president's arrival Saturday morning.  "It was easy to guess, there were Secret Service guys all over the place since Monday."

The Anaheim Bulletin Monday, November 3, 1986 Reported the landing and took some impressive pictures of the helicopter on the Varsity Baseball field. (see below)

Reagan's secret landing in 1986

Quad Pep Rallies

Opening Pep Rally: September 7, 2012

Typical Spirit Poster - ASB 2012

When we opened school we have been anticipating our first Quad Pep Rally. (We just call them Pep Rallies and things we do in the Gym are call Pep Assemblies, but as we are being read around the globe I felt it important to clarify).  Each year just prior to the first home Football game we have one of the bigger of our outside rallies.  Freshmen need to be trained about how spirited Loara is and the Seniors need to be welcomed back in style.

Although the entire school isn't involved or forced into attendance because it's at lunch, we always get a fair amount of people to come forward and participate and watch. It's just what Loara does, it's just what Loara has always done, Spirit. We approach things differently from year to year, however we still focus on energy and school pride.  Why don't we get upset the entire school isn't watching up front and center?  Well there are 2800 kids on campus, and we do it in the middle of lunch so we couldn't possibly handle that kind of crowd at lunch.  But what I feel is true with all the things we do is that they don't need to be present to feel the Spirit, it's when we stop doing Rallies they lose sight.  It's that sarcastic saying "No one know what I do until I stop doing it," they'd miss them if they were gone even though they don't attend.

Thought

While preparing for our events this year we have decided to look at each event over again and ask the hard questions. Why do we do what we do? Does it reach out to many people? Do we involve the uninvolved and if the answer is yes for all three then we contnue ... My curiosity as the Activities Director was if my students even knew what the point of a Pep Rally was other than scream and yell at lunch?

So, we turn to wikipedia again, how does the world define what we do?

Pep Rallies are events that occur primarily in the United States and Canada or other countires. A pep rally is a gathering of people, typically students of middle school, high school and college age, before a sports event. The purpose of such a gathering is to encourage school spirit and to support members of the team for which the rally is being thrown. The pep rallies are often very loud and have a lot of excitation to keep all the students excited for the upcoming game and to cheer on the team.

Sketch

At a pep rally, cheerleaders will often lead in boisterous chants and dance moves intended to get the student body involved and supporting the school's team. Games between competing classes with small prizes may be held. The school's band will often play upbeat music in between demonstrations, and the drumline may play. In the case of a homecoming game, the Homecoming "court" may be chosen and announced.

This is also a time for the team captains to let the school know how their team is doing this season. Most schools have pep rallies to honor future and past events.

This was the case. We have our opening home game coming up, we wanted to present the seniors with their senior cardigans and we want to showcase the work the band, cheerleaders, ASB and athletes have been working on all summer. When my Pep Commissioner set up the event she chose 2 non ASB students to act as emcees, and after interviewing them the other day I felt they were up to the challenge. The worry always is that you are handing kids an open microphone to say what they want without a three second delay switch like they have in TV, and you're working with kids you have had no interaction on campus with until now (but as our goals ask, involve the whole campus). With the worry of open mic I chose to interview them, and using my friend Stu Shaffers advice, that I learn at our leadership camps in the summer (CADA Leadership Camps) Im pretty confident they'll pull it off.  This year the California Association of Directors of Activities is holding it's state convention in San Diego and the theme is Imagine - from thought to sketch to masterpiece, so I thought it appropriate to layout this blog to show how the campus transforms just from a thought of having a Pep Rally to the Rally itself.

Masterpiece

What makes our rallies work? I think it's our working relation with the band program that really makes it swing. In our 50 years of History having only 3 band directors gives a grounded sense of tradition that allows flexible too. Also, as this is my 23rd year on the job, you just know what to expect. Having a Pep Commissioner that had been in ASB prior and has been in Theater Arts helps with the performance understanding, plus she's a self anointed Spaz, that helps too. Lastly organizing this from summer leadership camp, picking the right committee and doing a run through everything doesn't hurt either.  It's the 5 P's of Leadership - Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance


Loara truly has the spirit, we aren't concerned that all 2800 can see us, because we know they can hear us, so even if they don't watch they hear the spirit, they feel the spirit. We want to honor the school year and the Fall Athletes and the Seniors that are participating first. Once they have the buy i,n we feel the rest will follow, especially when we have our first Gym Pep Rally Assembly.

So what was the agenda at the rally?

Typical Rally Layout

"Unite to make a Memorable Year" ... ASB Theme for 2012

ASB Presidents

ASB Presidents 1962-2012

Throughout our illustrious career, we have had some pretty amazing people grace our halls, athletics, academics, and leaders. In 50 years, 4 students have served two terms as ASB President. Bob Adler 1962-1964 was the first, Alan Scarce in 1978-1980, Anna Moreno 2003-2005 and the most recent was Shokry "Teddy" Tiab 2006-2008.

Their stories will be told throughout the year but as I sit here, the night before we as teachers have to go back to school and the night prior to our freshmen orientation program (which welcomes 750 students to Loara) before classes start next year I find myself amazed at all of those that have held the highest student position on our campus.

This post is a shout out to them.

Bob Adler, first ASB President 1962-1964