Woodlake High School Foundation Newsletter Fall 2012

Have You Included the Woodlake High School Foundation in Your Will or Trust?

GREAT THINGS HAPPENING - FOR WHS SPORTS PROGRAM

WHS Stadium - Under Construction - October 2012

The rumbling that can be felt on Cypress Street between Whitney and Sequoia Streets is the sound of heavy ma-chinery. The heavy equipment moved onto the scene in mid-July marking the start of upgrading Robinson-Paint-er Stadium - Leo Robinson Field, thanks to the voter ap-proved Measure C that passed in November 2008.

The project has a completion deadline of 180 days. However, speaking with Steve Tindle, Vice President of Oral E. Micham Construction and the general contractor of the project, he anticipates a completion time of closer to 150 days. If that prediction holds true, the Woodlake soccer teams could be hosting games by mid-January. Although the original upgrades to the stadium have been modified to meet the shortfall of state funds, the new sta-dium will still put a smile on the faces of Woodlake fans. The 400 meter, 9 lane all weather track will surround a natural grass field. The natural grass field will be the same type of hybrid Bermuda used by the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals known as Tifway Blend.

New light standards placed behind the existing seating areas will illuminate the facility in a

manner that Woodlake fans have never seen before. Also, gone are the days of low level dust clouds hanging over the field like winter Tule fog because the dirt track area, though watered down before the game, still kicked up dust as people walked around during the game. In the new stadium the dirt areas around the bathrooms and concession stands will be replaced by concrete. The new scoreboard will be on the north end of the sta-

dium and will be off the track and field surface. The au-tomated irrigation system, complete with pop-up sprin-klers and drainage systems, will keep the grass lush and green. The grass area will be exactly centered to the pres-ent press box area on the home side. However, the track area will extend further to the south than the previous

dirt track to meet the needs of the 9 lane running surface. Because of this fact, the present power poles on the south end will be removed and the lines will go underground and the walkways will circle the outside of the track and thus, extend further into the parking lot area and former softball field to the south. If you go by the construction site you will notice the elevation of the grounds are dif-ferent. The sloped areas that surrounded the field to the outside of the track are now gone and the once elevated seating area on the visitor side will be placed more at field level on a concrete slab. As a result of the changes, the field has a completely different feel.

Although the 2012 Woodlake Tiger football team is playing all their games on the road this year,

the wait will be well worth the frustration of traveling every Friday night.

When the 2012 track team is actually practicing after a rain and they are hosting track meets in the future, we will all benefit. When people come to visit our community and they see that our football facility matches the class of the newer Event Center and pool area, we will all be proud. Along with having Tiger Pride in how we play, we will soon have Tiger Pride in where we play.

Article By: Tony Casares

WHS CLASS OF 2012 SCHOLARSHIPS - $608,610.00 The 174 graduates of the Woodlake Union High School Class of 2012 proudly earned $608,610 in scholarships. Funding came from numerous sources. $401.010 was from Colleges & Universities, $207,600 from private programs & organizations and the Woodlake High School Foundation. Recognition was awarded to these students not only for their outstanding academic achievements but for their athletics and community involvement as well. Many of these students had leadership experiences through co-curricular programs such as Student Govern-ment, Future Farmers of America, Key Club and Band which qualified them for these scholarship opportunities. This money is supporting the students from our commu-nity in pursuing their educational and career goals. In the

Jacob Deitz ........................................................... $217,350 Xavier University, New Orleans - Major: Political Science Parents: Steve Deitz - Class of ‘84 Lisa GriffithsKelsey Ruehling Valedictorian .................................... $91,855 Guilford College North Carolina - Major: Biology Parents: Robert Ruehling & Ginger CurtisMadison Fesperman Salutatorian .............................. $65,150 Cal Poly SLO - Major: Animal Science Parents: Steve - Class of ‘84 & Lisa FespermanMarissa Fisher ....................................................... $23,850 Texas Tech University - Major: Animal Science Parents: Russ & Cindy FisherJessica Magana-Lucero ........................................ $23,450 Menlo College - Major: Business Parent: Maria del Carmen Magana - Class of ‘89Jose Reyes .............................................................. $20,150 Fresno State - Major: Computer Science Parents: Maria Cervantes de RetanaPhoebe Castro ........................................................ $16,000 Westmont College - Major: Undecided Parents: Gene - Class of ‘81 & Robin CastroEvanna Navarrette ................................................ $14,150 DeVry University - Major: Criminal JusticeIvan Reynaga ......................................................... $12,250 Fresno State - Major: Engineering Parents: Jose & Maria ReynagaKaweah Vines ........................................................... $9550 UC San Diego - Major: Marine Biology Parents: Jim Vines - Class of ‘85 & Jennifer CampbellMiguel Reynoso ........................................................ $7470 CSU Stanislaus - Major: Kinesiology Parents: Angel - Class of ‘85 & Irene Reynoso Janet Zaragoza ......................................................... $7120 Fresno State - Major: Health Parents: Irineio Zaragoza & Veronica SalazarPaulina Giacomelli ................................................... $6550 UCLA - - Major: Biology Parents: Larissa Zambolotnaya

