Volume 18.2 Spring Fall2012 2015
a publication of the
WESTSIDE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
1101 South 90th NE Street Omaha, NE 68124 || 402.390.2183 | westside66.org 1101 South 90th Street Omaha, 68124 | 402.390.2183 www.alumni.wcsfoundation66.org
Westside Open Raises $30K a complete list of our sponsors and donors by visiting www.westsidegolf.com. Anytime Westside alumni, administrators, current and retired, and friends come together on a golf course, a little hijinks may be expected. Is that white orb out there a ball or a marshmallow? Only Team Master Gators knew for sure. “I thought the event went very well. We were able to raise some money, see old friends, make new friends and recognize members of the Westside Hall of Fame,” said Rob.
Retired administrators and educators, Al Inzerello, Ken Baldwin, Jim Findley and Jim Tangdall supporting The 2015 Westside Open. Photos by: John Ficenec, (‘14)
On June 29, 2015 sunny skies and warm temperatures welcomed over 200 golfers participating in The 2015 Westside Open at The Players Club. The four-person scramble, which was hosted by the Westside Alumni Association and the Westside Community Schools Foundation, raised over $30,000. Proceeds from the event will fund scholarships, teacher and staff awards, special projects, alumni gifts to Westside High School and the Westside Hall of Fame awards.
Family awaited golfers once their rounds were completed. All participants received a FootJoy golf glove with magnetic marker embossed with the beloved Shield and a commemorative gift box of logoed golf balls. Prizes were given to the top three teams in each of the four flights, 45 flag prizes were awarded and over 120 door prizes were distributed. The first lucky raffle winner took home a Scotty Cameron putter and Players Club foursome.
Morning golfers were treated to delicious donuts and coffee from Dunkin Donuts. Both morning and afternoon golfers enjoyed brats and burgers for lunch. A fantastic prime rib dinner sponsored by Koley Jessen, P.C. and the Doug Riley (’67)
Kathryn (Hawkins) Anderson (’00) and Patricia (Hawkins) Stillmock (’05) were once again the Presenting Sponsors of this year’s event. “Kathryn and Patricia and the entire Hawkins family have been such great sponsors and supporters of this event over the years” said Rob Owen (’87), this year’s event chairman.
Terry Wood and Tracy Mumford of The Schemmer Associates and Enid Schonewise, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Westside Community Schools sharing a fun afternoon.
This year we were very pleased to offer some new sponsorships. AmeriCal became our first Putting Green Sponsor as well as sponsoring a hole and eight angel golfers. RBC Capital Markets and RBC Wealth Management were Patron Hole Sponsors. DLR Group and Security National Bank sponsored the Prize Drawing just to name a few. “We directly attribute the success of this event to all of the sponsors who make this tournament possible, said Rob. Please see
W E S T S I D E A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N
Please save the date for The 2016 Westside Open that will be held on Monday, June 27 at The Players Club. Contact the Westside Alumni Association to get involved be a sponsor or play. “Everybody can see that my swing is homegrown. That means everybody has a chance to do it.” Budda Watson. All are welcome!
Rob Owen,(‘87) Westside Open Chair helping Jason Tomich, (‘94) find a glove with the proper fit.
WE’RE GETTING A MAKEOVER! The “W” will have a new look starting with the January 2016 issue.
President’s Corner Thank you for reading our fall 2015 edition of the “W”. Your Alumni Association is working hard to continue to enhance the “W”. We have been working with the Westside Community Schools Foundation as well as a new production vendor as we strive to deliver a top-notch product. We hope you agree that it keeps getting better and better. With so much going on getting our students ready for their new year at Westside, time suddenly goes by and summer comes to a close. We now have a new class of kindergarteners and a new class of seniors, both of which are bittersweet times for parents, but incredibly exciting for the students. With the start of school it is also now time to communicate upcoming news for the year. In my opinion, what makes the Westside schools so special and memorable is the awesome level of engagement from our students and community. I cannot imagine a school district with more to offer its students or more opportunities for parents and alumni to become involved. If you are a current Westside parent, alum, or, like many, both – as you read your “W” please look at each story or announcement and ask yourself if you would enjoy being more engaged in the Westside community. Is there something you would like to help organize, participate in, or donate toward? There is a never ending list of areas you could help and it is always appreciated.
