Name: Robin ~~~~~~~~~~ Mon-Jul 21, 2008, 2:56 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1960
City & State: Eugene,Oregon
No E-mail
Message: John I have a question about funding the HHS athletic teams. Jodi a few posts ago talked about having to pay for her kids sports, which is common in a lot of schools. She also mentioned the 2.0 gpa you have to keep which is a CIF rule and a good one. If you look at this: http://www.centinela.k12.ca.us/pdf/Hawthorne%20High%20School%20SARC%202006-07.pdf?rn=3666657, you can see in exit exams and the last three years of testing, our alma mater is roughly half of normal. So who would be eligible to play anything? Maybe they make exceptions, but we could drop a $million bullet on the school but would it make any difference until the grades come up. This is also the reason a ton of funding was lost. I dont want to be a downer on this generous idea but I hope some of you teachers/administrators out there have an answer...Thanks, Robin

Name: Clark Millman ~~~~~~~~~~ Mon-Jul 21, 2008, 12:51 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1976
City & State: Torrance, CA
E-mail
Message: I know everyone has sports on their minds right now but let me deviate for one moment....One of the greatest things about having gone to HHS is the friendships that seem to endure forever! My classmate Steve Maldonado ('76) called me to say he was coming to California from Washington for a few days with wife Cindy Ogren (78) and his three teenagers. I joined them on saturday for 12 hours at Disneyland! When I saw Steve it was like time had stopped. It felt like we were sitting back in Senior Square arguing about student council. Gosh, getting lifelong friends was a great benefit of HHS and I will always treasure those friends! A high school education and friends for life...what a deal!!!

Name: Matt Peterson ~~~~~~~~~~ Mon-Jul 21, 2008, 11:27 am - HHS Time
Class: 1974
City & State: EDH, CA
No E-mail
Message: I hope all HHS alumni can help HHS raise money for their sports. I think HHS Alumni Association should be involved in this effort. What do other HHS Alumni Association members think? John how can we help?

Name: Paula Bondi - Springer ~~~~~~~~~~ Mon-Jul 21, 2008, 10:40 am - HHS Time
City & State: Cameron Park, CA
E-mail
Message: Hi John, Regarding your post for Hawthorne High Sports.-- Just wanted to let you know that although I am un-sure if anything will come of it, I am discussing this in the Brian/Al camp, so we'll see, maybe it will bring a little assistance in some way down the line...Keep me posted. Paula

Name: Jodi Weishaar ~~~~~~~~~~ Mon-Jul 21, 2008, 8:22 am - HHS Time
Maiden: Wilbanks
Class: 1976
City & State: Torrance CA
E-mail
Message: Having had 2 children play sports at HHS (classes of 04 and 07) I can tell you that as a parent I paid more than my share to "support" their sports. I gave over $150 every year my daughter played soccer and anywhere from $200 to $400 a year when my son played baseball. I am all for keeping sports at HHS and will do what I can to help out. My only concern is what are the athletes themselves doing to keep their sports alive? I have spent many a day at car washes and snack stands at HHS over the years, and it's always the same kids and the same parents that are putting forth the effort. There are quite a few of the athletes themselves that don't take the time to help raise funds for their sports, and I believe that if they want to play then they should help out as well! I understand the economic make-up of many of the families whose kids attend HHS and they won't be able to donate any money. But, these young, able athletes can sure donate their time to help raise the money if they are truly interested in playing. I do agree with what others have said, sports are a "motivation" to stay in school and to keep a 2.0 GPA, so it is necessary for us to do what we can to keep the athletic program going. Okay, I'll stop now...just let me know what I can do and I'll be there!!!