fall, 27% of these students enrolled in various four year universities throughout the country. We also had 72% who enrolled in a two year college or vocational school. We encourage alumni and members of our community to support the efforts of the WHS Foundation by making do-nations, attending our fundraising events or establishing a scholarship. One of the best ways to remember a loved one is to establish a scholarship in their name. We are very proud of our students and all of their achievements. Following is a list of some of the students who received scholarships, and where they are going to school. The amounts listed do NOT include any federal or state financial aid such as Cal Grants or Pell Grants.

Alexandra Hernandez .............................................. $6250 Cal Berkeley - Major: Biology Parents: Xavier - Class of 84 & Barbara Bocanegra Hernandez - Class of ‘84Ashley Kambourian ................................................. $6070 Fresno State - Major: Undecided Parents: Pamela Kambourian - Class of ‘89Mariah Hopper ......................................................... $5050 Porterville College - Major:Nursing Parents: Steve & Debra Wood Hopper - Class of ‘83Ryan Fansett ............................................................. $5000 CSU Monterey Bay - Major: Biology Parents: James & Kacey FansettSisko-Mari Everson ................................................. $4700 Masters College - Major: Pre Med Parents: Ron Everson & Virpi TakalaAndrew Cordova ...................................................... $3800 Fresno State - Major: Engineering Parents: Benjamin & Crisanta CordovaRudy Perez ................................................................ $3800 Cal Poly SLO - Major: Architecture Parents: Rodolfo & Amalia PerezBrian Pfenninger ...................................................... $3750 UC Santa Cruz - Major: Undecided Parents: Paul & Deborah PfenningerDaniel Leon Quevedo ............................................... $2850 Fresno State - Major: Sports Journalism Parents: Pacual & Carmen LeonConnor Beck ............................................................. $2450 UC Santa Barbara - Major: Education Parents: Jeff & Jaime BeckJames LeFave ........................................................... $2400 Fresno State - Major: Firefighter Parents: Michael & Linda Le FaveMatt Hirni ................................................................. $2400 University Nevada Reno - Major: Business Parents: Mark & Nicole Hirni

CAREER DAY KEYNOTE SPEAKER - Leena Mendoza, M.S. I was born in Bangkok, Thailand. I am a U.S. citizen and Thai citizen. My parents are George Castro Mendoza and Amporn Uttatong Estis. I lived and traveled through the U.S., Italy, and Thailand as a child because my fa-ther was in the U.S. Army. Everywhere I go, I am asked what nationality I am. My response is always, “Yo soy Mexicana y Chinita pero you hablo en espanol.” It was different growing up with two different cultures and al-ways being called “American”. I believe that my culture, nationalities, experience, values, ethics, and compassion for others are what make me who I am today. I was raised and encouraged throughout my youth to pursue my educational endeavors. During my freshman year in college I became a young mother. Despite the challenges of being a young mother, I completed both my undergraduate degree and postgraduate degree at Califor-nia State University, Fresno. My undergraduate degree is in Health Science and my post graduate work is in Voca-tional Rehabilitation Counseling. I have a minor in Ger-ontology and completing another in Criminology. I am a proud single mother of a seventeen year old son named Jacob Castillo. He is an inspiration and motiva-tion for me to continue to achieve success. He knows that

I will always answer his most difficult questions with, “Pray about it.” Jacob and I attended college together. I read books like Clifford and my Biology 10 book as a playtime activity. He is an amazing child. I look forward to seeing him off to college in a year. I have a passion for educa-tion and to see others do well personally and professionally. I like to encourage others to set their expectations high and go after everything they dream of for themselves and for their families. It is important to help our children, our families, our church, and our community. I believe now more than ever, we need to help our community in all that we can. When you do great things you can make your community even greater. It gives me great pleasure to lend a helping hand to others.

