Membership renewals are due if you didn’t renew in the fall. Please send in your renewal-tax-deductible contribution to our scholarship fund. College costs are rising, so please help our stu-dents to meet these ex-

penses.

Ron Fraser was friend and mentor to teachers

Ron Fraser, a longtime educator in the Edmonds School District passed away on March 30, 2011 in Kennewick WA after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Jean, an Edmonds elementary teacher, his son, Doug, and two grandchildren-Ashley and Brooke. Ron was a people person. He had the ability to foster relationships with students, staff and parents that were deep, meaningful and pro-found. His professional career started in the wheat fields of Kahlotus, WA in 1958 as a sci-ence and history teacher. He drove a bus and harvested wheat driving a combine in the sum-

mer. He met and married Jean. In 1962, he became a counselor at Chief Moses Junior High School and worked on his administrative credentials. Doug was born and he moved to Ed-monds where Ron became Vice-Principal at Mountlake Terrace HS in 1967. He spent three years at MTHS and then became principal at Meadowdale HS from 1969 to 1982. Ron was a staple at night events that involved MHS. The greatest gift he gave was to always be there for the school and people that he had the privilege to represent. He took that role very seriously because he wanted people to know that he cared. In 1982, he moved to EHS and finished his career at the same time the school closed to rebuild the new EWHS opening in 1990. After retiring, Ron and Jean moved to Kennewick, WA where they spent the next twenty years traveling extensively and enjoying retirement. Every win-ter they would head to Arizona, but also visits to Portugal and New Zealand. They took many cruises and enjoyed spending time with their granddaughters. Ron always tried to make a difference with the people he interacted with in his career. He always wanted to let people know they were valued, made a difference and were helping mold our next generation of children into adult lead-ers. Those were the values that were always core to his philosophy.

Ron’s story by Doug Fraser, son, MHS 1984

(editor’s note) I worked for Ron at MHS, and he was one of the best principals that I knew. He had a perfect way to get you to do something new or different for him. As you went through the faculty room, he would wave you over and ask if you had a moment. Then, he would reveal the new idea that he had and ask you to consider it. You usually walked out having agreed to an idea or new task that you had never considered. He changed my life twice by this technique and al-ways for the better. Thanks Ron. You were the best.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Donors And

Scholarships 2

Jim Rothnie

Athletic Director 3

Year books

New Meadowdale Middle

4

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Volume 18 Issue 2 Spring 2012-EM

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DONORS and SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships awarded are made possible by the following individuals and companies:

Legacy Club ($1000+): Robert B. Anderson-retired staff; Doug (EHS ’59) and Carol (Odegaard) Boseck (EHS’60) - Boseck Family Voc/Tech Scholarship; Dana and Sheryl Caldart - Douglas Caldart Vocal Music Scholarship; Mary Cote - Fred Donadel Memorial Music Scholarship; Mike Gubsch (WHS ‘81) and Charlie Pascoe (WHS ‘78) - Robinhood Lanes Scholarship; Dee Lee - Ron Lee Memorial Scholarship; Gary Manchester (EHS ’60) - Manchester Building Trades Schol-arships; Darlene McIntosh - McIntosh Family Voc/Tech Scholarships; Joe (EHS ’60) and Sharon (Peterson) McIntosh (MTHS ’63) - McIntosh Family Voc/Tech Scholarships; Stuart Michelson (EHS ‘79) - Michelson Family Scholarship; Freda Zimmerman Griffin (MTHS ’66). Tradition Club ($500+): Alpha Delta Kappa Mu Chapter– Barbara Escandon Memorial Scholarship; Phil Escandon - Barbara Escandon Memorial Scholarship; Doug Fraser (MHS ’84) - Ron Fraser Memorial Scholarship; Sadie Fraser - Ron Fraser Memorial Scholarship; John Garner (EHS ’49); Dell and Carole (Jenkins) Lowell (both EHS ’60); Lynnwood High School Joyce Johnson and Andrea Coglon proceeds from plant sale and crafts bazaar to Lynnwood High School Retirees Scholarship; Carl and Jeanne Zimmerman - retired staff and friends of ESDAA.