DE VIVI 2015 I S T S E W It’s a party!
A benefit & celebration you see, for all in the Westside Schools Community. A mountain for us to move, innovation in all classrooms to improve. Every student, every school to benefit from this valuable tool.
Here’s the Date, the Time, the Place to Be Saturday, October 3rd, 2015 6:00 pm The fun begins!
$125 per person I $75 (35 years or younger) Embassy Suites, La Vista
Online Registration @ www.bidpal.net/vivi2015
Please check your calendars and try to make it to one of our upcoming Alumni Association or Foundation events. Upcoming events include the Alumni Homecoming Tailgate, VIVI 2015 , Alumni Basketball “Tournament”, and Westside Open. More information can be found on page 3. The Westside Alumni Association belongs to each and every alumnus. If you want to be involved, or have an idea that could help us serve our alumni, please email alumni@westside66.org. I hope you enjoy our fall edition of the “W”. GO Warriors! Jason B. Hellman (’90)
Annual Westside Alumni
HOMECOMING
TAILGATE
Friday, Sept. 25 @ 5:30-7pm
Your Westside Alumni Association will provide free food and drinks for alumni and their family. Meet us in the circle drive in front of Champions Plaza. Stay for the Homecoming Game to watch Westside take on Grand Island. Kickoff is at 7:05. Go WARRIORS!
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Celebrating 50 Years
Upcoming!
Hugs, laughs and conversations that began with “Remember when . . . ? “ echoed throughout the Class of 1965’s 50th reunion June 12 and 13. One hundred and one classmates, along with their guests, came from 24 states to celebrate the “big one”. Peter Matschke and his wife from Muensing-Degerndorf, Germany got the prize for traveling the furthest. Festivities began Friday night with a no-host social at Spirit World, followed by a tour of Westside and golf on Saturday morning. Charlie Lee’s ’64 Galaxie 500 welcomed the class to Saturday evening’s “Best Party Ever” at the Henry Doorly Zoo Aquarium.
1975’s 40-Year Class Reunion
There displays, ‘60’s music, and WHS-inspired decorations greeted partiers as they continued their walk down memory lane. Kudos to Chair Charlie Lee and the committee members Lynne Durham Boyer, Phyllis Donaldson Choat, Jim Doll, Dick Dummar, John Headley, Anne Leigh Hellbusch, Art Jetter, Nancy Lawson, Mickie Freed Lee, Bob Lovgren, Jackie Hauptman Nagle, Don Noel, Nanci Shook Stephenson, Bryan Vercoe and Steve Walker for a weekend to remember. As Tim Gerber said at the end of the night, “Those classmates that didn’t show up just don’t know what they missed.”
Over 700 former classmates are invited to attend any or all of our scheduled events.
Friday, October 2 Join us at the Westside vs Burke football game at 7 pm. A tailgate party at the home of Bruce and Stacy Simon on Loveland Drive begins at 5 pm. We will walk to the game at 6:30 pm. Please RSVP no later than September 22.
Saturday, October 3 Our main event will be at the Embassy Suites, 555 South 10th Street. Enjoy a fabulous threecourse dinner, great music from the 70’s, and more. The contribution is $75/person. A cocktail reception (cash bar) begins at 6 pm. Parking at the Embassy Suites for event guests is $12 for self-park and $18 for valet.
Class of 1965’s 50th Reunion: Barry Zoob, John Buller, Rick with Pennie Young, Jeff Esbanshade and Ruth Saunders.
UPCOMING EVENTS September 25, 2015 Alumni Homecoming Tailgate October 3, 2015 Westside VIVI 2015 November 28, 2015 Alumni Basketball Tournament June 27, 2016 The 2016 Westside Open April 1, 2016 Nominations for 2016 Westside Hall of Fame due
In Remembrance The Westside Alumni Association honors and recognizes all deceased alumni online at www.alumni.wcsfoundation66.org
Saturday lunch groups are meeting at various restaurants for those who went to a District 66 elementary school and want to enjoy a smaller get-together with classmates from the mid 1960’s. Upon availability, a spacial room rate at the Embassy Suites is offered at $129/night. Call the hotel at 402-346-9000 for reservations. Hotel guests enjoy a complimentary cooked-toorder breakfast and cocktail reception. We also reserved a large hospitality suite to be stocked with snacks and beverages, open to all during scheduled hours. To RSVP for any of these events (no later than September 22), please call Vicki (Westphal) Rittner at 909-489-3821 or Jennifer Staley at 562-331-1979. Both are in Pacific Standard Time (two hours BEHIND Omaha). Jennifer is an early bird; Vicki is a night owl. Or send an email to WestsideHS1975@gmail.com.