Name: Mom Baker ~~~~~~~~~~ Sun-Jul 20, 2008, 3:56 pm - HHS Time
City & State: Seal Beach, CA
E-mail
Message: I will match Harry and John with $250. Can't think of a better cause than to help young people succeed both academically as well as sportswise. We older ones have to care before the younger ones will make the effort. My thoughts. And I'll add - I believe donors would like something in writing saying this money will go for the sports effort only or be refunded. Mom Baker

Name: Eugene Obillo ~~~~~~~~~~ Sun-Jul 20, 2008, 9:03 am - HHS Time
Class: 1962
City & State: Harbor City, Ca
E-mail
Message: Was reading the feedback page were John mentioned the name of the principal which was different than the name of the principal that was there when we had our class of 62 reunion at the school. When did they replace the principal that we met?

Name: Sharon Branigan ~~~~~~~~~~ Sun-Jul 20, 2008, 12:37 am - HHS Time
Maiden: Bierman
Class: 1976
City & State: Thousand Oaks, CA
E-mail
Message: I am so sorry to hear of Gene's passing. I worked with him for a while when I worked at Airborne's Ontario offices. Gene was a great guy. My sympathies to the Fay family.

Name: John Baker ~~~~~~~~~~ Sat-Jul 19, 2008, 4:47 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1962
City & State: Lomita, CA
E-mail
Message: More sad news for the class of 1962. Eugene Fay passed away. I have no other details. Rest in peace my friend.

Name: Raymond Smith ~~~~~~~~~~ Sat-Jul 19, 2008, 4:09 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1981
City & State: Portland, OR
E-mail
Message: My heart just dropped about the aspect of dropping sports at HHS (as well as the other 2 schools) as well as other programs. I mean, that what kept me in school and interested for the most part. Take away the sports and I assure you the dropout rate will go up. Not sure how much the % of dropout will be but sports was an alternative to bordom and being in sports helps keep my grades up since it was required to be in PASSING level (now I hear you have to have a C average to play in sports). I never have much money these days but I'm willing to throw in some cash to help out. (I'll cut back eating out). Just heartbreaking for the kids who has to suffer. Next thing you'll know Parent's will move their kids to other schools districts where there is a sports program which will leave less dollars per student to fund HHS program. Theres got to be some financial investigations as to where did all that money go? Surely it was seen over the horizon before this all happen. Was this purely out of the blue or was this know before hand? I'll get in contact with all of my HHS Alumni's and tell them to pitch in as best as they can. If each of us did spend $10 and at least 50% of Alumni's pitched in $10 bucks surely the money will be there. I don't get it why the program failed? I know my newphews who played in sports in Sagus High School had to pay the school $300 bucks (per kid) to play in football. Did HHS have such a program? Sad...I'm deeply sad about the whole matter. Keep HHS in your prayers.

Name: Mary Ann Martin ~~~~~~~~~~ Sat-Jul 19, 2008, 10:01 am - HHS Time
Maiden: Walton
Class: 1961
City & State: Nashville AR
E-mail
Message: Banners displayed on the fence around the playing field's a good way to recognize donor support and would be good publicity for that donor. I can see it now ... cougartown.com ... perhaps more alumni'd check us out!

Name: Harry Plotkin ~~~~~~~~~~ Fri-Jul 18, 2008, 5:47 pm - HHS Time
City & State: Harbor City, CA
E-mail
Message: John and loyal followers, Sharon Leach - you raise some excellent questions. Unfortunately, in order for HHS to field a football team these questions cannot be answered now. Perhaps they can be addressed in the near future. I am a 1943 graduate of George Washington High School. When no one was looking I sneaked into Cougartown by way of Richard Henry Dana in the Wiseburn District. This is a monumental task and a labor of love. I'm confident Cougartowners will rise to the occasion. Be it known that I pledge $250.00 for support of the HHS athletic program. Love to all, Harry Plotkin......HCH

Name: John Baker ~~~~~~~~~~ Fri-Jul 18, 2008, 5:27 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1962
City & State: Lomita, CA
E-mail
Message: For some great old Hawthorne pictures be sure to visit Chuck Kelley's Blogspot. He has some real gems there. Thanks very much Chuck, for sharing.