Leena Mendoza is a 1994 WHS Grad My motto is patience and sacrifice equals success.

Woodlake Union High School’s 26th Annual Career Day is Friday, October 19, 2012. Career Day is an oppor-tunity for community members and alumni to come share their career experience with are students. Our students have the opportunity to explore and learn more about ca-reers they may want to pursue in life. It also provides an opportunity for students to interact with various pro-fessionals and explore college admissions requirements through our college fair. Students are able to attend 5 presentations they have registered for, and learn about the level of education required, the daily responsibilities, in-come range, and the demand in that profession. Students are also able to attend college fair for one of their presen-tations and learn about college admissions for a variety of colleges and universities. Career Day is a special day for our students, alumni, and community. It is an opportunity for alumni and community to give back and inspire our students. Career Day is an event that is sponsored by Woodlake High School students and faculty, Woodlake Kiwanis, and Woodlake High School Foundation. Almost all the organizations on campus have taken part in the organiza-tion of this important day.

WHS 26th ANNUAL CAREER DAY OCTOBER 19, 2012

AN UNCONVENTIONAL HOMECOMING

I am so proud to be starting my second year as WHS Principal. We look for-ward to another successful school year. While the official 2011-2012 API and AYP results are not in, we remain optimistic and confident that our “Estimated API and AYP Results” indicate growth upward! We started the new year by continuing to foster a school culture of high expectations in and out of the classroom. We remain focused on building students of character with pride in self, school and community. WHS implemented school wide academic expectations for ALL students focusing on each individual student making academic progress. Every student is required to maintain or exceed a 2.0 + GPA with no more than 1 “F” and grade checks are run every Monday. In addition, we have tightened up our attendance policy to ensure students are in school daily and in a timely fashion so that they are in class learning. WHS welcomed the new year with six new staff members: Mike Burchett - Math Teacher & Athletic Coach, Dominique Biello - RSP Teacher and Girls Bas-ketball Coach, Omar Garza - PE and Health & Wellness Teacher and Cross Country Coach, Celina Martinez - English Teacher, Catharine Darr - Choir Teacher and Codee Bontrager new Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor. WHS now has a school Pep Squad of Song Leaders and Yell Leaders, led by volunteer advisor and Tulare County Office of Education satellite class teacher for students with intellectual disabilities and staff member Irene Barba (WHS Alumni Class of 1978). We look forward to what the future brings as our Football Teams both have a 3-1 record thus far! Be ready to get star struck with performances from our Band and Color Guard, as they have grown in numbers and are sounding superb! The old Auto Shop has been converted into a Fitness Center which was renovated and expanded in August of 2012. Many students, staff members and community members came together to assist with the clean up and set up of our new fitness equipment. Our Fitness Center has recently opened up to all student athletes. We will continue to seek additional funding to enhance

Homecoming is always a traditionally fun event for any local High School. Woodlake High School held a very “un-traditional” one this year because their Robinson Painter Stadium - Leo Robinson Field is undergoing a major trans-formation this fall due to the result of the passage of Measure C several years ago. The long awaited renovation is in full swing and the use of the stadium was not an option. Enter, Ramon Lara, recently hired Business Manager for the City of Woodlake and Lisa Castillo, Woodlake High School Principal, just begin-ning her second year at the helm. Both are Woodlake High School alumnus. The City, High School and several local organizations worked together to provide the Community of Woodlake one of the largest, most successful events in our small town in many years. This hugely successful evening was made possible by the “Step-Up “Program, a countywide program designed to offer positive activities to keep kids out of gangs. It is funded through Tulare County Board of Supervi-sors. They rely on the recommendations given by the Tulare County Youth Com-