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2015 Scholarship Recipients
Hannah Dickson
Jennifer Solheim
Unlocking Answers Scholarship
Tom Hall Scholarship
Hannah Dickson is the daughter of John Dickson. Hannah was chosen for her excellence in science. She will be attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and plans to pursue a career in health sciences.
Forrest McQueen was chosen as the 2015 Tom Hall Scholarship recipient for exemplifying the academic and athletic work ethic of former Boys Varsity Basketball Coach and English and Humanities Teacher, Tom Hall. He will be attending Iowa State University. The Tom Hall Scholarship has been awarded annually since 2003 and is in the amount of $1000. Forrest is the son of Barb and Todd McQueen.
Jennifer Solheim is the daughter of Joyce and James Solheim. Among the top students at Westside, Jennifer is looking forward to studying engineering or a career in science at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Hannah and Jennifer each were awarded $1000.
Spirit of Service Scholarship Everett Henry
Nicole Russell
Everett Henry is the son of Vikki and Doug Henry. Henry will be attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Nicole Russell is the daughter of Heather and John Russell. Nicole will be attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Forrest McQueen
Jay Bridgeman
Vic Porter Scholarship Jay “Jaymechia” Bridgeman was awarded the Vic Porter Scholarship. Jay best exemplified the disciplined, unselfish, respectful and cooperative approach to athletics and academics as that of former Coach, Vic Porter. This scholarship is in the amount of $500. Jay’s parents are Pat and James Bridgeman. She will be attending the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Henry and Nicole each accumulated in excess of 300 documented service hours from 9th-12th grades at a variety of different organizations. Both received $1000.
Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees On May 8th, the annual Coaches Night of Distinction and Athletic Hall of Fame Induction was held at Legacy Hall. The athletes honored were Bob Hardt ‘67, Brian Horn ’75, Dea Fredrick-Cristea ’80, Derron Fredrick ’85, the 1966 Varsity Football Team, and the 1967 Varsity Boys Track Team. Retired coach Don Gilpin was inducted. Bob Hardt was a two-sport standout in football and track and field. He was a state champion as part of the 1966 football team and he was an excellent thrower in discus and shot. In 1967, he set the state discus record. He went on to play football at UNL.
Derron Fredrick, also a swimmer, was a five-time state champion and school record holder. His 50yard freestyle record still stands after 30 years. He led the Warriors to three state championships and continued his swimming career at the University of California at San Diego. Retired coach Don Gilpin was a long-time teacher and coach at Westside.
Girls Basketball Head Coach, Steve Clark, (‘85) and Girls and Boys and Girls Swimming Coach, Lisa Ellis, (‘84)
Brian Horn was an All-Metro receiver and AllState football player. He helped Westside to a state runner-up basketball title in 1973 and earned metro honors in basketball as well. He played football at UNL. As a standout swimmer, Dea Fredrick-Cristea held the school record in 50-yard freestyle for 37 years. She was a five-time state champion in various freestyle events and relays. She was AllAmerican and record holder for Texas Christian University.
Pictured from the class of 1967, members of the 1966 Varsity Football Team. Front row: Allan Bach, Jon Jansen, Art Denney, and Bob Hardt. Second row: Jon Bridgewater, Brad O’Conner, and Bruce Moore. Third row: Ron Volberding, Dave Turnquist, Bob Henderson, Terry Richmond, Guy Ingles, Mike Tuerk, and Dave Pratt
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YOU’RE INVITED!
From the Desk of
Maryanne Ricketts, Westside Principal Dear Westside Alumni, The doors are open and school has started! We have welcomed our new freshmen, the Class of 2019, to the high school. Our graduating Class of 2015 has left us, but not without maintaining the strong tradition of excellence established by generations of previous classes. Our 2015 class had a very successful year in terms of college admission—many students were accepted into the most selective colleges in the country. They also received some of the most prestigious scholarships available from all across the country, with 141 students receiving a total of 350 different scholarships. The Class of 2015 can announce with pride that they received in excess of $2 million in scholarships.