Leaders Club ($250+): Robert Brine (EHS ‘48); Richard Gourley - retired ESD staff; Rick Harper (EHS ’65); Gary Jones (EHS ’70) - Westgate Travel; Kaye (Bailey) Loughmiller (EHS ‘60); Sheryl McIntosh (MTHS ’63); REIT Manage-ment and Research LLC; Jim Rothnie - retired ESD staff; Joe and Judy Sambataro - friends of ESDAA; Fred Shull (EHS

‘60); Nick Stack (MTHS ‘86) - Aldercrest Auto Rebuild; Bob Wilcox (EHS ‘70).

President’s Club ($100+): Pete (EHS ‘74) and Leigh Bennett (EHS ‘75) - Bennett & Bennett Law Firm; Jo and Bruce Caldwell - retired staff - Don Fitzgerald Memorial Scholarship; Art Carson - Ron Fraser Memorial Scholarship; Cloud Strategies - New Jersey - Ron Fraser Memorial Scholarship; Andrea Coglon - Lynnwood High School Retirees Scholar-ship; Jack (EHS ‘58) and Sue (Collins) Eschrich (EHS ‘60); Linda Fitzgerald - retired staff, Ernie - retired staff and Dorothy Goshorn - to LHS retirees scholarship; Carol Hardan - Douglas Caldart Memorial Vocal Music Scholarship; Robert and Carol Hollenbeck - Ron Fraser Memorial Scholarship; Eva Mehaffey; Barbara Sivertsen - retired staff; Carla Skoglund - Ron Fraser Memorial Scholarship; Helen Smith - Wesley Birkett-Smith Ski School Scholarship; Nancy and Kevin Smith - Wesley Birkett-Smith Ski School Scholarship; Dorothy (Langseth) (EHS ’60) Stansberry; Dorothy Thomp-son - Wesley Birkett-Smith Ski School Scholarship; Meriel Miller - Tri City Court Club - Kennewick - Ron Fraser Memo-

rial Scholarship; Barbara (Buerge) (EHS ’59) Truax.

A special thank you to The Hazel Miller Foundation for their grant of $25,000 worth of scholarships.

Edmonds School District teachers and staff gifts through United Way 2010-2011. Christopher Brown, Debbie Ja-

kala, Colleen(Jurgens) Loewen, (MHS ‘68), Jennifer Piplic, and five anonymous donors.

$2000 Matching Grant from the State of Washington.

Corporate donor (matching and other funds): New York Life Insurance Company matches $300 for Freda Zimmer-

man (MTHS ‘66).

AT&T is matching a $120 donation by Mary Cote.

Hazel Miller Foundation $1700 to help fund newsletters.

Membership is growing. We appreciate your effort. Please keep sending in the individual memberships to help build the

scholarship funds.

Thanks to Home Street Bank for paying $150 to help mail newsletters.

Thanks to Bill Loughrin (WHS ’78) and Company for helping us with our year end taxes.

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ESDAA adds Paypal to website

Paypal is available on the ESDAA website, www.esdalumni.org. You can sign up for it for $15 single or $25 double yearly and become a member of the ESDAA. If you wish to make a scholarship donation of $100, $250, $500, $1000 etc. you can also use this new feature. Stacey, our coordinator, can be contacted at spedersen@comcast.net