mission as to which communities should receive monies. On the evening of Friday, September 28th several thousand people converged on Miller Brown Park also known as Woodlake City Park for an old fashioned community picnic. There was some type of fun for everyone, regardless of age or gender. Countless games were available for kids with no charge to participate, yet you could win great prizes. Many were donated by local merchants. There were many informational-type booths that told citizens of different resources available in the community. Everyone in attendance was fed delicious hamburgers and hot dogs, chips and drinks and all free of charge. Music mingled in the air along with the bar-b-que aroma and it resembled a huge family or class reunion. The evening cumulated with a Homecoming parade with the traditional class floats and the introduction of the Homecoming Queen and King candidates. By the approving roars from the crowd after the announcement of Edith Pena (daughter of Gustavo and Zenaida Pena), newly crowned Queen and Erik Rodriguez, (son of Jose and Inosensia Rodriguez) King, it seemed that no one missed the old dirt track of the aged stadium, at least for the time being. For the WHS students their night was capped off by a dance held across the street at the “Tiger’s Den, which is part of the Community Center, named for Frances and Doris White. The Tiger’s Den is run by the local division of the YMCA here in Woodlake. There were many agencies and organizations that played a role in the produc-tion of this event and they are: City of Woodlake, Woodlake Police Department, Family Health Care Network, Woodlake Fire District, Woodlake Unified School District, Woodlake Kiwanis Club, Woodlake Lions Club, Woodlake Rotary, Food-link of Tulare county, Turning Point Sequoia Youth Services,YMCA, Woodlake Valley Chamber Commerce, Sunset Waste Systems, Wireless Eye/US Tower, Twi-light Park, Tulare County Sheriff’s Department, Tulare County Probation Depart-ment , The County of Tulare and many, many countless volunteers. Thanks to all agencies involved, our students and citizens enjoyed each other’s company on a beautiful fall evening that went off without a hitch!! Thank You!!! For more information about the Step-Up Program visit:...................................www.StepUpTc.com

A MESSAGE FROM OUR WHS PRINCIPALour fitness center so that our students can get physically fit and conditioned to be competitive in all male/female sports. WHS faced another challenge this year as volunteer Lisa Lieberman could no longer be an advisor to our Journalism students and WHS did not have the financial means to pay a certificated employee to teach a journalism course. In June and July, newly appointed City Manager Ramon Lara communicated to me that Bruce Kopitar of US Towers/Twilight Park and the City of Woodlake were both interested in having a local newspaper that would involve the City of Woodlake, the High School and the Private Industry to develop a commu-nity oriented newspaper. This paper will benefit all the residents in the City of Woodlake and especially the students that will help in the development of the newspaper. I put on my Journalism Advisor hat, was happy to get a new staff member to volunteer her services to the Journalism Club and WHS Journalism students got to work in August and September. While there have been a few setbacks; we are all excited to see the first issue in print! The first issue will be free; however, WHS Journalism students have much work ahead as they will be selling advertisement space to local businesses and or community members. Owner Bruce Kopitar of US Towers & Twilight Park will assist with purchas-ing newspaper vending machines to sell our local Tiger Times in the future. All proceeds will go back to the Journalism Club to pay for printing costs. Our Journalism staff includes the following students: Co-Editors Maryrose Kulick and Cindy Ortega, Jessica Diaz, Joee Denis, Irene Ortiz, Juan Cainas, Lauren Moore, Daisy Guardardo, Kathryn Castillo and Genesis Teran. Look for our issues coming soon! We at WHS welcome each and every one of you to visit our campus and con-nect with our youth to continue the legacy of “Once a Tiger, Always A Tiger” We look forward forward to seeing you and serving our students and com-munityLisa Castillo WHS Class of 1986 – WHS Principal

Homecoming DJ Louis (Louie) Lopez Class of 2000 –ASB President

The Woodlake Unified School District opened its doors to students on Thursday, August 16. In this first year of unification, school prin-cipals and staffs are getting acclimated to the sounds of what it means to be one district. Professional Development, student goals, raising individual student achievement, and encouraging participation in ac-tivities outside of the classroom are now consistent across Woodlake schools. A beautiful aspect of schools is that we all have second chances to make first impressions on that first day of school. No matter what occurred previously, the slate is clean and we start over, students with no grades and teachers with new students. What a wonderful oppor-tunity to make new year resolutions in August! Tiger Pride is alive and well in these first six weeks of school. The field renovation is on schedule and the extra-curricular and co-curricular activities are in fast mode. Please continue to come out and support these events at WHS. Our unified board thanks you for all of your contributions to the WHS Foundation and to our Woodlake community. It is through people like you that Woodlake remains a vibrant district! Sincerely, Drew S. Sorensen, Superintendent

