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.