Golden Grads President's Report for Spring 2023
Spring 2023 President’s Report
by Doug Whalley ‘63
The Luncheon Returns
The Golden Grads Annual Luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at the Nile Golf and Country Club. It will be fun to meet with your classmates in person again, hear the latest news about the school, and enjoy some entertainment by the students. Please send in the registration form in this issue of the Grapevine.
Roosevelt’s 100th Anniversary and The Wall of Honor
The Roosevelt Foundation (a separate group from the Golden Grads) has announced the schedule for Roosevelt’s Centennial Celebration. The details are in this edition of the Grapevine. A highlight will be the unveiling of a Roosevelt “Wall of Honor” identifying outstanding Roosevelt graduates, teachers, or staff. I was on the selection committee, and it was a difficult process choosing among so many worthy candidates.
Kids Today
I spent a school day at Roosevelt recently as part of a career information program focusing on public service jobs. I met with seven different groups of about 15 students each and discussed working as a lawyer for the government. Although only a few seemed interested in a law career, they were all polite and attentive during our meeting and asked good questions. I also ate lunch with the students in the lunchroom. There is only one lunch period, so it was packed and noisy, but the students were obviously having a good time. I was impressed that there was no yelling, shoving, or bullying. There were several students with handicaps in the crowd, some in wheelchairs or walkers, and those who needed assistance were accompanied by a student volunteer aide to help them carry their lunch and find a seat.College Scholarship Grant for Visual Arts Students
Roosevelt Golden Grads thank Don Strom ’64 and his wife, artist Jane LaFazio, for a generous donation of $5,000 to fund scholarships for graduating RHS seniors gifted in visual arts. The grant will fund one $1,000 scholarship annually for five years. An arts teacher or their designee will select one senior each year based upon their achievements in a visual arts field such as watercolor, mixed media, art quilts and similar fields. Winners will be going on to university, college, or art school, and ideally, they would be pursuing a visual arts field. Thank you, Don and Jane.Thank you to Katie Greve and Ben Stuart of the Roosevelt Theatre and Dance Department
Golden Grads are invited to a May 30th preview of the 100th Anniversary Spring Musical Celebration. Details are in this Grapevine. It is a free event, with no reservations needed. Prior to the pandemic, the Golden Grads and their guests were invited every year to the Spring Musical preview. It is a great opportunity to see the school, especially its beautiful theatre, and enjoy one the finest high school musical programs in the country.Be True to Your School
Our current group of officers and committee members has been largely unchanged for several years. I am pleased they have served so long, but we always need younger grads from the late 60s and early 70s on our committees as members retire. There are very few in-person committee meetings each year. Beginning next fall, we will resume two Board meetings a year at the school for committee chairs and class representatives, but attendance is not mandatory. Please contact me to volunteer.It's That Time Again! The Fall Grapevine News Deadline is Sept 8!
Send in your stories now!
The Grapevine is much more interesting when you are in it!!!!! Try to scribble down some notes about what you’ve been doing or planning and send it to your Class representative or Editor right away. It’s easy to do. Just a few sentences will be fine!
Address your email to janet@whalley.net or your Class Representative. Class Representatives are listed in every Grapevine. Remember, Grapevines are sent out by email (preferred) or snail mail to members who are up to date on their dues. Now is the time to catch up if you haven’t sent your dues in yet.
Things to Look Forward to from Golden Grads Secy Cathy Huffman
Time for the fall Grapevine!
by Cathie Hogue Huffman, ’63
Hello All –
I hope you’ve all weathered whatever weather came your way over the summer. It sounds like everyone had something unusual…maybe suitable for sharing in the next Grapevine! News about trips, events and just “catch up” stories are also fun to read. That being said…
The deadline for news you want to share in the Grapevine is September 8!!! Please send stories to Janet@Whalley.net
The Roosevelt Athletic Booster Club has published its first Athletic Newsletter. What a great way to catch up on all the sports. They also mention the athletes’ RHS grad family members so take a peek and see who you might know!
The class of 1953’s 70th reunion is coming up Wednesday, September 13. Check out the information on their website rhs53.com. While you’re there you can also enjoy scenes from their 50th, 60th and 69th reunions!
The youngsters in the class of 1963 will have their 60th reunion Thursday, September 28th at the Nile Country Club from 11-3. Please watch for RSVP info.
Have a great fall ,
Cathie Huffman
Music, Music, Music!
Roosevelt Jazz Band 1 Is Going to Essentially Ellington!
from RooseveltJazz.org
We’re proud to announce that Roosevelt Jazz Band 1 has been selected as a finalist to the Essentially Ellington Festival in New York City.
The Pacific Northwest is rich with such quality jazz musicians, educators, and programs that deliver excellence at the highest level. We are honored and deeply grateful to get to represent our region alongside our friends from Garfield High School and Bothell High School.
Find Out More
. To see what else is happening this spring, go to one of the websites below:
For More on RHS Jazz Bands click here or visit the Jazz Boosters Calendar Page. For RHS Orchestra click here. For RHS Roughriders Band information click the Riders Band site. And for Roosevelt Drama events click here.
Golden Grads Are on Facebook
Here’s how to see us on Facebook:
• Log in to your Facebook page.
• Type “Roosevelt Golden Grads” in the search
box at the top.
• Roosevelt Golden Grads will pop up as a choice.
• Click on us to see our page.
• Underneath the banner with our name, select
“Like” & “Follow”.
• Start reading our posts
How to Start or Renew Your Membership
Start or renew Golden Grads membership today!
Print and complete the membership form (click on “membership form”) and print out and mail to RHS Golden Grads, PO Box 281, Edmonds, WA 98020-0281. You can add Credit Card instructions to the form or include your personal check in the envelope to pay your dues.