A NOTE FROM OUR SUPERINTENDENTCHRISTMAS TIGER STYLE The Woodlake High School Foundation will be holding their First Annual “Tiger Pride” Christmas Tree Raffle this Winter Season. Up for grabs will be a 6ft. artificial, lit, beautifully decorated Christmas Tree decked out Tiger Style. The tree will be on display in The Woodlake High School main office beginning November 13, 2012 when tickets will officially go on sale. The drawing will be held Friday, December 14th and the winner will be contacted at that time. If the winner lives within a 30 mile radius of the High School, the tree will be delivered free to the winner. Cost for the tickets is only $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. Tickets may be purchased from Frances Mann in the Main Office of WHS or from any Woodlake High School Foundation Board Member. For questions please contact Frances Mann at 564-3307. All of the funds raised for this event will go directly to fund scholarships for graduating seniors for the 2013 school year. If you are the lucky winner of the tree and choose not to receive it, you can specify a deserving local family or organization you would like to donate it to. The Tiger Spirit this tree will bring will provide a Roaring Great Holiday Season!!!

Volunteerism is alive and well in Woodlake! That is evidenced by the wonderful group of community members that donate their time and efforts to make the Woodlake High School Foundation a success! The sole purpose of the organization is to raise money to reward WHS stu-dent’s academic achievements through scholarships that will help pay for their college pursuits. Many deserving students benefit from these awards which are given to graduating seniors each May just before they graduate. For many it is the difference between going to college or not. The following is an example of the gratitude expressed by one student in May 2012. Dear Woodlake High School Foundation: I am honored to be one of the recipients of the Woodlake Founda-tion Scholarship. Thanks to your generous support I am the first in my family to attend college. Growing up in a less privileged community has not only offered financial and academic challenges, but it has more importantly made me realize the value of a college education. There-fore, my plans after high school are to attend Fresno State University and while being there, pursue my career goal in counseling. With this scholarship money I plan to pay for my books and pay for my tuition. Once again, thank you for your generosity. Sincerely, Janet Zaragoza - Class of 2012 I am happy to report that Janet is currently attending Fresno State and is flourishing very well. Through her hard work at WHS and the schol-arships she so deservedly received, she is able to pursue her dream. Our combined efforts have made a difference in her life and many others. Would you like to make a difference in a child’s life? Your finan-cial donations and support of our fundraiser efforts will do just that. All donations are tax deductible, since we are recognized as a non-profit foundation by both the state and federal government (EIN #77-0285500). Thank you!! Dee Rochin, WHS Foundation President 2012-2013 For more information on Woodlake High School Foundation visit our website at www.woodlakefoundation.org or call WHS office 564-3307

A NOTE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Surely, one of the most charismatic families to reside here in Woodlake must be the Robles-Ortiz family. Maybe they are your neighbor, a fellow volunteer or just another die-hard Tiger fan, but almost all of us know at least one member of the clan.

Here’s how they began. Frances Sotomayor Ortiz, moved to Woodlake in 1966 from Arizona because her parents lived here. She thought it would be a nice place to live, work and raise her family. She was 26 years old, divorced, pregnant and had three young daughters all under the age of five. The following year, she gave birth to her fourth daughter Irene, who was born in Exeter California. Frances is not a WHS Alumni, but has contributed so much to Woodlake, that she is considered a true TIGER. Frances was born and raised in Arizona and graduated from Tempe High School in 1958. When she arrived here in Wood-lake, she worked in her father’s grocery store, Ben’s Cash Mar-ket on East Naranjo near the old Boas Minnow Farm. The store is still in existence but now is named Tono’s Market. She worked as a cashier, a butcher and did a little bit of everything in the family store. She was a great softball player and an even better pitcher, playing for the Woodlake Roadrun-ners. She was clocked at 93 mph when she traveled with her team to Bridgeport Connecticut for the World Tournament in 1958. She played softball from age 11 until she was well into her 40’s. In 1958, she was inducted into Tempe Arizona High Schools Hall of Fame along with John Vincent Sr. another Woodlake resident. In 1970, she married Cornelio Ortiz Sr., who currently works for Hellwig Products in Visalia, and gave birth to her only son Cornelio Ortiz Jr. in 1972. Frances has had many job includ-ing; worked in the fields picking oranges and packing grapes, and a sewing machine operator. In Woodlake, she worked for Head Start, and for Woodlake F.J. White Learning Center. Frances worked for the Woodlake Police Department for 11 years, as a dispatcher and Reserve Officer under two dif-ferent Chief of Police administrations (Raymond Sands and Bert Mayfield). She attended night classes at COS working on her associate arts degree. Frances retired after working 13 years, for Tulare County Adult Services. Currently she is a