Jim Rothnie served as teacher, coach and athletic director

Jim Rothnie was born in the family home on Beacon Hill in Seat-tle, WA. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1948. Jim enrolled at UW and earned a BA in Education and his teaching certificate in 1952. He finished his fifth year certificate and completed a MA in 1960. Jim worked for the Seattle Park Department for six years while a student at the UW. Jim’s first teaching job was at the junior high school in Leaven-worth, WA. He taught US history, health, and physical education. He started coaching high school football and basketball as an assistant coach. He was the head coach for baseball. He graduated from the UW on a Friday and started teaching the next Monday. Jim’s Edmonds adventure begin in 1954. He taught World His-tory and was an assistant coach for basketball and track at EHS. Later, he was the head baseball coach. In 1959, he accepted a position to work in the physical education and athletic program. Jim served as the ESD athletic director for 27 years. The district was growing from one high school to five high schools, and from four junior highs to eight junior highs. The most significant change and expansion of the athletic program in the United States came with the enactment of Title IX. This act opened the opportunity for girls to participate in interscholastic athlet-ics and doubled the size of the program. Staffing was more difficult because of a double levy failure which resulted in a reduction of staff. To provide coaches for the expansion the district began hiring non-staff people. This is now standard practice throughout the state and enables districts to manage their staffing needs. Title IX dramatically changed school athletics for the better for all students. Jim continued his professional career by serving on the NW District Activities Association Board for 16 years. In addition, he was involved with the Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association and was a member of the representative assembly for 10 years. Jim retired from ESD in 1986, but he stayed active with his love of athletics. He continued to be active in interscholastic athletics for another 10 years. He served as the secretary for the NWIAA for 6 years, and worked on a number of projects for the WIAA. Jim was a member of the management staff for the AAA boys state basketball tournament for a number of years. Jim has received important awards to complement his career. He received the Hal Moe award from the NWIAA, the Gary Giles award from the WIAA, and the Living Legend award from the Ed-monds School District joining other distinguished ESD employees. In 1983, he was elected the state ath-letic director of the year, and to the WSSAA’s hall of fame in 1988. (editor’s note) Jim Rothnie was a teacher, coach and friend to all of us who played or worked for him. He was patient and kind. I worked for him in the athletic department as a ticket manager at the stadium and at MHS high school. I started as a parking lot attendant during the Metro league years. He oversaw athletics from a small, hometown operation to a big enter-prise as we grew to five high schools. He solved problems as the district grew and worked with hundreds of people. Just get-ting staff or the hundreds of volunteers was incredible. He supported all the programs large or small. Thanks Jim.

Donate your old yearbooks or order a missing one

Are your old memories gathering dust in the garage in the form of old yearbooks? The ESDAA is gath-ering unneeded books. We would like to catalogue one year for each school. Please consider donating these books. We cannot take all that are out there, so e-mail fitzdl@aol.com to see if we have storage for the extra books. Now, for the other side of the equation. Are you looking for a particular year? Look at our list of du-plicate years and e-mail Linda at fitzdl@aol.com if you would like that book. Consider making a donation for scholarships and a bit to cover postage to acquire the book. This is an experiment for a new service so bear with us as we give it a try. We loan the books to classes to use for their reunions and also get many requests about yearbooks for a particular class and school. Here is a list of books that are available: Lynnwood -91, 92, 93, 95, and 96. Ed-monds - 29, 30, 31, 32, 35, 36, 37, 38, 40, 41, 42, 42, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 52, 53, 57, 58, 59, 60, 63, 64, 69, 70, 74, and 87. Madrona Jr - 79.

Page 4

Gordy Smith started new traditions at Meadowdale Middle

In the fall of 2011 a newly rebuilt Meadowdale Middle School was opened with 7th and 8th grade students. The construction was funded by the voter-approved 2006 Capital Construction Bond, which also funded the construction of the new Lynnwood High School. The original Meadowdale Junior High School was opened in 1964 and was constructed during a time when the Edmonds School District was expanding rapidly. Schools had to be built quickly to keep up with the influx of families moving into the area. As these buildings have aged they have been replaced with new facilities that will serve our students for many years to come. Gordon (Gordy) Smith was the first principal of Meadowdale Junior High School in 1964 after beginning his career teaching in Northshore for one year and then moving to Alderwood Elementary in 1951 teaching and coaching 8th graders. When the first junior high school in the district opened in 1954, Lynnwood Junior

