Doug Whalley ‘63
The Future of Golden Grads
I was recently a guest at the monthly lunch for the Seattle chapter of retired FBI agents. The chapter president told me that their membership is falling fast because today’s retired agents are much less likely to join. Golden Grads is having the same problem. I suspect people are reluctant to join Golden Grads because they think it means monthly meetings, regular dues, and frequent activities. Of course, that is not the case. Your yearly membership payment of $20 goes largely to Roosevelt scholarships and teachers’ supplies. Our only membership meeting is the yearly luncheon. Our current problem is that our Board of Directors are almost all from classes in the mid-1960s. We need more members from the 1970s. Please encourage your classmates to join, and please volunteer for a Board position. The Board of Directors meets only three or four times a year online. Financially we are in great shape, with over a million dollars in the bank (!). We need your help to use that money wisely for scholarships and teachers’ needs.
Roosevelt Almost Had A New Principal
After last year’s Roosevelt principal was placed on leave because of the football recruiting scandal, the current Eckstein Middle School principal, Kristin Rose, was announced as the new Roosevelt principal. On January 29th, the school district issued a press release:
We are reaching out today to share a leadership update with the Roosevelt community. Assistant Principal Ivory Brooks will serve as Interim Principal through the end of the 2025–26 school year.
We understand how challenging it can be when leadership plans change. We also recognize the strain that shifting expectations place on a school. Our priority is ensuring stability, clarity, and strong leadership for our school communities.
Considering this, Seattle Public Schools will not move forward with the previously announced appointment of Principal Kristin Rose to Roosevelt High School. She will continue in her role as principal of Eckstein Middle School. We want to extend our appreciation to Principal Rose for her willingness to support the Roosevelt community. Her dedication and professionalism are valued across the district.
I talked to Kristin Rose, a Roosevelt grad and good friend, and she was fine about staying at Eckstein. I don’t blame her, after that confusion.
Thank you to Jeri Mortensen Kronmal ’60
Jeri is retiring from her role as the Special Scholarship Chair. We appreciate her expertise in choosing the students who received additional money for our special scholarships. The Scholarship Committee will incorporate the Special Scholarships into their work.
Thank you and best wishes to Anne Chichester Temple ’63
Anne is recovering from a mild stroke, and the Membership Committee needs a new leader. Her committee members and other Board members are available to assist a new volunteer.
Web Site Progress
We are updating our web site, rhsgoldengrads.org. We will soon be able to receive dues and donations online, but we still need a member to be our volunteer Webmaster. Some web experience is helpful, but we have hired an expert to set up and take care of the site, and he will be available to assist a volunteer. At your leisure, you would update information on the site from other Board members, or news about Roosevelt. Our wonderful former Chair Ellen Brown Hewitt ’53, is available to assist. That’s right, class of 1953. She is a GG Super Hero.