Notary Public and an AARP Mature Driver Instructor. In her spare time, she is also a volunteer with the County of Tulare aiding people that need assistance with Medicare health issues and information. Frances has four daughters from her first marriage, which include Flora Robles Marquez, Mary Helen Robles Runnels, Lupe Robles Pinon, Irene Robles Teraoka and one son from her second marriage, Cornelio Ortiz Jr. All of her children were outstanding Tiger Athletes! The eldest daughter Flora, played volleyball, basketball, and track and field at WHS. She was the Outstanding Senior Girl Athlete of 1979. She attended the College of Sequoias and then married and became a mother of seven. Presently, she is work-ing at the Woodlake Hardware Store. She has coached AYSO soccer for many years and also coached the Woodlake Junior High Schools Girls basketball and the boys and girls track and field teams. She also coached Track and Field at Woodlake High School. All of her seven children, Roderick, Vincent, Beto, Florence, Annette, Gabby and Rebekah have attended Woodlake schools and have participated in Woodlake sports. Her second daughter Mary Helen Robles Runnels played basketball, volleyball and swam. She was also a mascot for the Woodlake cheerleading squad and she was a flag girl for the marching band. She graduated in 1981 and after graduating she attended College of the Sequoias. While attending COS, she participated on their swim team and also received her AS de-gree in Nursing. She is currently a registered nurse for Fresno County. She has six children, Tressa, Malachi, Micah, Math-ias, Nathaniel and Miles. She also has three grandchildren, Taylor, Maddox and Mason. Her third daughter Lupe Robles Pinon, played volleyball, basketball and track and field. She graduated in 1982 and was named MVP of all three sports. She participated at the state level in Track and Field for two years and was Valley Cham-pion in shot put her senior year. She was the 1981 football homecoming queen and the outstanding female athlete of the year in 1982. She attended COS and participated in track and field and cross country. In 1984, she was named COS Giant of the year in track and field. She received her AA degree in Math and Science. She is currently working in the field of Corrections with the title of Parole Service Associate. She has two sons, Tyson and Lorenzo Pinon, who both have graduated WHS and excelled in all levels of academics and sports. They both are currently attending Bakersfield City College. Tyson is on their school wrestling team and Lorenzo is on the basketball team. At this time, she is also known as the Famous Woodlake Cheerleader and cheers for Woodlake Youth Football. Her fourth daughter, Irene Robles Teraoka played volley-ball, basketball, swimming and softball and was MVP in all of those sports. Her basketball team competed at the State level and won. She was even given the honor of being named MVP at the state tournament. She graduated in 1985 and was named Outstanding Female Athlete her senior year. She was basket-ball homecoming queen and student body class president. Irene was also the Salutatorian of her class. She attended COS and excelled in school and all four sports again. She was on the COS state champion basketball team. She graduated

WOODLAKE’S - ROBLES-ORTIZ FAMILY

Front Row: Mary Helen Robles, Francis Ortiz, Cornelius Ortiz Jr., Back Row: Irene Robles, Cornelio Ortiz, Lupe Robles, Flora Robles

