By GG President Doug Whalley (’63)

We Are Planning a Luncheon for June 2023

Absent a major change in public health concerns, we will be able to hold a luncheon next June. Most of us are once again comfortable being around other people in public, especially since our members are an especially health-conscious crowd. We will let you know the details when we have more information.

Scott Brown Is Retiring

Roosevelt’s talented band director Scott Brown is stepping down after 38 years. See the details in this issue.

Yet Another New Principal

In its April 2022 edition, The Roosevelt News commented on the continued absence of first year Principal HkwauaQueJol Hollins since February. Seattle Public Schools initially reported Hollins was on leave, but later listed him as having left the district, and the school was without a principal the remainder of the school year. On May 9, 2022, the school district announced the appointment of Ingraham Vice Principal Tami Brewer as Roosevelt’s new principal. Brewer, pictured here, began working as a teacher at Ingraham in 1994, so she is familiar with the district and with urban high schools. I spoke with her briefly in August and she struck me as a polite but firm administrator. Her comments are in this edition of the Grapevine.

Roosevelt Alumni for Racial Equity

RARE has a report in this issue about their successful event at Roosevelt in August for about 100 alumni. The RARE founders are graduates from 1971 and 1972 and Janet and I joined many alums from that era who were attending as part of their 50-year reunions. (1971’s reunion was delayed a year.) When RARE was organized two years ago, Golden Grads Treasurer Michael Bush helped them start their non-profit charitable organization, and Golden Grads continues to maintain RARE funds (separate from GG funds) and to distribute tuition payments for them.

Roosevelt Wall of Honor

The Roosevelt Foundation is sponsoring a “Roosevelt Wall of Honor” for 100 graduates, teachers, or staff. They are reviewing the candidates in preparation for announcing them at the school’s 100th anniversary celebration/open house next Spring.

Remembering Pastor Pat Wright

A highlight of our 2018 Spring Golden Grads Luncheon was the presence of Pastor Patrinell “Pat” Wright, Seattle’s “first lady of gospel”. She passed away August 30, 2022. At the GG luncheon, she spoke to us about the work she was doing with young people and agreed to sing one of her songs. Her voice was amazing.

Please Volunteer

We need volunteers for the committees that keep Golden Grads functioning. As volunteer jobs go, these are very convenient — our committees hold very few meetings (often online), the other committee members may be your classmates, and you are giving back to your alma mater in the best way possible. If you are interested, call me today — (206) 523-5636. Operators are standing by.

The names of all RHS Golden Grad members are on our website. Thanks to our GG web master, Ellen Brown Hewitt ’53 for periodically updating the list of our members there.

To learn if one of your classmates is a GG member, go to our website: “www.rhsgoldengrads.org” On the Home Page, look at the menu items on the left side of the page.

Find the second link below the swing dancers – “GG Members by Grad Year”. Then click on that link.

Here’s how to see us on Facebook:

• Login to your Facebook page.
• Type “Roosevelt Golden Grads” in the search
box at the top.
• Roosevelt Golden Grads should pop up as a
choice.
• Click on us to see our page.
• Underneath the banner with our name, select
“Like” & “Follow”.
• Then start reading our posts when they come
up on your feed.

The deadline for sending your story to the Spring 2023 Grapevine is Friday, March 10!

from Golden Grads Grapevine Editor Janet Whalley

Hi Golden Grads!

Hoping you can send in some news about yourself by the deadline on March 10.  It’s easy to do.  Just a few sentences will be fine!

The Grapevine is much more interesting when you are in it!!!!!  Send your email to me, janet@whalley.net  or your Class Representative.

Thanks so much!

. To see what else is happening this spring, go to one of the websites below:

• High School
• Jazz
• Drama
• Orchestra
• Bands

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.

Your 2023 membership is due in January

Students and staff are having a great school year, and we are planning some exciting events during our Centennial celebrating 100 years of service by Roosevelt High School.  We don’t want you to miss out on anything! Up-to-date members of Golden Grads will have special opportunities to participate during the Centennial. Your Grapevine Newsletter will continue to arrive in the in-box of paid-up members. You don’t want to miss a single edition! 

The rates for membership are: $20 for an individual annual member or $30 for a couple living in the same household. To become a lifetime member the cost is $300 for an individual lifetime member or $400 for a couple living in the same household.

Start or renew your membership today!

Print and complete the membership form (click on “membership form”) and mail to RHS Golden Grads, PO Box 281, Edmonds, WA 98020-0281. You can add Credit Card instructions to the form or attach your personal check to pay your dues.

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.

Read more in the Seattle Times: 3 Seattle-area high schools make finals of 2023 Essentially Ellington jazz band competition