A Successful 2025 Luncheon
Because of our expert coordinators Ann Reid ’68 and Heidi Liniger Olson ’72, the Golden Grads Annual Luncheon was a great success. Our new location at the Seattle Yacht Club provided good food, easy parking, and a nice view of Lake Union. The location is also very convenient for our many members that still live in NE Seattle. A highlight was Pamela Katims Steele’s introduction of the scholarship winners — their achievements were amazing. Thanks also to Rick Keating ’64 for running the show and only insulting the President five or six times, and to our Board members who handled registration. Principal Tami Brewer spoke at the luncheon, one day before she was placed on leave. (See the next article.)
The Football Scandal
In June the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) imposed penalties on Roosevelt for illegal football recruiting, including fines for Principal Tami Brewer and athletic director Danny Thompson. The Principal was placed on administrative leave by the Seattle School District. Last year the team had their best season in years, winning eight games before losing to Bellevue in the quarterfinals, but Roosevelt forfeited all games played in the last two seasons (2023, 2024). The team now has a one-year post-season ban. Any transfer student found to have provided false information to gain eligibility will be banned from athletic competition for one year.
RHS Interim Principal
Ruth Medsker has been named Roosevelt’s “Interim Principal” this fall. She had previously served as principal at West Seattle High School.
Another Gift to Golden Grads
from The Estate of Merle Stillson ’47 Roosevelt alum, Merle Stillson, passed away on September 28, 2023, at age 95. He included Golden Grads in his will among many other non-profit groups, friends, and family members. In Spring of 2024, we received $80,000 and recently received an additional $24,742 from his estate.
Golden Grads’ Web Site is Being Upgraded
We are in the process of updating our Golden Grads website (https://rhsgoldengrads.org). We plan to enable GG members to pay their dues and donations online with a credit card and to send us their membership forms. Our wonderful Web Master, Ellen Brown Hewett ‘53, has been trying to retire for two years, but fortunately has stuck with it while we look for a replacement and streamline the site. The upgrade will allow her replacement to easily monitor the site without technical expertise, so please volunteer. Board members provide all the information to be posted.
The RHS Class of ’25
In this issue, I write about the Roosevelt graduation ceremony that Janet and I attended at Seattle High School Stadium for our oldest granddaughter, Kate Whalley. Kate’s second cousin was also in the graduating class, making them the 12th and 13th members of our family to graduate from Roosevelt, starting with the Class of 1931. I know I brag about this all the time, but that is what this bully pulpit is for. Any complaints, and you will immediately be placed on the Golden Grads Board, possibly as president.
Recruit New Members!
You likely stay in contact with many of your fellow Roosevelt graduates, so please encourage them to join Golden Grads. Our administrative expenses are very low, and most of the $20 membership fee supports college scholarships for deserving students and money for teachers’ needs that are not covered by the school district, like science equipment, special projects, books, and outings. Members also receive this spiffy newsletter. Where else could you find out that the 1956 Seafair Queen was a Roosevelt grad?