Article by Irene Ortiz WHS Class of 2013

from COS as a scholar athlete and received a Master’s degree in education from Fresno Pacific University. She is currently a teacher at Buchannan High School in Clovis. She was also on the Fresno Pacific State Basketball team and a member of their NAIA National Volleyball Championship team in 1989. She is married to Kerry Teraoka of Fresno and they have three chil-dren together, Brent, Jordyn and Caleb. All three kids are out-standing scholar athletes. Brent plays water polo and swims, Jordyn plays badminton, and Caleb wrestles and plays football. Cornelio Ortiz Jr., played basketball and football. He was first team all-league in football 1989. He was a member of the Championship football team coached by Coach Leo Robinson in 1988 and 1989. In 1989 they went undefeated. He gradu-ated in 1990 and was a proud member of the United States Marine Corp. He then attended COS receiving a certification as an Auto Mechanic. He is currently the owner of Ortiz Au-tomotive in Woodlake. He has three children, Irene, Corny and Austin. Irene and Corny are currently attending WHS and all three children participate in sports and community events. He is a proud member of Woodlake and enjoys giving back to the community. He is currently the president of the Woodlake Youth Football program. Frances and her husband, Corny Sr., have always been hard workers. They instilled in their children and grandchildren that nothing comes free and nothing is ever easy. “If it was easy then everyone could do it”, they were heard to say. As a citizen of Woodlake, Frances likes Woodlake because she feels Wood-

WOODLAKE’S - ROBLES-ORTIZ FAMILY Continued

Frances Marie (Chimenti) Johnson passed away. August 30, 2012 at her Visalia home. Her grandaugh-ter Annette Pearcy was a Woodlake High School Graduate - WHS Class of 1994. Upon her passing Fran requested that her daughter Diana Pearcy create a Scholarship Fund in memory of her grandaughter Annie Pearcy, a talented artist who passed away in 2007. The Pearcy Family hopes that this scholarship will allow others to grow and succeed in their lives. If you would like to make a donation in memory of Annie, please send donations to the: Annie Pearcy Memorial Scholarship, Woodlake High School Foundation, PO Box 475, Woodlake, Ca 93286.

ANNIE PEARCY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Front Row:Cornelio Ortiz, Francis Ortiz, Mary Helen Robles,

Back Row:Flora Robles, Lupe Robles, Cornelio Ortiz Jr., Irene Robles

lake is a safe and comfortable environment where she can relax and watch her grandchildren grow up. Irene, her granddaughter says, “I’ve always loved to sit around and listen to stories about my aunts and my dad. I love to hear about all they have accom-plished, including their Championships and what it was like playing basketball back in the day.”

IN THE MILITARY - AARON DUNN Woodlake’s once a Tiger, always a Tiger motto comes in real handy, especially if you’re in the Military. That has been the case for 2005 graduate Aaron Dunn aka 1st LT Aaron C. Dunn (2/A BTRY 2-77FA) who is currently serving in Afghanistan. Aaron is the son of Darren and Jenny Dunn of Three Rivers, California. Darren is a 1979 graduate of WHS and is the Director of Maintenance, Operations and Trans-portation for the Woodlake Unified School District. Aaron graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2009, Majored in History with a minor in Military Science. He attended Army ROTC (Lumberjack Battalion) during the 4 years at Northern Arizona University. He is currently serving as the Platoon Leader for 2nd Platoon, Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion 77th Field Artillery Regiment at FOB Joyce in Kunar Afghanistan (Shorthand is 2/A 2-77FA 4IBCT 4ID). He leads a Platoon of M777A2 155mm Howitzers in support of 2nd Battalion 12th Infantry Regiment. Aaron serves as one of two Fire Direction Officers within the platoon NS and is responsible for leading the platoon during training and combat, ensuring the howit-zers are laid and safe, and accurate firing data is sent to the howitzers, as well as the logistical side of platoon operations. Aaron is a graduate of the US Army’s Field Artillery Basic Officer Leadership Course, the Infantry Basic Mortar Leadership Course (how to shoot mortars) and the Joint Fires Observer Course. In the future Aaron plans on attending the Joint Fires Course, Ranger School and the Field Artillery Captains Career Course.