Saturday, November 28, 2015 @ 2 pm Westside High School Proceeds from this event benefit the Tom Hall and Vic Porter Scholarship funds. For our alumni, it is a time to hang out with many WHS friends and promote a good cause while having fun watching old former players still try and run the floor. The cost is only $10. We will begin Registration by 2:00 p.m. on the Saturday, and anyone not registered by 2:30 will not be included. The tournament concludes with pizza around 5:00 p.m. To register: 1. Send cash or a check for $10 payable to WHS Alumni Association to Rob Laughlin 3421 So. 104th St. Omaha, NE 68124 2. Contact your Team Captain (if known) and Email your team or individual registration to: rallaw@radiks.net or rberkshire@berkshire-law.com It is highly recommended that for those who played last year, contact your class team captain and let him form your team. The captain should then email or call Rob with the year of the team about how many players he expects will show up. In other words, will
he have enough players to form a team. If you didn’t play last year, you may still play but you must show up and pay the day of the tournament. However, pre-registering by team will help greatly with setting up the brackets ahead of time. 3. Call Rob at (402) 657-2293 or (402) 334-0900 to register Play is limited to WHS alumni, guys or gals, and you need not have played on any basketball team in high school. But some ability to pass the ball is suggested, unless you are you know who. Any former WHS graduate is welcome, and you can sign up individually or as a class. Registering in advance, particularly by team with a tentative roster, allows brackets to be set up in advance. If you are unable to participate in the tournament, consider making a donation toward the Tom Hall and Vic Porter scholarships. Contact us with any questions (402) 657-2293 or (402) 827-7000 or email addresses above. We hope to see you at Westside the Saturday after Thanksgiving!
The Class of 2015 also had the honor of having five National Merit Finalists. Jennifer Solheim was named to the Omaha World Herald All State Academic Team while also being named to the All Metro Regional Second Team. This marks the 19th time in the last 20 years that Westside has had a representative on either a regional or all state academic team. We also maintained a strong showing in scholarships from colleges or universities in the state of Nebraska, ranging from academic scholarships to recognition of leadership or community service. Lastly, the 2015 grads had one of the highest totals in our history of students receiving a Regents or Chancellors scholarship from either UNO or UNL. Westside High School is very fortunate to have strong alumni support in providing scholarship opportunities for our students. The Westside Alumni Association has awarded scholarships to our students for 20 years who have excelled in academics, service learning and to athletes who have exemplified the highest qualities of being a student athlete. Thank you for being an outstanding partner to our students. Go Warriors!
Rob Laughlin ‘75 | Rick Berkshire ‘72
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Westside Community Schools
Westside Alumni Association 909 South 76th Street Omaha, NE 68114-4599
SUPPORT YOUR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the Alumni Association, please mail your donation to:
NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 861 OMAHA, NE 68124
Westside Alumni Association The “W” Newsletter WESTSIDE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 909 South 76th Street Omaha, NE 68114-4599
402.390.2183 (Voicemail) 402.390.2177 (Fax) alumni@westside66.net
2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Jason Hellman (’90)
WESTSIDE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 909 South 76th Street Omaha, NE 68114-4599
Vice President: John Hoich (’76)
Please make checks payable to “Westside Alumni Association”
DIRECTORS: Rick Berkshire (’72) Mark Dudley (’73) Mike Guinane (’74) Curt Huston (’81) Rob Laughlin (’75) Beth (Williams) Leach (’98) Kristin Lynch (’89) Debbie (Moss) McGrew (’88) Martha (Williams) Nielsen (’82) Rob Owen (’87) Mark Sempek (’80) Denise (Haber) Swanson (’80) Tom Thompson (’83) Meagan (Davis) VanGelder (’88)
CONNECT WITH THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Connect with the Westside Alumni Association on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Follow and “Like” us to see photos, reunion news, and current information on relevant WHS events.
Keep up-to-date! Update your contact info online at www.alumni.wcsfoundation.org
TREASURER: Marc Lowe (’76) SECRETARY: Phyllis (Donaldson) Choat (’65)