Name: Sharon MacDonald ~~~~~~~~~~ Fri-Jul 18, 2008, 1:44 pm - HHS Time
Maiden: Badger
Class: 1963
City & State: Bruceville, TX
E-mail
Message: COUGARTOWN CITY LIMITS POPULATION: 6448 If every Cougar in Cougartown donated $10.00 we would raise $64,480 or if every Cougar in Cougartown donated $5.00 we could raise $32,240 Just a thought....

Name: sharon leach ~~~~~~~~~~ Fri-Jul 18, 2008, 12:29 pm - HHS Time
Maiden: moore
Class: 1966
City & State: long beach
E-mail
Message: I'm always willing to help. However, first of all I think the schools should ask for a complete accounting from the district for this decision. This may already have been done. It needs to be shown in print and black and white why this is necessary. What is happening with the state funds? Why is the board in such dire straights. Is there anywhere we can go to look at the numbers? Come on. No art, no music, now no sports. Maybe the voucher system isn't such a bad idea. At least you have more control of your children's education at a private school. Sorry, my sister taught Durfee Junior High for over 30 years. The last five years she taught, she put 15 to 20 percent of her pay back into her class so that her students could have things the school would not provide. Let's face it that was really a hardship on her, but she cared. I apologize for ranting, but this has got to be fixed. I can donate, but is that the long term answer to a big problem?

Name: John Baker ~~~~~~~~~~ Fri-Jul 18, 2008, 11:14 am - HHS Time
Class: 1962
City & State: Lomita, CA
E-mail
Message: OK, New Subject: Our own Hawthorne High, along with Leuzinger and Lawndale are receiving no funding for athletics this school year from the district. That means there will be no football, baseball, basketball, track, softball, volleyball, or any other sport at these schools.
In two meetings with HHS Principal, Mark Newell in the last week to see what can be done to help save the athletic program, the answer is money. About $60,000 dollars minimum, has to be raised for Hawthorne High, alone. I know Leuzinger and Lawndale are having the same exact problems and hopefully have their own plan to secure funding, however we are going to deal with our Hawthorne High. I truly hope we can all share in this emergency. We've helped out in the past with the Beach Boy Memorial, the Nyman Hall restoration, and now it's time to step up again. By the way, this isn't totally on our shoulders. HHS students are talking to local businesses. The local fraternal organizations (Rotary, etc) will be involved along with the city of Hawthorne.
Cougartown will mail out our letter, including a letter from Hawthorne High's Principal Newell, detailing their plan. This will have to happen fast Cougars, as football season is just about a month away. Hawthorne High has had great sports years and not so great sports years in the past 56 years, but it's never had NO Sports Years. I welcome any comments or ideas right here on feedback. Thanks Cougs for caring and for your comments.

Name: Sharon Leach ~~~~~~~~~~ Fri-Jul 18, 2008, 10:30 am - HHS Time
Maiden: Moore
Class: 1966
City & State: Long Beach
E-mail
Message: I see we have more sign-ups on the picnic page. Maybe it's time for another game installment from the Game Master herself, miss off-like-a-prom dress. I have my heavy, parka coat ready for the balloon toss, as I see that is required dress code for my age group. There is a rumor going around that we may have a group of Nor Calers car pooling down. Like I said, it is just a rumor, but from a dependable source.

Name: Betty Rodriguez ~~~~~~~~~~ Fri-Jul 18, 2008, 6:43 am - HHS Time
Maiden: Kean
Class: 1969
City & State: Kingman, AZ
E-mail
Message: Last night I watched 'The Who Rock Honors' on VH1 with my 15 year old son. It was an awesome show, with lots of clips of this amazing band back in the day. My son loves music, and is ready and willing to drag his old mom into his latest musical quest. He thinks its cool that I 'rocked' in the 60's. So, now I know what to do when I cash in my IRA - I'll take my kid (and maybe grandkids) to concerts - but he has to pay for the gas for the roadtrip!Betty