Aaron is currently stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado where he lives with his wife, Le-anne Befort Dunn (formerly of Visalia) and his daughter, Emma Renee who just turned 1 this September. Aaron wishes to thank his wife and family whose constant support has been wonderful. He also wants to thank to all those back home who are supporting and praying for our Soldiers de-ployed to combat zones across the world, and for all the support he had as he sought a com-mission to serve his country. While Aaron was in high school, he was golf captain for 3 years, played football all 4 years, voted most likely to succeed top ten and was in FFA/Ag mech. He helped establish the first WHS Veterans Honor Day and was voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by his peers. Aaron asked us to particularly express thanks to our local business, US Towers, for making a great product. He is convinced that the equipment they make has directly been instrumental in saving American soldier’s lives.Aaron is definitely one Tiger who makes us proud!! In Aaron’s words: “God, Family, Country”

WOODLAKE HIGH SCHOOL

CONTRIBUTION INFORMATION Please Indicate the Use of Your Donation:

❑ ACADEMICS i.e.Mock Trial, Academic Decathlon Name of Program __________________________________

❑ ARTS i.e. Drama, Choir, Band, Art Name of Program __________________________________

❑ ATHLETICS Sport _____________________________________________

❑ OTHER Specify____________________________________________

❑ GREATEST NEED

❑ AGRICULTURE

❑ STADIUM BLEACHER PROJECT

❑ ENDOWMENT FUND/LONG TERM OPTIONS (For more information call Ted Gill (559) 733-7211)

❑ IN MEMORY OF: __________________________________________________________________________________________

❑ SCHOLARSHIP: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Criteria: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

❑ SCHOLARSHIP SELECTED BY: (please specify)

❑ Woodlake High Foundation Scholarship Selection Committee or

❑ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

CONTACT PERSON: _________________________________________________________________________________

PHONE: __________________________________ EMAIL: __________________________________________________

Prerequisite for Payment (ex. proof of registration as a full time student) ______________________________________________

SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT:____________________

Donor’s Name:_____________________________________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________ City:_____________________State: _____ Zip Code: _________

Phone: _________________________ E-Mail Address: __________________________________________________

Amount of My Gift: $________________

Payment with Credit Card is now available at our website www.woodlakefoundation.org – click on DonateFor further information contact Sally Pace 559-564-2054 or runningp64@gmail.com

or Ana Carretero carretero676@juno.com or call Woodlake Union High School 559-564-3307

Visit: www.WoodlakeFoundation.org For More InformationBE SURE TO CLAIM YOUR TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION EIN# 77-0285500

FOUNDATIONFOUNDATION

The Publishing of this Foundation newsletterwas funded by the WHS Foundation.

Publishing Team:Lauri Polly

and the WHS Foundation Board of Directors

OUR FOUNDATION GOALS The purpose of our foundation is to gener-ate significant financial support for projects which otherwise would not be possible within the budget of our district. Individuals or businesses interested in con-tributing to the WHS Foundation are encour-aged to contact any of the members of the board or

Call WHS at (559)-564-3307

MARK YOUR CALENDARDate: Event:October 19 Career DayNovember 10 Hispanic Gran BaileNovember 15-18 WHS Drama Program Presents: Honestly Now!December 21- Woodlake Awards ApplicationsJanuary 15 Available

December 20- Winter Break - Schools OutJanuary 10 March 2 Woodlake Awards DinnerMay 3 Spring DinnerMay 11&12 Woodlake Lions Rodeo

ADVERTISE YOUR CLASS REUNIONSIf you would like to have your reunion advertised in the newsletter,

please contact Sally Pace at 559 805-3975 or email: runningp64@gmail.com

Visit the WHS Website - www.woodlakefoundation.org

ADVISORY BOARD

President ......................................... Dee RochinVice President .............................. Mary ScharnTreasurer .................................... Ana CarreteroRecording Secretary ................Terry ThompsonCorresponding Secretary ............. Frances Mann

• Valerie Abanathie • George Betancur • Ana Carretero • Ginger Curtis • Alice Fesperman • Larry Garcia • Melissa Garcia • Cathy Garza • Barbara Hallmeyer • Frances Mann • Mike Marquez • Sally Pace

• Carmita Pena • Dee Rochin • Mary Scharn • Terry Thompson • Cindy Fisher • Todd Johnson • Raquel Rivas • Rob Spahn • Debbie Stevenson • Penny Urena • Amy Shaver • Kenna Zimmerman

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERS

• Tony Casares • Ted Gill • Jeff Johnson • Jim Johnson • Sandy Owen • Lisa Castillo

• Rick Rodriguez • Drew Sorensen • Rachel Katz • Holly Crain Peltzer• Diana Pearcy • Brian Vaccaro

P.O. Box 475Woodlake CA. 93286

Tax-Exempt EIN # 77-0285500

Nonprofit Org

US Postage

PAIDKast & Company