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WINTER 2001-2002

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

After guiding the Alumni Association into the new millennium, Rick Mahn (S’59) has decided to step down.  His five years on the Board of Directors and two years as president have seen a tremendous growth in giving to our alma mater.

During his two years as president, $4,000 was given to the Industrial Arts programs, $5,000 to the Foreign Language department, $4,000 to the English department, $5,000 to the Science department, $1,000 to the Health department, $6,000 to the Mathematics department, $4,000 to the Social Studies department, $7,000 to the Performing Arts department, and $4,000 in scholarships!

The pleasure he must have felt signing those checks to know the good it will be doing for the students of Van Nuys High School.

Picture in your mind’s eye, the smiles on the student’s faces as they received their scholarships, the awards received as a first year robotics team placed ahead of twenty experienced schools, the wonder as they saw new vistas on videos, or that light bulb that goes on when they have learned something new in science or math class.  This was done with your money!

You, too, can feel that same pleasure when you write your check to the Van Nuys High School Alumni Association.

All this hype aside, you the Alumni, can make a difference.  Van Nuys has a very proud tradition of producing leaders in many different areas of life.  This could be discovering Legionnaire’s Disease, inventing the internet, serving our country and communities, or even just fixing your car.

This letter is going out to almost twelve thousand fellow graduates.  Some six hundred of which have given every year.  (We love you dearly.)  About twelve hundred have given one or two times in the last three years.  (We still love you because every little bit helps.)  I hope the rest of you realize that your tax-deductible donation will further the education of every student it touches.  (You’re still our fellow alumni and we love you anyway.)

I hope more of you will become members of this organization soon.

TERRY STOLLER '76

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

The tragic events of September 11th have served to give our Nation, Community and School a new sense of unity.  The forces that attacked us on September 11th wish to take away our freedom by making us slaves to our own fears of terrorism.

We can defeat these forces by refusing to abandon our traditional school events, activities and celebrations.  Athletic events, Club days, and dances are events that most of us will remember for years after we complete high school.  In these turbulent times we must take advantage of opportunities to celebrate and to show our school spirit.  Our theme for Homecoming this year is to honor the Firefighters, Police Officers and Emergency Service workers who put themselves at risk to insure our safety. 

This year has become very special because of the national tragedy of September 11th.  We should maintain our traditions and not be deterred by the forces that wish to change our way of life.  Homecoming, Dances, School and Club experiences give our students of today something in common with all the Van Nuys Wolves who have enjoyed activities in past years.  Our traditions are precious because they help to define who we are and help to connect us with the history of our school.

HERM CLAY

PAST PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

It has been an amazing two years that I have been your president.  A lot of things have transpired during “my watch” that were significant (in some cases) and insignificant (in others).

The membership in our organization has increased somewhat – but not to the extent that we really need to be an outstanding supporter of our Alma Mater.

Terry Stoller is our new president.  He will do an outstanding job.  He is the athletic director for Van Nuys High, an instructor at the school, as well as a graduate with the Class of 1976.

It has been, for me, an enjoyable run and it is really amazing getting involved with the high school scene and be an integral part of it.

I will still be involved with the Alumni Association and helping with the planning and carrying out of the new and improving programs that we are able to help the school with.

In closing, we really do need your help – both physically and financially - with our on-going work with the school.  So take a look at your calendar for the year and plan on attending our meetings on the first Thursday of each month at the school in the Library – I’ll see you there!

Thanks for your support.

RICH MAHN '59

TREASURER'S REPORT

On a year to date basis the Van Nuys High School Alumni Association has raised a total of more than $25,000.  The majority of those funds came from your dues and a few very generous donations.  That amount exceeds both of the last two years by at least $4,000.  The entire Van Nuys High School community is immensely grateful to you for your extraordinary generosity.

With these funds we have been able to make grants to the School totaling nearly $16,000 and the year isn’t over yet.  As we have in the past four years, two very deserving graduates were given scholarships in the amount of $1,000 year.  Additionally, a grant in the amount o $5,000 was made toward a major refurbishment program in the Hubbard Auditorium and $6,000 was donated for a dance floor for the performing Arts Magnet School.  In keeping with the goal of focus on constant student improvement, our Principal, Mr. Herm Clay, requested a grant of $1,200 to support a monthly recognition program for students who distinguish themselves.

But our work is never really done.  Printing and postage costs constantly rise so we must work even harder to both raise funds and contain costs.  While we thank you for your generous support, we are always grateful for additional donations and membership referrals.  When you chat with classmates, or go to your reunions, please do tell your friends that you belong to this fine Association and encourage them to join as well.

BOB RODINE '57

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY'S REPORT

Here it is another year and we are happy to report that we are finding many “lost” alumni.  Slowly, but surely.  Guess they’re done being the parent, “the car”, ‘cause their children all have their own cars to go to play soccer, football, basketball, etc., etc. ad infinitum.  Now, they have the time to recall all the great times they had at good old VNHS!  Now it’s a chance to give some good times to their children...by joining and rejoining their ALUMNI Association here at the school.

WE ALL THANK YOU AND THE SCHOOL THANKS YOU TOO!!!

The dynamite scholarships and prizes the students have accrued since we have been assisting them with YOUR donations are phenomenal.  So pat yourselves on the back and stand aside.  Our school is head and shoulders above many of their peer schools and it is all YOUR FAULT!!!  Keep up the great work...(You know you’re always welcome to join us once a month on the first Thursday at 6:30 in the school Library).  And it’s not too late to go out for a bite afterwards!

DOTT STAGE '44