High, Gordy went there to teach and coach. In 1958 he went to Edmonds Junior High School as an Assistant Principal. Then he moved to Meadowdale as principal in 1964 and to Brier Junior High in 1976. He retired in 1980 and passed away in 1999. His wife, Ruby, began in Edmonds School District teaching at Alderwood Elementary in 1951 and after taking some time off to raise her family, retired in 1983 from Westgate Elemen-tary after 31 years of teaching. When Gordy was transferred from Meadowdale Junior High to Brier Junior High he was given a Viking statue by the staff, students and parents who didn’t want him to go. The statue was a proud possession in the Smith house for 35 years until, at the dedication of the new build-ing on Nov. 5, 2011, Ruby presented the Viking statue back to Meadow-dale Middle School principal Christine Avery. This piece of history is now proudly displayed in their showcase. Gordy and Rudy Smith are just two of the many educators whose work and dedication made Ed-monds School District a top district in the State of Washington.

Principal Christine Avery, Viking statue, and Ruby Smith

Principal Gordon Smith

Alumni notes from near and far Bevan, Susan (EHS ‘72). Don’t know if you have anything to do with reunions - but my vote is to always have it on the same week-end as the Edmonds Art Festival. It is a wonderfully fun weekend which makes the Reunion an even better “destination” for out of towners. Broenkow, (Banner) Barbara (EHS ’50). Barbara graduated from Bellingham HS after transferring in her senior year to care for her grandmother. Attended ESD from 5th grade thru 11th grade. Hal graduated from Kennewick HS, but lived and taught in ESD for 30 years. Barbara worked for ESC for 30 years. We both feel education is important and support all education activities. Delphenich, (Davis) Mary Jane (EHS ’52). Josh had complete right hip replacement and doing really well but I couldn’t make the reunion in Arizona cause couldn’t drive that far. Hi to everyone! M.J. Foster, Valerie and Marlo. Val retired from ESD in 1990. Marlo retired from Edmonds Police Dept. in 1984. They celebrated their 60th Anniversary. Garner, John (EHS ’49). I play golf each Tuesday with another 49er who I have known since the 5th grade. He is Larry Nordby who lives in Edmonds and is married to another 49er, Joyce. Hoggins, Dale & Donna ( EHS ‘50). We are active members of the Alderwood Manor Heritage Assn. The AMHA is dedicated to preserving the history of Alderwood Manor. Website: www.alderwood.org Jacoby, (Wiener) Julie (EHS ‘60). Two young grandsons and lots of traveling keep me busy and happy. Lewis, Gloria Dale (EHS ‘56). I would like to be notified when/where there is a class reunion. Manchester, Gary (EHS ‘60). What an outstanding issue! Even better than the last. I loved the colored pictures of the scholarship recipients and the story about Mr. Gourley. Simpson-Brown, Darlene, retired staff. I think of you all far more often than I see you and even have a hunk of the old LHS bldg. in my rock collection, a gift from a graduate. What a history we share. If I were closer I would help with the good work you are doing. Love and good wishes. Darlene. Thorne, Don (EHS ‘64) and Gayle (Armistead) (EHS ‘66). Don receives emailed newsletter. I would like to also. Thanks. The website is looking great! Don’s e-mail: coyoteflatz@gmail.com. Thanks for all your hard work too. Gayle & Don. Trunkhill, (Jenkins) Susan (MHS ’67). When I was working I was in law enforcement mostly. Right now I volunteer at a horse rescue in Marysville. Weber, Carl F.W. (EHS ‘55). Last year in old building downtown Edmonds. Semi-retired. I have been an aquarium book dealer for the past 25 years. A director of Gray’s Harbor seaport tall ship Lady Washington. Was a business owner in Seattle and an artist and a marketing director in advertising in the 60’s and 70’s. Williamson, Duane. (EHS ’52) I would like to make a correction to my e-mail address: It is now dwillia8288@live.com. I cannot remove myself from aol. so I still check it occasionally. Last March I remarried. My new bride is the former Charlotte (Peterson EHS ‘52) Brixey. The 13th annual Arizona get together will be at our home: 17655 N Goldwater Dr. Surprise, AZ 85374 on Satur-day March 24, 2012. The home phone will be gone by then. Our cell phone is 623-826-6411. Sincerely, Duane Williamson.

District graduates in memoriam As we age, many classmates from our district high schools have passed on. The newsletter has received these notices from friends and loved ones. As we publish only twice a year, it is impossible to be current. With respect to friends and loved ones, here is a partial list. If you know of information , please let us know. Allen, Jerry (MTHS ‘65) Teacher, coach and administrator in Edmonds School District. Benn, Ted M. Sr. (EHS ‘40) During WWII he flew 35 combat missions as a B-17 navigator. He was a career civil servant with the US Government. Brightman, Julia Redmond retired ESD teacher. Gordon (Pennock), Gladys “Glad” (EHS ‘36) Longtime Edmonds resident. Hawley, Betty L. worked for the ESD Food Service for 42 years. Huber, Kimberly A (LHS ‘87) Remembered for her generosity, sense of humor, and infectious laugh. Jones, (Howell) Lucille Mary She taught English in ESD for over 25 years and loved tailgating at the Huskies. Lichtenstein, Robert (EHS ‘37) Martinez, Michael Anthony (EHS ‘72)He worked in construction 30 years managing and supervising projects. Loved to ski, hike and cook. Peterson, Paul (EHS ‘69) Sheppard, Debbie (WHS ‘75) Smithe, Terry Lee (EHS ‘55) Worked as a truck driver for Van de Camp bakery. He enjoyed riverfront property in Granite Falls. Sorensen, Jane Yost (EHS ‘36) Enjoyed skiing. She chaperoned the Canteen dances at the Masonic Temple in Edmonds. She worked at Ewing Electric, the National Bank of Commerce, the Seattle World’s Fair and the ESD administration. Topham, Gregory Merrit (MHS) True outdoorsman, happiest when fishing and pheasant hunting.

Page 5

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Edmonds School District 15 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

YES! I want to join the ESD#15 Alumni Association! Complete the form below, then mail or fax it to: Edmonds School District #15 Alumni Association

P.O.Box 1334, Lynnwood WA 98046-1334 Phone: 425-431-7084 FAX: 425-431-7006

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Edmonds School District #15 Alumni Association

Board Members 2010-2011

Fred Shull, Executive Director

EHS ‘60 & Retired educator 509-548-5602

Fred.Shull@frontier.com

Linda Fitzgerald, Secretary

Retired educator– fitzdl@aol.com 425-778-9549

Barbara Sivertsen, Treasurer

sivertsb@yahoo.com 425-743-6711

Kory DeMun

Kdemun@live.com

Reunions Data

Vickie McBride

Vickimcb0641@hotmail.com

Financial

Gary McCaig

Computer Consultant gary..mccaig@frontier.com

Sharon (Peterson) McIntosh

MTHS ‘63 tonythetiger@aol.com

Eva Mehaffey

ejmehaffey@frontier.com

Dollars for Scholars

Stacey (Shull) Pedersen

EHS ‘88 spedersen@comcast.net

206-533-6374

Dorothy (Langseth) Stansberry

EHS ‘60 – Retired educator Tyler2222xx@yahoo.com

Barbara (Buerge) Truax

EHS ‘59 - Retired educator

Freda J. Zimmerman

CLU ChFC MTHS ‘66 425-653-9829, 206-915-7490

fjzimmerman@ft.newyorklife.com

Jack Eschrich, editor

EHS ‘58 - Retired educator jackeschrich@comcast.net

Richard H. Harper

EHS ‘65 – Executive Director 1995-97

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Class Reunion Information

If you are planning a reunion, please contact our reunion coordina-tor, Kory DeMun at kdemun@live.com to have it added to the Edmonds School District web site. You can check the website at anytime to see the latest listed news. At this time, we have only one to list. 1962 EHS 50 Sept. 8 Facebook Friends www.edmondshigh62.com

Graduates in the news

EWHS Anna Faris is starring in the movies. MHS ‘88 Mark Harrison competed in the Death Race in Vermont last year. MHS ‘05 Demetri Huffman was named most valuable defensive player in the Brazilian league of American football. EWHS Austin Jones was selected by the New York Yankees in the seventh round.